Celebrating the Australian Identity
Australia Day Address at Cooma and Bredbo, New South Wales, Australia
26 January 2006

“You were a wonderful ambassador for our little community – thanks so much! We were so glad “they gave us you”! As I said, I have never heard so much applause throughout an ambassador’s speech before.”
- Caroline Fox, Cooma Visitors Centre

How did you find the Ambassador’s speech on Australia Day?
Cooma-Monaro Express, 31 January 2006

“I thought it was wonderful…he expressed a strong attitude that I thought was good – about Australian society giving respect to the diversity of people’s beliefs, and yet having a strong commitment to peaceful co-existence.” - Wally Mills

“He was absolutely great think it was the best speech I’ve heard for a long time. He is the same as me, what you could call a new Australian, and I thought he said it great. I was absolutely amazed by the man.” – Cor van Leeuwen

“Splendid. I think he successfully expressed the thoughts that so many of us have, and expressed them better than I’ve ever heard…the new Australians have formed a new Australia, we have mixed together to form a better place.” - Roger Norton

“I thought it was very thought provoking. It was interesting that he chose not to be politically correct. I was interested in his concept of multiculturalism separating people rather than emphasising what we have in common.” – Les Sutcliffe