NEWS I AUSTRALIA DAY
Jude welcomes new citizens on Australia Day
Lane Cove’s Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony was hosted by the Mayor, Clr Deborah Hutchens. AFL legend and Lane Cove local Jude Bolton was the official Australia Day Ambassador and spoke about what it means to be an Australian.
Hundreds of locals attended the Citizenship Ceremony in Lane Cove Plaza on Australia Day, helping welcome 95 people who were conferred as new citizens. Jude Bolton was invited by Council as its official Australia Day Ambassador. Jude lives in Lane Cove with his wife Lynette and two young daughters. He represented the Sydney Swans for 15 years and now works in commentary with Channel 7 and Triple M. Jude spoke about what makes Australia, and in particular Lane Cove, such a special place to live. The following is an excerpt from his speech. Lane Cove is where I spend so much time with my close knit family and I see here, in this community, so many of the things that I love about Australia. I see young families and older members of the area, coming together, shopping and eating in the wonderful cafes and restaurants in this amazing social hub. I see our little ones playing in the Plaza, tearing around the grass, chasing the birds. They think nothing of striking up a conversation or just joining in with others. Whether that be a game of chasey, doing cartwheels or kicking a ball around with other children of any age, of any background, of any religion. It is inclusive, it is non-judgemental, and it’s instantaneous. It's community. And it represents to me exactly what Australia Day should be about. It is this inclusiveness and the 16 I THE VILLAGE OBSERVER I NO. 259 I FEBRUARY 2017
acceptance of our way of life and finding common ground with people from diverse backgrounds, that makes Australia – and this suburb in particular – so special. That’s what I love so much about Lane Cove. For everyone here, particularly our newest Australian citizens, I would love to give you a snapshot of my background - the Australia I grew up in. My folks were both working class people – primary school teachers in country Victoria in a little place called Ballarat. My parents are very down to earth and I was taught from a young age about values and behaviours and about the important of having respect for others. My Dad took up a Principal role when we moved to Melbourne when I was 12. He taught for a number of years at Brunswick Nth Primary School. As a ‘Language Other Than English’ school,
it welcomed students from all over the world. Visiting my Dad on days off or after school gave me an insight into how diverse and wonderful this country is. I had never before had the privilege of seeing so many incredible people from so many different cultures together. And it showed me just how important it is to value and appreciate everyone for who they are and not judge them on where they are from. Fast forward a few years to my time with the Swans - my second family. I was lucky enough to count incredible Australians like Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin as my brothers. My time at the footy club taught me so many things about what it means to be an Australian. I learnt to enjoy this crazy ride called life and all it has to offer, to embrace those inevitable ups and downs, to accept the support of my friends and family and to tackle any challenge head on. But perhaps the two key messages that I took from my time in the AFL that are most poignant on Australia Day are these: • Firstly, to think about others – first and foremost.
• A nd secondly, that we are all just passing through – and that we should aim to leave it a better place than when we arrived. There have been a number of things recently that have bubbled away on a global scale that highlights conflict and divisiveness between people. But we must look to our own country, to our communities on this Australia Day, to the places where we bring our kids up, and to the ideals that we live by – to put others first and to always be driving better standards for those around us and for those that may be not as well off. There should always be a focus around acceptance. Not divisiveness. It should be centred around love – around care and respect – of those around you. On this Australia Day we welcome all of you – our newest Australians. Please enrich us with your background. Aim to leave this country a better place than when you arrived. I certainly will be doing everything in my power to do just that and to be the best role model for my two young girls – each and every day.
