POLITICS
Happy Australia Day, Riverstone
with Warren Kirby MP State Member for Riverstone
Australia Day is a chance for us to pause, reflect, and celebrate what it means to live in this remarkable country we call home. Whether you were lucky enough to be born here or you chose Australia as your home after travelling from another part of the world, this day belongs to all of us.
Riverstone is one of the most diverse and welcoming communities in the country. Our streets, schools, sporting fields and workplaces are filled with people from many cultures, faiths and backgrounds, all contributing to the shared story of Australia. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths. It’ s what makes our community vibrant, resilient and full of opportunity.
Australia Day is also about the simple things that bring us together. It might be saying g’ day to a neighbour, catching up with family and friends, firing up the barbecue for a couple of snags, sharing a vegemite sandwich, Tim Tams and a cuppa, or heading to the beach, the harbour or a local park to enjoy the day. However you chose to celebrate, it’ s about connection, community and appreciating the life we share here.
It’ s also a time to acknowledge our history and to recognise the First Nations peoples, whose culture and connection to this land stretches back tens of thousands of years.
Respecting that history is part of building a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone.
I’ m proud to represent a community that looks out for one another and continues to grow while holding onto the values of fairness, hard work and giving everyone a fair go.
I hope you enjoy a safe and happy Australia Day with the people who matter most to you.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 59 // FEBRUARY 2026 17