A crowd of about 50 gathered to reflect and celebrate Australia at McEwen Place in Stanhope on Australia Day.
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The proceedings began with a Welcome to Country, announced by MC and community member Donald Campbell, followed by a melodic rendition of the Australian national anthem performed by Mica Rosenburg.
Serenade: Mica Rosenburg and Donald Campbell sing the national anthem.
The ceremony was attended by Campaspe Shire Mayor Chrissy Weller, Cr Rob Amos and Cr Adrian Weston.
The day saw young Wurrundjeri, Woi Wurrung and Pangerang woman and local artist Kahlea Spiby give a speech on the history of the day, and what it means to her as an Aboriginal woman and other First Nations people.
Ceremony: Kahlea Spiby gives a speech on what the day means to First Nations people.
Kahlea said for her it was a day to talk, catch up and share stories of the land, but she also encouraged people to educate themselves about First Nations people, land and culture.
Kyabram District Health Service chief executive Anne McEvoy also fronted the crowd to give an Australia Day address.
Artists: Local children’s works entered in the colouring competition.
Mrs McEvoy touched on her personal commitment to the community, saying Stanhope's KDHS community health outreach site was one of her proudest achievements in her role.
Many youngsters also made their artistic debuts collecting their winning certificates for the colouring competition, presented by Cate Fraser from Rushworth and District Financial Services Limited.
The day was completed with a barbecue, fired up by the Stanhope and District Men’s Shed.
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