ON Monday, we celebrate Australia Day, a moment for Australians to come together and reflect on where we have come from, who we are today and what we aspire to be as a nation.
Australia Day is an opportunity to reflect on our history, and to understand that acknowledging our past helps us to build a better future together.
We acknowledge First Nations Australians, whose cultures, knowledge and care for the land span more than 65,000 years. At the same time, we also recognise the many Australians from around the world – including from Fiji – who have made Australia their home.
Australia is enriched by its diversity. Australia Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate our vibrant and multicultural society where different stories, beliefs and perspectives are respected and valued.
For me, Australia Day is also a time to reflect on the deep and enduring partnership between Australia and Fiji. Our relationship is built on respect, shared values and cooperation; a partnership we proudly describe as Vuvale. I am looking forward to celebrating our Vuvale partnership with many of you at the Australia Day activities taking place over the coming week, including today’s Vuvale Bootcamp!
As we mark Australia Day, we also celebrate what Australia and Fiji continue to achieve together. We stand together because we share an ocean, and we share a future.
Through our Vuvale Partnership, we are working side by side to build a region defined by peace, unity and prosperity.
