The Sapphire Coast Concert Band played Advance Australia Fair and the Scouts raised the Australian flag up a gum tree.

John and Lachlan Fraser of Spectrum theatre recited some humorous Aussie bush poetry.

CEO of Club Sapphire Damien Foley delivered a message of care.

He congratulated the “stars of the  Bega Valley”, the citizens of the year, Junee and Dane Waites, senior citizen of the year Ronn Finneran and young citizen of the year Sean Fitzpatrick.

Mr Foley touched light on how ‘ability or disability does not limit our capabilities.’

He referred to Paralympian Kurt Furnley and Dane Waites as a symbol people should look to for inspiration.

“Dane and Kurt are shining examples of using the opportunity their country gave them, despite enormous challenges, to do great things,” he said.

“They are symbols of the values and determination that Aussies are so well known for.”

Mr Foley referenced the clubs of the area and how proud they are to support individuals like Mr Waites as well as organisations like Pearls Place and the Mens Shed.

“The four local clubs provide a total of $200,000 to 100 local charities, community groups, sporting clubs and other not-for-profit organisations,” Mr Foley said.

Mr Foley expressed the importance of Australian mate-ship and how clubs bring socially isolated people together.

“One of the most important roles clubs perform is providing the local community with a comfortable and safe place for individuals and community groups to meet and socialise,

“This is even more important for older members of our community who may also be alone or lonely,” he said.

“Take five minutes out of your day to check on a neighbour that lives alone, just to ask if they are ok – if you have more time, stay for a chat.”

“A little bit of kindness can make a big difference to a lonely persons day,” Mr Foley said.

“Australians are well known for mate-ship, lets extend that mate-ship to those who might be alone and keep an eye our for those who might just need someone to talk to.”

 Deputy mayor Liz Seckold took to the stage and and talked about her background as well as mentioning a quote with reference to the Australia Day date from Professor Mick Dodson who was an Australian of the year, activist, academic, barrister and indigenous person.

“He [Mick Dodson] says, ‘too many Indigenous Australians reflect the day in which our world came crashing down, I am sensitive to that, I understand that, but I think Australia Day is mature enough now to have a conversation about that and lets get on with it like we usually do,’ and I think that is a very pertinent comment,” Ms Seckold said.

Rotary presented an outstanding achievement award to Christine Welsh who established Oz Harvest Sapphire Coast food rescue to charities and not-for-profit groups, saving enough food for 125,000 meals.

Bill Dejong of Rotary Merimbula accepted an achievement award on behalf of Dane Waites who was unable to attend as he was in Bega receiving the Bega Valley Shire Citizens of the Year award.

The youth address was by Eilish Ritchie from Lumen Christi Catholic College who had some powerful points from a young persons perspective.

President of Merimbula Rotary Brad Barker closed the proceedings with some humour then thanked the speakers and concert band. 

Lamingtons were passed around to top off a pleasant morning of Australia Day celebrations.