This great country we call our own really comes to life on January 26 with countless festivities, awards and recognition that makes the Australian in all of us shine just a little. 

Come Monday, a river of Australian pride will flow through the Gunnedah community - not just down the Namoi River for the popular raft and craft race, but at the myriad of other activities that will see Gunnedah awash with red, white and blue, or green and gold.

It will also be a time to honour those who contribute strongly to our community at the Australia Day dinner to be held on Sunday night. 

The nominees are some of Gunnedah’s finest citizens from athletes, to charity workers, fund-raisers and those who dedicate countless hours to helping others. 

A pet parade, river duck race, citizenship ceremony and lots of sporting events make the Gunnedah shire a fantastic place to celebrate our national day.

It’s also a time to take part in family-friendly events and traditions and appreciate the fantastic lifestyle we are so privileged to enjoy down under. 

So dress up in your best red, white and blue or green and gold Aussie garb (usually thongs, a singlet or swimmers are the norm), wrap yourself in the Australian flag, take part in the scheduled activities, enjoy a sausage sizzle or head to a local park or pool. 

You could even host your own Aussie feast complete with meat pies, sausage rolls, lamingtons, vegemite sandwiches and pavlova. 

Either way, try and get into the Aussie spirit. You’ll have a fantastic day.