By BRAD PERRY and JANE WILSON
THE Australian flag was flying proudly throughout the Riverland and Mallee on Tuesday as the community celebrated our national day. Celebrations were held at Renmark, Lameroo and Morgan and at various points between, with each of our communities embracing Australia Day with ardent fervour. Breakfasts at Renmark, Berri, Loxton, Pinnaroo and Lameroo were well attended. While Waikerie held its annual major celebration on Monday night, living up to its reputation as the biggest Australia Day event in country South Australia. Citizens of the year were presented at all breakfasts, while naturalisation ceremonies were held at Berri and Renmark. For many, Australia Day marked an opportunity to reflect upon their shared history in a nation still regarded by many as ‘The Lucky Country’. For others, it was a chance to continue establishing their roots here. Enjoying the Loxton breakfast were Moorook residents Richard and Ping-Ping Mitchell and their six young children. The Mitchell family moved from Brisbane about 14 months ago. Australia Day has special significance for the Mitchell family, as Phillipines born Ping-Ping knows firsthand how lucky she is to live in Australia. “I used to work 12 hours a day, seven days a week for only two dollars a day,” Ping-Ping said. “Life in Australia is very easy, clean and smooth. “Here everyone is equal. “Everyone is friendly and there are too many things to do here.” Ping-Ping became an Australian citizen four years ago and the Mitchells marked her commitment to her new home by naming their youngest child Matilda. Four of the Mitchell children are members of the Loxton Scout group and took part in the flag raising ceremony as their proud parents looked on. “This is a lucky country,” Ping-Ping said. “Yeah, six times over,” chimed in Richard with a laugh. Meanwhile at Pinnaroo, Italian born Silvio Boriani was given a taste of life Down Under after celebrating Australia Day at the Pinnaroo breakfast. After being in the country for less than two weeks, Silvio was quickly settling into the Aussie way of life after moving to Pinnaroo with his Mallee wife Amanda. “It’s a really great time of celebration,” he said. “Everyone is really friendly.” Silvio said it has taken a few days to adjust to the warm temperatures in Australia. “Everything is great, especially with the temperature, it’s winter time in Italy,” he said. After moving from Pinnaroo to Italy for a year and a half, Silvio’s wife Amanda said it was great to return and celebrate Australia Day. “You appreciate life in Australia when you are back here,” she said.
