These were just some of the Australian values celebrated yesterday at Wingham’s Australia Day breakfast at Central Park.

The morning ceremony was guided by Eric Richardson and commenced with a flag raising ceremony performed by the Wingham Scouts.

Greater Taree City Council deputy mayor David West welcomed the crowd, describing Australia Day as a day that means so much to us all.

“We may come from different backgrounds, but we all have one thing in common - we are lucky to be living in a land of plenty,” Cr West said.

He referred to the Australian ideals of volunteerism, mateship, and giving everyone a fair go.

“Wingham is especially blessed - it is well-known for its heritage buildings, friendly people and is surrounded by mountains and the mighty Manning River.”

Reverend Paul Avery of Wingham Baptist Church gave the prayer for Australia in which he gave thanks to a land offering such freedoms and to those that fought for those freedoms.

Wingham High School captains Tenika Vakauta and Dean Whitlam spoke about what Australia Day meant to them.

Tenika referred to mateship, honesty and being fair dinkum, the importance of celebrating our heritage and multiculturalism and being grateful for the beautiful country in which we live.

Dean spoke of patriotism, larrikinism and the simple pleasure of enjoying a barbecue in true Aussie style.

He spoke of the pride in welcoming new citizens to our country, recognising the achievements of our citizens and the pride we can all feel when we say ‘I am Australian.’

Tenika then led the crowd in a rousing rendition of the National Anthem to end the formal part of the morning.

The crowd had the opportunity to meet friends and share a laugh while enjoying a sausage sandwich, damper and cuppa with their fellow Australians.