Dimity Bartlett, Maitlan Brown and Mikayla Peckett spoke eloquently about what Australia means to them.

Here we share the transcripts of the speeches given by the students:

Dimity Bartlett, Wingham Public School captain:

Today, Australia Day, we come together to celebrate our nation and our journey and our discovery since the first fleet arrived in 1788. We recognise the importance of this day as the first meeting of the two cultures that today form the united Australian nation that I am proud to be a part of. Before the arrival of the first fleet a strong and proud group of indigenous population occupied this land. The Biripi nation was one of these groups and I would like to acknowledge them as the traditional owners of this beautiful Manning Valley.

Traditionally today is also a day when our Nation's newest citizens, immigrants who have come from all over the world swear their allegiances to their new home Australia "the lucky country!"

Australia is now home to a diverse population that has brought a variety of cultures including food, art, music and sport to our shores.

All of these have helped make our nation a rich interesting society. As we are made aware of the fighting and unrest occurring all around the world, it is easy for us to take for granted this safe and peaceful home we have here. We live in a world of great opportunities as I grow older my future as an Australian citizen looks very bright.

I will have the chance to attend a great public education system; I have the chance to study subjects that will lead me to a better future; I have the choice to play and listen to my choice of music; I can pick up a paintbrush and paint a picture or pick up a microscope to study bugs.

For many other young people in other countries these educational opportunities are not available. Living in Australia means that I will get to live how I want to live, marry who I want to marry, study what I want to study and believe in what religion I want to believe in.

For example if I wanted to wear thongs to the beach or fancy dresses down the street, I can, as it is my choice in this fantastic country.

Now in saying I can wear what I want, I still try to make sure that I wear appropriate clothes as I take pride in what I do and how I look.

I may decide that after school I wish to travel and as an Australian I am able to travel to foreign countries.

Our passport is the key to exploring different places.

This document with the coat of arms on it generates respect from right around the world.

I am proud to be an Australian citizen and know that when I leave this wonderful country to explore the world I will be known as an Australian citizen and be treated with respect as our country is known for our kindness and we spread our kindness throughout the world.

We have many job opportunities in our country which means that parents can afford to raise their families so they can have a bright future. This means that children of our next generation can have a successful life and have a family of their own.

As we all know you have to work for what you want your future to turn out like, it helps to have a good childhood and good education to have a bright future.

Australia is accepting more and more people from other countries.

We have peace and freedom of choice in our country and as a proud Australian I hope that when I am older, this will be the case.

In the future there is going to be a larger percentage of different cultures welcomed to our country, bringing greater diversity.

Our population will grow which will benefit our economy and society in general.

It will contribute further to our rich, diverse culture and create even more opportunities for all.

Being an Australian make me feel very lucky and proud as we have many benefits that other countries do not have or even experience.

This beautiful land that we call Australia and our home brings freedom of choice and peace to all living here.

Thank you.

Maitlan Brown, Wingham High School captain:

What Australia means to me

Good morning, firstly I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for letting me speak on such a significant day.

Every Australian celebrates their Australia Day differently. Whether that be having the family around for a barbecue, going to the beach and dancing around to try and avoid burnt feet from the hot sand, water slides in the back yard or even an extremely over competitive game of back yard cricket.

Being an Australian means so much to me. Even at such a young age I have so many available opportunities, from education to employment, to sport and to life in general.

A few months ago, on December 15 and 16, as most of you already know, a terrible siege occurred in Sydney’s Martin Place.

This horrific event occurred saw the Australian community come together and remain strong throughout the situation.

This was to show not only through the actions of the community but also through social media messages.

During and immediately following the incident, concern grew amongst the community about an increased potential for violence or intimidation directed at the Australian Islamic community. Local social media users started using the hash tag #illridewithyou to give practical physical and emotional support to Muslims travelling alone on public transport. People tweeted their bus/train route, suggesting they would be willing to ‘ride with’ anyone who might feel threatened.

In the first few days of the incident occurring, thousands of people visited the site (in Martin Place) to pay tribute to the victims.

Bouquets along with letters and messages were laid at the site.

The way the Australian community conducted itself and supported one another is just as example of how strong our country is.

Australia is a resilient country and I’m proud of it.

Mikayla Peckett, Wingham High School vice captain:

Australia Day is a day that has been celebrated for the arrival of our first fleet and freedom that followed.

This marks the start of a new civilisation and a celebration of becoming an Australian.

Australia Day is celebrated with family, having a picnic, mucking around, wearing our flag and being passionate about the traditional Australian.

On this day our nation comes together as one. And today is a day to be happy and grateful to give a helping hand to be a true blue.

I have written a rhyme:

Today is full with family and fun and forgetting about the stinging sun.

And listening to the cheerful chirps of the crashing beach blasting burps.

As the soft sand is starting a storm, our Australia Day continues on.

We cover ourselves in blue and red to symbolise our heated heads.

We say g’day to whoever we meet, and maybe even save ‘em a seat.

We’re the true blues of Australia

And today we’re celebrating coming together.

And as our Australia Day comes to a close, we’re still left with our coloured clothes.