Our regions’ towns will call us out for a snag, the chance to walk the family dog in a town parade, play a few games, settle in with open mouths for the burst of Tingha’s anticipated fireworks, and a chance to cheer on our most generous of heart and mind in the annual Australia Day awards.

A century and a bit ago, there was another Australia Day, and one for quite a different purpose.

The date, January 26, reaches far back to the early 19th century, but in 1915, things changed and the date became July 30.

The nation rallied after the Gallipoli campaign for support of the war and wounded soldiers and chose that date to push the cause.

Inverell and all the surrounding towns and hamlets came to the call, and like today, when citizens altruistically work to better their communities, the residents of Inverell, Graman, Little Plain, Copeton, all across the district put their shoulders to the wheel to raise funds.

When it comes to a time of need, Inverell is known for its generosity of spirit and deep pockets.

We single out our everyday heroes from the crowd on Australia Day and bring their achievements to public attention.

Perhaps it is down to our island status, as towns in the country are like floating halos of population linked by bridges of concrete, we understand that in our community, to stay viable and healthy, we must look after each other.

Saying that, we need more. 

How many of us in a club, group or committee can say we do as much as those two or three dedicated souls who always turn up, always attend the meeting?

They’re the ones who are always, without fail, on the other end of the phone line to listen when we’re in distress or need help.

On the 26th, we will applaud the winners of this year’s awards, but let’s do more.

Let us all try to be a worthy one; to shine in our circles as the one who offers to help, the one who offers to lift another up; to keep the team afloat; to sit by the bedside stranger when nobody else is there.

And enjoy the snags.