Under blue skies, record numbers of residents and visitors packed in to Merimbula’s Rotary Park to watch as local Girl Guides, Scouts and Venturers ran the Australian flag up a gum tree in a much-loved tradition to celebrate Australia Day, yesterday.

Over 650 breakfasts were served by Merimbula’s busy Rotarians, a record according to Rotary president, Brad Barker, who said in previous years it had been closer to 350.

But it was the young speakers from both Lumen Christi Catholic College and Eden Marine High School, who reminded everyone that while this was a great celebration for white Australia, it represented a day of national mourning for many Aboriginal people. Australia Day marks the arrival of the First Fleet of eleven convict ships from Great Britain and with that came great injustices against Aborigines.

Ruby Furnell and Courtney Young of Eden Marine High School said that Australia Day is regarded as Invasion Day or Survival Day by many Aboriginal people and spoke about the courage they continue to show.

Sarah Zuiderduin of Lumen Christi Catholic College said: “This is a day to celebrate the multi-cultural society we are today. Reconciliation needs continuing action and should be on the agenda every day of the year.”

The comments were in tune with much of John Liston’s ecumenical address as he spoke of the need to say “sorry” and “I love you”.

The morning was also full of recognition for those who gave their time and energy freely and a celebration for four people who became Australian citizens.

Simon Loschiavo was awarded the Order of Australia and was also honoured by Paralympian and president of Disabled Wintersports Australia, Ron Finneran, for “his outstanding contribution to disabled wintersports over 20 years”.

Brenda Edbrooke was given Merimbula Rotary Club’s Ambassador for Australia Day 2010 award for her continuing work with the local community.

Caris Roarty and Margaret Hetherington were given Australia Day Community Service awards for 27 years of volunteer work with the Imlay House Op Shop in Pambula which has raised $850,000.