This observation was made by Greater Hume’s Shire Australia Day ambassador Prashanth Shanmugan who expounded his ideas on what it is to be an Australian.

Mr Shanmugan was born in Sri Lanka. His story like many other migrants is about escaping the ravages of war, seeking a better life and having access to opportunity.

He pointed out - it’s not the colour of your skin, the religion, the church you go to or how many generations you have lived in Australia that gives you the greater right.

“It’s your commitment to Australia and its future,” he said.

He believes being Australian is not about race but an attitude.

“It’s about having and believing in a set of shared values. It is a civic rather than ethnic conception of nationhood.”

Mr Shanmugan, PJ to friends, believes “Australians take their freedom for granted because our national identity was won with the ballot and not with the bullet; in peace and not in war. But we would miss our democratic and human rights if they were taken away.”

Greater Hume Shire Mayor Denise Osborne was on a similar wavelength when she said we must not take our Australian citizenship rights for granted.

“Treat your country as if you had to work to become a citizen always remembering your luck at being born or brought here,” she said.

St Paul’s College school captains Madeline Tuck and Jye Thurgate addressed the crowd to much applause.

Madeline drew attention to Australia’s free and peaceful society.

“What other country in the world can you freely walk the streets without fear, wear the clothes you like and have the freedom to say what you like. While agreeing that Australians take their freedom and opportunities for granted, “days like today are a token of our freedom and provide a chance for us to rejoice about how incredibly blessed we are,” she said.

“Australia Day is a good time to reflect on the Australia’s extraordinary achievements and recognise how truly unique and special we are no matter where we come from,” Jye said.