There were barbecues, cricket matches, pool parties, park catch-ups and thong throwing, all enjoyed alongside the inevitable debate about becoming a republic and whether we should change our flag.

The appropriateness of our national anthem was also thrown into the mix.

Of course, these are all worthy of discussion – as long as they aren’t used to take our eyes off the things that should really matter to all Australians.

For instance, shouldn’t marriage rights for all – regardless of their sexual orientation – come before a referendum on becoming a republic?

And shouldn’t more funding be directed towards increased opportunities and support for the disabled before we spend millions on changing our flag?

There are so many important things for us to address as a society before looking to change things that have served us well for generations, and which could be seen as window dressing in the grand scheme of things.

Will becoming a republic or replacing the flag change lives?

Probably not. 

Will allowing a committed couple who have previously been denied the right to marry finally walk down the aisle change lives?

Absolutely.

Our new Australian of the Year, former army chief David Morrison, has already said he believes the nation should revisit the republic debate, but he’s also indicated it’s less important to him than his campaign for workplace diversity and gender equality.

General Morrison sprung to national attention a few years ago when he recorded a video message in which he told misbehaving troops to get out of the defence force if they couldn’t treat female colleagues as equals. 

He’s also highlighted the gender pay gap will be one of his focuses this year and he’s vowed to continue the work of last year’s Australian of the Year Rosie Batty, praising her tireless efforts to advance the domestic violence debate. 

All issues of vital significance and ones that impact on thousands of Australians every day.

One day our flag may indeed change, but let’s work first on improving the society it will represent.