Our island nation enjoys a climate, a lifestyle, a freedom, which would be the envy of much of the world.

We have been called the Lucky Country, the Land of the Long Weekend, but one of the oldest names for Australia was bestowed on her by the Portuguese navigator, Pedro Fernandez de Quiros.

In 1606, he surveyed the large land mass before him and named it, “Australia del Espiritu Santo”, the South Land of the Holy Spirit.

The first church service on Australian soil took place on Sunday February 3rd, one week after landing.

The new chaplain preached on the verse, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits towards me?”

Here in Tamworth, we begin the Australia Day celebrations with a service at 7.30am in the Community Centre, Darling Street.

It is sponsored by the Tamworth Regional Council, organised by the Australia Day Committee and conducted by the Ministers Fraternal.

It’s an opportunity to stop and reflect on what we have and what makes Australia so good. In keeping with the season, it will be a true Country Gospel Worship Service, harnessing the generosity and talents of our visiting artists.

We are fortunate to have long time Country Music artist Dan Vogler who will give the address. Dan has travelled the length and breadth of Australia as a musician and evangelist for 32 years. 

He has produced eight gospel CDs and has been dubbed “the man with the silver voice”.

He has a heart for people on the land, those unique and hardy souls who have learned the art of survival in what are often tough circumstances.

They live anywhere and everywhere from the outback to Australia’s largest cities.

They are fiercely independent and have a no-fuss approach to life. 

But it is tough and Dan and his wife, Carolyn travel the back roads to encourage them. He is well placed to reflect on where Australia has been and where it is going.

Congregational singing will be led by Gavin Chatelier, a familiar figure to those who have enjoyed his music outside Adairs.

There will even be a guest spot from Steve Grace and prayers from local Tamworthians.

Following the service, all are invited to a bush breakfast served by Calala Rotary and supplied by Tamworth Regional Council.

The day then moves into the 10am Citizenship Ceremony and the announcement of the Australia Day Awards. Evening brings a 7pm concert and fireworks at Toyota Park.