What does Australia Day mean to you? FEATURED MidCoast LGA (overall news) Stroud, Booral, Lime Burners Ck by NOTA - January 21, 2015March 17, 2015 Liz Edmonds, Pindimar Liz Edmonds I always find Australia Day to be a day with family because it’s a day off. This year I will be watching my daughter in the marching band in Nelson Bay. Debbie Matheson, Stroud Deb Matheson It’s a time to celebrate the good things about Australia with family and friends and that’s what we will do with our friends on ‘The Washpool’ with a BBQ and beers. Of course it doesn’t mean I get a holiday like most people, as I am self employed! But I will only work half day. Happy Australia Day! Deano Jones, Bateau Bay Deano Jones Sunshine and the water. Kaili Kitchen, Tea Gardens Kaili Kitchen Hottest 100 in the sun, a slip and slide and a barbeque, that’s the way we do Australia Day. Tania Hackett, Tea Gardens Tania Hackett Every day is Australia day for us. Early morning walks along the waterfront meeting friends for a chin wag, coffee and good laugh. A Smile, be healthy and happy. Happy Australia Day. Bob Ingle, Karuah Bob Ingle Australia Day always reminds me of how free we are to travel 1000,s of Kilometres and we all speak the same language, cross borders without Passports. Happy Australia Day. Margaret Butler and Brendon Myers, Terrigal Margaret Butler and Brendon Myers You can get together on Australia day without over consuming alcohol. It’s a day to enjoy our country and being grateful for what we do have (Margaret). I think about our past and how people need to keep embodying the Australian spirit of working together. I do not like a lot of youth these days thinking it’s just about getting together for a wild party (Brendon). Ann Rutter, Tea Gardens Ann Rutter Slip, slop, slap and a lick of an ice cream! We always put on an awesome themed celebration at the Ice Cream Shack. Meg Richardson, Nelson Bay Meg Richardson ‘Stralia day to me is a day to spend with family and friends remembering how lucky we are to live in such an amazing country. It reminds me of Christmas day without the stress and giving of gifts. Australia days lets us relax and just be together. Effie Finikiotis, Hawks Nest Effie Finikiotis It’s a very important day. We celebrate with a barbeque, beer, wine and lamingtons. Maggie Buchanan, Pindimar Maggie Buchanan In light of the recent Paris siege, I think Australia Day is a good time to reflect that we are all Australians- black, white, Christians, Muslims, heterosexual, gay, rich, poor…and ought to respect, be kind to one another. Tim Grant, Bundabah Timothy Grant Australia Day reminds me of the continent’s harsh and rugged landscape, our colonial roots, famous writers of yesteryear, the Legend of the Anzacs, dancing in the 30s, military mobilisation in the 40s, laughing kookaburras, music and the heritage I share. Our plans? I suspect we’ll hit the beach. Tell us below, What Australia means to you.