DARREN Coggan, singer and actor, has been an Australia Day ambassador each year since 2003 when he performed the role in his hometown Wagga Wagga.

"It was a wonderful honour to be asked and I have since continued the role in Glen Innes, Ulludulla, Guyra, and now this year Inverell," Darren said this week.

"I am very proud to be an Australian. Australia is my shelter, my comfort, my hope and my home. To me, being proud of who we are as a nation is what Australia day is all about. Celebrating our Freedom, our individuality, our achievements and our national spirit.

"For me, growing up in Australia has allowed me the opportunity and the freedom to achieve whatever I wanted to. I have been fortunate enough to travel the length and the breadth of this beautiful country many times now, and it continues to amaze me.

"This country is blessed with so many beautiful qualities, the greatest of which is its people. Being Australian means that we have something unique to offer the rest of the world.

"January 26 is a day when we should reflect on our past, the triumphs and the tragedies and a day when we should consider our future, the kind of future we all want as a community.

"January 26 is also my Mother's birthday, so on a personal level, for this reason it is a very special day for our family as well."

Darren has a strong affinity with the local region.

His grandfather Arthur lives in Inverell, and his father John grew up in Ashford and attended Inverell High School.

"I have had many visits to Inverell and Glen Innes over the years. The last time I was in Inverell was April last year and I'm really looking forward to coming back on Australia Day," Darren said.

He will be at ceremonies in Inverell, Ashford and Delungra on Australia Day.

© 2009 Inverell Times

<< Back