General News
30 January, 2026
Community, connection central to Australia Day
Good morning and welcome to another warm Australia Day.
We can be thankful it's not tomorrow.
As we gather, we take a moment to reflect on the many stories that shaped our community and who we are, stories of resilience through droughts and flood, stories of innovation, community and shared purpose.
We respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay our respects to elders past and present.
We recognise their enduring connections, that Aboriginal and Torres Strait people have to the country, culture and community, and we honour their contributions to the life of our nation.
Australia Day offers an opportunity to celebrate our achievements and aspirations, while also recognising the complexities of our history, the diverse experiences of all Australians.
When the CWA asked me to speak, I began to think, ‘What could I say?’
I've been regularly asked, 'Why did I decide to come back to Dimboola to live after being away and having a professional life in Melbourne and overseas.?'
When I've been asked that question, I reflected and said, 'it's because of the community.'
There's a real sense of community in Dimboola, and it's been something that I've reflected on my entire life, and my purpose and my professional career.
But it's also because of the lovely Wimmera River and the reflections of the gum trees.
Now I thought I (had) become a city boy, but for over 15 years, on my iPad, on my computer home screen, I had a photograph of the Wimmera River and reflections of the gums that always made me happy … it helped with my wellbeing.
So what can I talk about today?
I thought about growing up and I thought about my professional life.
Two, things stood out to me when I thought about Australia Day: community and fraternity – isn't fraternity a lovely, old fashioned word?
It simply means a brotherhood, a sense of friendship, solidarity, shared values and mutual support amongst a group of people.
My story, for those that don't know me, I was born and educated in Dimboola, I developed a sense of community early, and I learned that being active in the community leads to a more fulfilling life, whether that's through sporting clubs, activities or professional networks.
I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that as we age, we often find ourselves reflecting – we reflect about our family, our careers, our experiences, our networks, and how we can – or still do – contribute to our community in many different ways.
My professional life really began here and a lot earlier than expected.
In 1979 when I was in Year 11, the Dimboola Lions Club sponsored me to attend a Youth Forum in Melbourne at the time, being hosted by Brian Dixon, famous football player and Minister for Sports Employment and Training, (and) also responsible for the Life Be In It campaign.
That experience led me to roles joining the Youth Committee of the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria Youth Affairs Council of Australia, and actively being working with Melbourne City Council on their 150th celebrations.
That was many years ago.
My career since commencing work focused on policy and professional and ethical standards, I quickly learned the hard way that sensible public policy can be impacted by politics – I'll avoid sharing my views on political advisors, except to say that sometimes politicians may be badly advised.
Working in the accounting, nursing and legal profession, I've learned that the vast majority of professionals are dedicated to maintaining the public interest, acting ethically, responsibly, fairly and upholding trust, and that professionals are good at calling out inappropriate behaviour of other professions.
Fraternity within professions matters.
It builds trust shared purpose and provides mutual support.
It strengthens professional standards, encourages adoption of good practice and helps individuals learn from one another and uphold the integrity of their work.
Most importantly, fraternity supports wellbeing and wellbeing is important for individuals and the community.
Who would have thought that a sponsorship to go to a forum Melbourne from a local club (would) set the foundations for a career that allowed me to work in Canberra, London, New York, present in more than 35 countries around the world and collaborate on international ethical standards?
Australia is built on compassionate communities, keeping people supporting one another through the tough times.
And it takes many forms, it looks at responding to fires, droughts, floods, crises, or simply supporting our neighbours.
Our strength lies in our willingness to show up for each other.
Australia Day invites reflection.
It encourages us to appreciate the freedoms, opportunities and values that unite us.
It also calls on us to listen, to learn – we can always continue to learn, no matter how old we are, and work together to develop a future grounded in understanding, respect and meaningful reconciliation.
May today remind us that our shared responsibilities are to contribute to a fair and inclusive and a cohesive Australia for all of us.
Thank you very much.
- Peter Docherty
- speech was edited for space constraints