From Michael Egan, Chairman of the Australia Day Council of New South Wales.

Australia Day 2010, is a day for all Australians to get together and celebrate being Australian together.

And we have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for.

What we’ll be celebrating on Tuesday are the achievements of Australians over more than 200 years.

It’s been a remarkable story of human progress, from a wretched convict settlement to the fundamentally good, decent and happy place that is now modern Australia.

Getting together on Australia Day reminds us that this great venture called Australia is a joint venture.

And that we’re in it together--- all twenty-one million of us.

The fate of our nation, the strength and quality of our nation, depends on every single one of us.

That’s why it’s so good to see more and more Australians getting involved in Australia Day celebrations each year.

And there are lots of great ways to celebrate.

You can create your own Australia Day celebrations with your own family and friends.

Or you can join the millions of Australians, of all ages, shapes, sizes and backgrounds, at any of almost 5000 official Australia Day events being held at 170 different locations throughout our great State.

Join the fun. Have a great Australia Day.