ARARAT - Australian football legend, Stan Alves OAM believes it is Australia's citizens that make this country great.
Not just those immortalised in our history books, but the every day Australians who shape who we are, what we are and what we will be.
During his Australia Day address, Mr Alves gave three anecdotes about the people he believes made him the man he is today.
He told those present at Alexandra Gardens about his first football coach, Lou Owens, his late father Neil and his son Matthew, whose life was tragically cut short when he was hit by a train in 1989.
Mr Alves said these were the people who enabled him to play the toughest game of all - The game of Life.
He said although these stories were personal to him, the theme was universal.
It is the people who often go unnoticed by the world at large who have the greatest impact on our lives.
Mr Alves said he believed communities thrived through the actions of good citizenship, which were driven through friendship and collaboration.
He took the opportunity to invite Ararat residents to revitalise their commitment to citizenship.
"Good citizenship fires the friendly hand that helps with things like Meals on Wheels, or joins the CFA, the SES or the Clean Up Australia, fills the sandbags, coaches sports of all types, makes the school lunches, visits the sick, pitches in to help the less fortunate and a multitude of other worthy causes," Mr Alves said.
"It's about volunteering. About time, energy and commitment to helping others and more importantly, having a kind word to say."
Mr Alves said he was proud to be one of 143 ambassadors in Victoria adding their voices to the celebration of Australia.
"Ours is a wonderful country and from time to time, it will throw up major challenges that will come to severely test us," he said.
Mr Alves said all Australians, especially those living in this region, knew about drought, bushfires, floods and other catastrophes that have devastating effects on individuals, families, property, businesses and communities at large.
"However, as dark as it may seem at that point of time and soul destroying, it can also be a time when the best comes out in someone, when we get a chance to step up and do so to help those less fortunate," he said.
"In doing so it renews our hope and enthusiasm for the future. For as hard as it can be at time such as this, we must never forget - We have much to celebrate and be proud of in terms of this nation's achievements.
"For Australia Day is about celebrating our heritage, but it's also about a nation in my opinion that believes its best is ahead of it. Australia Day. Our day - A day to celebrate and to reflect and count our blessings, but also to determine what we're going to do with what we hand on."
Ararat Rural City Mayor, Cr Colin McKenzie asked those present to stop and consider why it is so special to be Australian.
He touched on Australia's incredible natural beauty and its unique culture, formed by an amazing diversity of people who have made Australia their home, from indigenous people to others from all over the world.
"We are a peaceful country, not prone to the wars and the unrest that make life so difficult elsewhere. Which is why I believe we are the lucky country," Cr McKenzie said.
"We work hard, believe in a fair go for everyone and are always there to lend a hand when someone is in need. What I truly believe makes being an Australian so special is how we all continue to work together to make Australia a great place to live.
Cr McKenzie said Ararat was lucky to have such an industrious community.
"You only have to look around today to see the many volunteers working hard to make this a great day for us all," he said.
"This community is made up of passionate people, people who are passionate about many things - Their sport, the environment, health, education and recreation. There is a great pride in the whole municipally. Yes, we are incredibly lucky to be able to say 'we are Australians'. Enjoy today and celebrate being part of a wonderful community in a fantastic country."
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