The tight-knit feel of country towns makes them true community celebrations.

It is good to see the inclusive nature of Ararat, Stawell and other towns standing together to celebrate what makes them so great.

Across the district there have been many people recognised for the contribution to the community.

Navarre and St Arnaud celebrated on Thursday morning with events, while Stawell and Ararat hosted barbecues and ceremonies in the afternoon.

There were many worthy people recognised with awards, including two Australian Fire Service Medals that were well earned by their recipients.

Towns have named citizens of the year, sports people of the year and the best community events for 2016, while Ararat will this year recognised an Ararat Ambassador and Community Spirit Award.

The sense of togetherness is a big part of the Australian spirit and the way Australians look out for each other is evident every day.

The Bourke Street mall incident last week is one recent example where selfless bystanders put themselves at risk to help others in a time of need.

Nobody wants to be in that situation, but without thinking twice, people did what they could to assist until emergency services got to the scene.

There are many other examples of this sort of thing and it is something that should make every Australian proud.

To walk down the street and see people from all backgrounds enjoying the life we take for granted is a sobering thought.

There are areas where improvement is needed, and sometimes the rich life so many Australians enjoy is taken for granted.

So as we unite for the national day of celebration, consider what has gone into creating the strong country towns across the Grampians region.

The people, the cultures and the decisions made in the past have all helped our towns grow to the point they are now at.

It has taken thousands of years to progress to this point.

So continue looking out for each other and continue to uphold the community camaraderie and Australian spirit that is known around the world.