That is the message Edward River Council Australia Day Ambassador Brenda Norman impressed on the crowd who gathered to celebrate in Deniliquin on Sunday morning.
Miss Norman has become a local inspiration since founding the local youth mental health charity Channel4Change in conjunction with the Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group in 2017. It was the precursor to her attempt to swim the English Channel, which she completed in 2018.
More open water swims — which will include the 20 Bridges swim to circumnavigate Manhattan Island in the USA this June — have followed to support the cause, which Miss Norman proudly highlighted has already raised more than $70,000 for local youth mental health initiatives and training.
‘‘I am just an every day citizen who saw an opportunity to make a small contribution to our community,’’ Miss Norman said.
‘‘The objective of Channel4Change is to raise awareness of youth mental health in rural areas. My swims have simply been an avenue to draw attention to this important issue.
‘‘One in five Australians suffer from mental illness. It is the single biggest health issue for those under the age of 25.
‘‘We know that people in rural areas have limited access to resources and, as a result, many suffer in silence.
‘‘The greatest tragedy is when we learn of the immensity of an individual’s struggle when it is all too late.
‘‘It is hoped with the ongoing backing of the community, we can continue to support and address youth mental health needs within the region.’’
Local Aboriginal elder Stephen Charles also used his Australia Day address to inspire the community to work together in 2020 and beyond.
He was invited to deliver the Welcome to Country, and said the community effort in the face of the bushfire crisis is an example of how Australians can unite to create a better future.
‘‘My fellow Australians, let’s remove the smoke screen and when the skies clear of the smoke, let’s use our 20:20 vision and apply the values we show in these times of need to the broader issues our nation faces,’’ Mr Charles said.
‘‘Like to land and water management; through this drought and after these fires, but more importantly for our future generations.
‘‘Poverty; because who is looking after the less fortunate every day when there is no natural disaster.
‘‘Through diversity, multiculturalism and to our first nations people; how do we live and grow together?’’
Sunday’s ceremony was held in the Deniliquin Waring Gardens, starting with a free community breakfast cooked by Deniliquin Rotary.
Deniliquin’s Sing Australia Choir and the Edward River Concert Band provided entertainment throughout breakfast, and took part in the subsequent official ceremony.