The district’s official Australia Day Ambassador, Markus Zusak was touched and moved by the welcome extended to him by many of the region’s young people.

“Glen Innes should be proud of the generation coming up and I am sure the future of this wonderful district is in good hands,” Mr Zusak said.

The Australia Day award winners were announced with the highlight being the awarding of the local citizen of the year award.

The winner was Richard Hartman who was recognised by the community for his extensive and genuine commitment to public life.

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Khai Quinn with the Emergency Service Volunteer Award going to Ken Barker.

And the award for the Volunteer Organisation was given to the Glen Innes Arts Council.

Emmaville’s sheep racing event wrapped up this year’s ceremony by being recognised as the Outstanding Community event of the year.

The ceremony also included Australian citizenship ceremonies which began at Glen Elgin earlier in the day.

The flag raising ceremony was an all inclusive affair, with all of the nation’s people being recognised.

The local state MP, Adam Marshall said, in message to the district, the meaning of Australia Day has evolved into a celebration of what it means to be Australian

“Australians of all stripes, whether descended from the original people or later arrivals, or those who chose this country as home, come to celebrate on this day,” Mr Marshall said.

This year was also a time to recognise the sacrifice made by hundreds of thousands of Australians during times of conflict as the 100 year ANZAC day commemoration approaches.

The local Australia Day committee chair, Jan Lemon has commended the Glen Innes community for getting out and making the 2015 day a memorable one.

“We welcomed 8 new Australians and we had more people in come along this year but we were really impressed the family participation,” Mrs Lemon said.