Australia Day is the perfect day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation.

It's also the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.

Our nation may only be 219 years old and our population 20 million, but boy, what a lot we have achieved in those 219 years.

From our sporting legends taking on the worlds best, to the incredible minds of our inventors, our artists and visionaries, even the ordinary Australian, who is anything but ordinary, it is the Australian people who make this nation great.

We have freedom and democracy, a fair go for all with an enduring spirit of mateship and fairness. Ours is a land of opportunity where we can do anything.

Great Lakes Council mayor, John Chadban, encouraged local residents to show their national spirit by celebrating with their community.

"Australia Day is about celebrating our good fortune in living where we do and having a standard of living like we do," Cr Chadban said.

"It is also about acknowledging our past and planning and working for our future.

"Set time aside to appreciate what it means to be Australian."

Local residents took the mayor's advice and a fun-filled day was had by all in Hawks Nest on Australia Day.

Once again the local Lioness Club organised breakfast and a variety of outdoor family activities for Australia Day at the Moira Parade Reserve on the riverbank at Hawks Nest.

The program started with the flag raising and a typical Aussie breakfast of sausage and onion rolls, dampers and lamingtons.

Games and races were organised for the children and face painting and karaoke proved to be a hit with the young and the young at heart.

Local legend Constance McDonald was awarded the Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest Lioness Club's Citizen of the Year Award, in appreciation and recognition of her invaluable service to the community.

The Australia Day celebrations ended with a fly past by the Williamtown Air Force.