The Hunter River Times

BY DI SNEDDON

No other day reflects the love we all share for our country like Australia Day.

Across the ceremonies in Singleton, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter, story after story was told of community commitment, passion and dedication to increase our resilience and improve all of our lives, reflected in the wise words of Singleton’s Fred Turner.

There is a saying that this 2021 Singleton Citizen refuses to use. 

“People often say ‘it is what it is’ but I disagree, it is what we make it and we can all make a difference to this great place where we live and work so let’s all try to say and believe it is what we make it because it is,” Fred said.

Delivering his speech as the 2021 recipient, Fred acknowledged the opportunities the role had given him over the past 12 months including his inclusion in the Wambo Singleton Hall of Fame, meeting the Resilience Commission of NSW Shane Fitzsimmons and presenting SES volunteers with citations following last year’s devastating bushfires.

He then went on to express appreciation to all the volunteers and workers across all sections of the community, from health, education, emergency services, the elected council and council staff, Lone Pine Barracks, the business chamber, welfare services, service clubs, and the many charities and organisations such as Tidy Towns.

“Those Tidy Towns people are rampant, they love this town and all these people are what I call, Singleton’s heartbeat,” Fred said.

So, on reflection of Fred’s words, we cannot give in and accept our situations and say it is what it is.

No, it is what we make it and looking at the incredible work being done by so many amazing people, the Hunter really is a great place and that is because we are making it great together.