1997 Rockdale Citizen of The Year

Two days ago in my Australia Day post I mentioned the local Citizens of The Year. It took me a while to find the photos, but here is my mum, Alison, when she received the honour as Rockdale Citizen of the Year on 26 Jan 1997. I'm so proud of you, Mum.

Below: Kostya Tszyu - Sportsperson of the Year (he moved to the district in 1992, and he shares a birthday with mum - she's 41 years older), Rockdale Town Crier, Young Citizen of the Year - whose name I regret I don't know, June Salter, an actor who was Australia Day Ambassador, and was born in the local area, and Mayor Peter Bryant.

Postscript: Two days ago, a comment was left on my blog in response to my caption "Celebrate diversity: the faces of Australia". The comment was made by a member of a US organisation fighting for gay rights. The commenter said: "With the inclusion of the scouting movement who exclude gay people you are indeed not celebrating diversity but encouraging hatred against fellow Australians who just happen to be gay."

This is NOT the case in Australia, where the Scouting organisation does not have anti-gay rules. If you click here, you can read a transcript of an interview on our national broadcaster, the ABC, where this is made clear. In fact in Australia it is illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of sexual orientation, and the Scouts spokesperson said in no uncertain terms.

I would never want my blog to be seen to be, or indeed be, "encouraging hatred against fellow Australians who just happen to be gay." Indeed, have a look at my very first Daily Photo post from 19 April 2006.