THIS time last year Australia was facing what seemed likely to be in the words of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd "one of the most troubled years of our age".
The financial crisis then unfolding appeared certain to significantly affect Australia and that concern provided a sobering undercurrent to celebrations of the national day.
Surprisingly, Australia has been remarkably unscathed by the global recession. That's been partly due to economic stimuli applied both here and overseas, especially in China. Continuing buoyant demand for Australian resources and foreign confidence in Australia's role as a "bridge to Asia" have also helped.
The nation's banking and finance industries were proven to have been more prudent than some of their foreign counterparts, and prompt government action to ensure the safety of the country's major banks warded off threats to their stability.
In contrast to 2009, Australia Day 2010 finds the country in an optimistic mood.
This year, instead of warning of possible storms ahead, Mr Rudd is talking up his Government's plans for economic reform. The tax system seems set for an overhaul and Labor's pre-election promises to do something about Australia's inefficient and declining health system are being brought back to the fore.
It sounds like a year for rolling up the sleeves and doing some of the much-needed maintenance and rebuilding work delayed by last year's recession fears.
Many Australians, perhaps, might prefer to wait until tomorrow to start thinking about hard work. Hundreds took sickies yesterday to give themselves a four-day weekend and a head-start on celebrations.
Inclusiveness
Police are preparing for a busy day trying to keep a lid on excessive displays of patriotic fervour and to discourage acts of alcohol-related violence.
Ideally, those Australians who prefer to celebrate the day calmly and sociably will influence the mad minority for the better, encouraging the inclusiveness and consideration that are hallmarks of the nation's better nature.
For his part, the Prime Minister has celebrated the "can-do" attitude and the concept of the "fair go" as among the worthiest attributes of the Australian character.
These and other attributes are evident in the achievements of those people recognised in the annual Australia Day awards.
Former Novocastrian Patrick McGorry, for example, has been named Australian of the Year for his practical advocacy on behalf of young people with mental illness.
Newcastle-born SAS trooper and Victoria Cross winner Mark Donaldson has been named Young Australian of the Year for his inspiringly selfless rescue of an interpreter under fire in Afghanistan.
Nine Hunter people have received awards this year, some such as palliative care practitioner Professor Peter Ravenscroft for outstanding work in their chosen professions and others such as Maureen Kelly of Port Stephens for voluntary work in their communities.
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