Today marks the 227th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain at that site by Governor Arthur Phillip.

In that long history, Australia Day has taken many names including Anniversary Day and Foundation Day and has been celebrated in many diverse ways. No doubt many of you, along with the bulk of the population of our fine country, will be celebrating via a BBQ or some such outdoor event whilst being adorned in clothing emblazoned with the Australian flag.

I am not one for big celebrations on this day: I am proudly Australian 365 days of the year and since I gave up drinking I have tended to eschew most celebratory functions on days like today.

That said, one of the things I love to reflect on on Australia Day is just how lucky I am to live in this country. To live in a free society, with a stable economy, is a privilege: one that I am frankly thankful for.

I particularly love the fact that on this day of national celebration so many of those who have come to this country from foreign shores take the opportunity to become citizens of this country that I love.

So on this 227th Australia Day, I will celebrate by simply being thankful for living in such a wonderful place. That is what this day should really be all about after all.