The harmony. The pace of life. The creativity and the pride.

And for those who complained about the cool weather and the overcast skies, farmers would be quick to remind them that the district was in the grip of a fearsome dry spell at this time last year. So even the autumnal weather was something to be thankful for.

In the same way that there is no single correct way to be Australian, there is no single correct way to celebrate Australia Day.

Some would have spent yesterday at a barbecue, some by the river, some in the park and some at home. Some would have observed the formalities and some would have revelled in the informality.

Hopefully, what all those celebrating did yesterday was spend a moment – or longer – to be grateful for the security, the prosperity and the freedom of the country they call home.

Mayor Gary Rush, speaking yesterday, asked residents to celebrate the rich culture, breadth of knowledge and courage of the Wiradjuri people, as well as the thirst for knowledge, the courage and fortitude of the early colonial explorers.

Both groups are part of the Australian story – as are so many others.

At a time when Bathurst is being remade – from the major Kelso roadworks to the housing developments sprouting on all corners to the redevelopment projects in the CBD – events like Australia Day, and this year’s Bathurst bicentenary, are a chance to reflect on the past as we hurtle into the future.

Bathurstians are living in a lucky city in a lucky country: a city that is growing at a breakneck speed as others realise its charms and advantages.

Like those who trekked across the Blue Mountains, we’re on an incredible journey.