Jump in with Jacob 29 January

Australia Day has come and gone again, leaving behind that customary mix of celebration and reflection.

Though amid the controversy that sometimes surrounds the day, one unequivocal positive was the Burdekin Australia Day awards, honouring the citizens of the Burdekin that help the region tick.

I know I've banged on about this a couple times already, but it truly never ceases to amaze me how many high achievers and community legends this place nurtures and produces.

Is it something in the air around here?

Can it rub off on me?

It was as I was sitting front row at the awards next to my colleague, Chelsea, listening on to the bios of each recipient that I felt a sense of inspiration.

It provoked some internal questions. Am I playing my part role in this town? Can I be doing more? If someone can devote 60 years of their life to volunteering for this town, then why can't I pitch in, even just a little bit?

Beyond this quandary, if the awards left me with anything else, it's the assurance that I can sleep well at night knowing my 'Burdekin to Big Time' series won't be running out of candidates any time soon.

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