We can’t share the award recipients from the North, or the Order of Australia inductees, until the weekend. But trust us, they are worth reading. Keep an eye out in Saturday’s paper, and online, for the stories of Tasmanians who have dedicated their lives to the service of others. In a chaotic world, it’s nice to be reminded sometimes of the good people out there.

Of course, Australia Day’s status as a celebration is a contested one these days. That’s why one event – pointedly held on Sunday, January 27 - looks particularly interesting. Terra Populous, in Poatina, will be a day of poetry and sharing. 

The Village Green will host five-minute storytelling sessions about people and place from Indigenous leaders Aunty Patsy Cameron and Uncle Norman Richardson; Bill Scott-Young, whose sister Hydro Tasmania bought land from to build the Poatina Power Station; members of the Launceston Hazara community; and Russell McKane, the principal of Capstone College.    

There will also be Thomas the Tank Engine rides for the children and Tasmanian-themed face painting.

Whatever you do this weekend, we hope it’s a good one.