The list of Tasmanians recognised in this year's Australia Day honours list and at municipal ceremonies across the state are the kind of individuals that make this country so great.
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Forget politics and the date for a moment, Australians are up there with the luckiest people in the world.
And it's largely due to a spirit of volunteering and dedication to achieving greater good for others which is beyond measure.
Those recognised this year with an Order of Australia award as well as Australians of the Year awards are equally deserving for their many years of service.
And their stories are some of the best The Examiner journalists get to tell.
Many Tasmanians would have heard of, been helped by or inspired by many of the individuals featured in today's pages or online.
Be it emergency service volunteers, regional community group presidents, secretaries, treasurers or coaches or more high profile people such as Commonwealth Games gold medalist-turned teacher Jennifer McMahon, orthopaedic surgeon John Batten, Launceston tourism entrepreneur Kim Seagram, lifelong veterinarian Stephen King and so on - Tasmania wouldn't be the same without them.
And for their commitment, we all say thank you. But as we celebrate the achievements of our fellow Australians and enjoy the company of family and friends around the barbie or the pool this long weekend, remember to be safe on the roads and also be respectful that not everyone wants to celebrate on January 26.
The debate about the date on Australia Day is an important discussion to have, considering many Australian people and communities pride themselves on being multicultural.
Australia Day is about celebrating our similarities and differences but it should be something everyone can participate in.
However, despite this date, the reason why we celebrate Australia Day has never been in doubt.
That meaning, that travels across borders, across cultures, and across any other divide, is the recognition of community.