Celebrations began early with the community breakfast at the Oberon Christian Life Centre, where locals got a chance to meet Australia Day Ambassador Peter Herbert and his wife Joanne.

The official celebrations began with a Citizenship Ceremony where Rochelle Benjamin and Jennifer Willshire became Australian citizens and were presented certificates and native bottle brush plants by Graham Parker of the Rotary Club.

Ambassador of Australia Day Peter Herbert, who has a long and prestigious history in the television, film, stage and media industries, delighted the crowd with stories of characters Effie and Con and Fruiterer, who he created for hit television series Acropolis Now, and encouraged us all to remain positive to ‘never be afraid to give ourselves a pat on the back’.

Mayor Keith Sullivan said that Australian Day is a time to reflect on Australia's history and values, and said that despite some of the negative stories about society and young people today, it is heartening to see that in the Oberon community there are people conducting themselves with Australian pride and morals.