Our lifestyle is the envy of everyone and it is encouraging to see the level of patriotism rising each year.

Australians are showing they do appreciate just how lucky we all are to be able to live in such a magnificent country.

The attendances at each of the Australia Day ceremonies staged by the three councils covered by the Herald were fantastic and show local communities want to celebrate our growing nation.

The gatherings are also proving very popular for migrants to receive their Australian citizenship.

But importantly the Australia Day gatherings are a chance to recognise the people who make our communities tick.

While the federal and state awards are well deserved, they generally go to the ‘bigger’ names.

The council honours’ lists go to the people, who mix with you and I, and who volunteer their time to improve the situation for others.

Each year communities recognise their own.

We all know someone who willingly gives up their time to help others. It happens in all walks of life.

From someone who tries to help the elderly, to another who works to improve the situation of those not-so-fortunate to the parent who ensures children can partake in social activities or sport.

These are the people who form the backbone of the community and are rightfully honoured on Australia Day.

Last Thursday was a chance to recognise these individuals and already we should be thinking of someone who we might nominate for 2013.

On Monday, it was the start of the new school year for many, and a group of youngsters started life’s journey where there is responsibility.

Some of those children will grow up to be community minded and so the Australia Day cycle continues.