For many Maitland residents lucky enough to have the day off work, today is a time to gather around the barbie, have a beer and catch up with friends and family.

In this city, the annual highlight is the major community celebration that Maitland City Council puts on at Maitland Park.

While it’s a carnival-like event complete with music, face painting and games, it’s also an opportunity to welcome new Australian citizens and recognise the work of exceptional people in our community.

The announcement of the winners of the various Maitland Citizen of the Year categories is a cornerstone of the celebrations and is a way that the city can show the people who go above and beyond the call of duty that their efforts are noticed and appreciated.

There can only be one winner, but the Mercury applauds each nominee on the work they do.

But while today is a celebration for many people, January 26 is the anniversary of the beginning of a dark period in history for Australia’s Aboriginal people.

When Captain Arthur Phillip led his fleet of settler- and convict-filled ships into Sydney in 1788, it marked the beginning of more than 200 years of Australia’s indigenous people being forced to fight for their rights in their home land.

It’s a fight, in some respects, that is still ongoing.

So today we should also remember how important it is to continue to strive towards reconciliation.

Whatever Australia Day means to you, whether you’re eating a snag or waving a flag, remember the spirit of mateship above everything else and look after each other today.