My perception of being a

proud Aussie has changed throughout the years.

Growing up I wanted to represent my country as a swimmer at the Olympic Games. In younger days I would picture myself on the medal dais singing Advance Australia Fair with a tear running downmycheek. Now, at 24 I amproud to live

in a country that is so diverse with many races, religions and cultures.

Everybody is different and they all have a story to tell about where they came from and what they are doing here.

Welive in a place that is considered so highly by the rest of the world that people come here to escape the terror in their own countries.

Most of us have welcomed them with open arms because we know that in 1788 our ancestors came to Australia for the same reason for a better future.

It amazesmewhen people expect immigrants to fit their version of the Australian way of life.

We didn't see Captain Arthur Philip and the first settlers change their ways to fit in with the original occupants of the land: in fact they did the opposite.

Recently we have heard some strong opinions about the proposed Islamic school in Camden. Opponents say they don't want their town to change and that there are plenty of other schools in the area for Muslim children to attend.

Myquestion is if the Catholic children can have their own school why cant the Islamic children?

And to label all Muslims as potential threats because of violence overseas is unreasonable.

When Ivan Milat murdered seven hitchhikers nobody mentioned his race or religion on the news. And when Martin Bryant killed 35 people in the Port Arthur massacre there was no hype about his race or religion either.

When a Christian kills someone claiming God told them to, why dont we blame their religion?

I have met some lovely people from all different cultures and most of them pride themselves on being Australian. This Australia Day would be a good time for us all to sit back and be proud of the multicultural country we live in.

Because there really is no better place to be.