Details of the evening event of National Thanksgiving to be held on this special day, on the leaflet.

Special messages from Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd for National Day of Thanksgiving Event.

In the spirit of thanksgiving, seasoned politicians will join voices to pay tribute to the Seniors and volunteers in our community on National Thanksgiving Day, Saturday 26 May 2007.

Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd have sent a message giving thanks to these people and in particular, the tireless work of the senior members in our society.

The Melbourne National Thanksgiving Day host, Danny Nalliah, president of Catch the Fire Ministries, invited The Hon. Rev Fred Nile as the guest speaker. Rev. Nile will not only speak but will also be honoured for his work in public life.

“The Hon. Rev Fred Nile MP of the Christian Democratic Party has been tireless in his advocacy for Christian principles in Government and a proponent of democratic freedoms,” Mr Nalliah said.
              
“We will also be acknowledging war veterans, politicians and Ministers of the gospel.”

Some of the senior leaders to be honoured are Apostle John Alley, Reverend Barry Chant, Pastor Kevin Conner, Pastor George Forbes, Pastor Richard Holland, Pastor Bert Hollingsworth (Aboriginal Elder), the late Frank Houston (represented by his son Graeme Houston), the late Apostle Leo Harris (represented by his wife Belle), Bishop Harry Westcott, Mr. Ronald Stanton (WWII Vet), the Hon. Andrew Evans MP, The Right Reverend C.R. Thomas, Pastor Phil Hills, Pastor Ruth Harvey, Pastor Norman Armstrong, Pastor Hal Oxley, and The Right Reverend Dr. Peter Hollingworth AC OBE.

“In the last few months the Lord Jesus has very clearly spoken to me of giving honour where it’s due, particularly to our ‘Fathers and Mothers’ in the Christian faith in this great country. Please don’t miss this history making opportunity to be part of the mighty blessing passed on from one generation to another,” Mr Nalliah said.

The National Day of Thanksgiving is a unique opportunity for Australians to celebrate and give thanks for our God-given heritage as a nation and to demonstrate the God given values of honour, respect, thankfulness and gratitude towards our fellow man that have made us the great nation we are.

It is a day for us to pause as a nation and say thank you to God and to each other for those many things we often take for granted.  Organisers are encouraging participants to be a blessing to those who have been a blessing to their respective communities during the past year.

Prime Minister John Howard in a statement for the National Day of Thanksgiving said:

“Every year, the National Day of Thanksgiving gives us occasion to reflect on the efforts of those who work, often without fanfare or financial reward, to enrich the lives of all Australians. It is a day to honour the otherwise unsung heroes of our society”.

“In 2007, we pay special tribute to older people, who have laid the foundations of present-day Australia and now share with us their wealth of knowledge and experience. We recognise indigenous Australians, whose rich culture and strong sense of community has helped shape our nation throughout its history.”

For full statement from Prime Minister John Howard check below

Mr Rudd in his statement said,“The National Day of Thanksgiving is a unique opportunity to reflect, both on our own lives and those around us. But it is also a day of celebration, a time where we can express our gratitude and praise our fellow Australians who enrich our nation on a daily basis.

”This year, in particular, we acknowledge the enormous contribution of our senior citizens, Indigenous Australians and all those in our community who give of their time to assist those less fortunate.

”This group includes the nation’s unsung heroes - our wonderful volunteers, selfless charity workers and members of community service organisations.

For full statement from Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd check below

People from all denominations and the general public are invited to come and participate in what will be a powerful time of thanksgiving. The meeting starts at 7pm and will be held at Champions Hall (Basement Level) Arrow on Swanston, 488 Swanston Street, Carlton on Saturday 26 May.

Danny Nalliah is available for interview on 0416 196 542. Media contact: Jason Golden on 0404 952 768 or Sarah Champness on (0439) 615 413.

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Prime Ministers 2007 Statement

I am delighted to provide this message in support of the National Day of Thanksgiving on 26th May 2007.

Every year, the National Day of Thanksgiving gives us occasion to reflect on the efforts of those who work, often without fanfare or financial reward, to enrich the lives of all Australians. It is a day to honour the otherwise unsung heroes of our society.

In 2007, we pay special tribute to older people, who have laid the
foundations of present-day Australia and now share with us their wealth of knowledge and experience. We recognise indigenous Australians, whose rich culture and strong sense of community has helped shape our nation throughout its history.

We also salute volunteers and service organisations, who contribute their expertise and enthusiasm to initiatives that make a real difference. Across Australia, many dedicated individuals and groups donate their time and energy to important causes and offer emotional and material support to those in need.

Given the pace of modern life, it is sometimes easy to take for granted the extraordinary contributions that ordinary people make to our community.
However you and your family choose to mark the National Day of Thanksgiving, I encourage all Australians to take time to say “thank you”.

Author: Prime Minister of Australia - John Howard

Leader of the Opposition 2007 statement

On behalf of the Federal Labor, I am pleased to offer my full support to the National Day of Thanksgiving.

The National Day of Thanksgiving is a unique opportunity to reflect, both on our own lives and those around us.

But it is also a day of celebration, a time where we can express our gratitude and praise our fellow Australians who enrich our nation on a daily basis.

This year, in particular, we acknowledge the enormous contribution of our senior citizens, Indigenous Australians and all those in our community who give of their time to assist those less fortunate.

This group includes the nation’s unsung heroes - our wonderful volunteers, selfless charity workers and members of community service organisations.

Whether attending an official event or not, the National Day of Thanksgiving is an event in which we can all participate.

I encourage everybody - in whatever way they can - to take time out on the 26th May to let all these special Australians know just how much they are respected and appreciated.

The service commitment and tireless efforts off all these groups have and continue to make Australia and our local communities a great place to live.

Source: Kevin Rudd, Federal Labor Leader