mmg.com.au

Army cadets packed eskies with soft drink with the efficiency of a military unit training for battle.

Once packed, the cadets started their next job of leading a march through Queen’s Gardens.

Marchers included Australian, Chinese, Congolese, Indian and Italian people and they stopped at the flagpole on the northern side of the Shepparton park.

The army cadets raised the flag, Nicky Pummeroy sang the anthem and speakers spoke of national unity and pride.

Speakers included Yorta Yorta elder Neville Atkinson, Italian migrant Tony Schiavello and City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Michael Polan.

Mr Schiavello, 73, was the ambassador of the Shepparton ceremony and told the story of his migration to Australia in 1956 at the age of 18.

He and younger brother Giuseppe founded a small office interior business in 1966 and Schiavello Brothers was founded in 1968.

Mr Schiavello has since expanded the family business to become the Schiavello Group, an international company based in Melbourne and ranked in the top 100 Australian companies with an annual turnover of $500million and more than 1200 employees.

‘‘Australia is a diverse country of many cultures, traditions and strengths,’’ Mr Schiavello said.

‘‘The country is something we can all be proud to share.’’

John Head (citizen of the year), Fatima Zaoli and Elaf Al-Tuhmazy (young citizens of the year), Russell Broom (senior citizen), Arlene Austin (academic) and Jim Marx (sport) received awards.

Cr Polan held a citizenship ceremony.

The ceremony finished and the army cadets were called into action again — the hungry crowd was ready to enjoy a free barbecue lunch.