After wishing everyone a ‘Happy Australia Day’, Mr Baker welcomed the packed Town Hall crowd to “this magnificent building, in our wonderful town, in what is truly the lucky country”.
He explained the 2025 theme was ‘Reflect, Respect, Celebrate’, and a time to reflect on, and pay respect, to the cultures, stories, histories and people from all walks of life, from First Australians to those whose families travelled here centuries ago, and those more recently arrived.
“It is a day when we take a moment to pay respect to the stories, histories and contributions of the Australians who lived, worked and fought for the values and freedoms we sometimes take for granted,” Mr Baker said.
He then spoke about how he “had the good fortune to record, for posterity, the stories of so many people – locals and those further afield – who have helped shape our nation”.
Mr Baker took the assembled crowd on a journey through the many books he has written, in particular biographies and history books.
He especially highlighted those who were in the book he wrote with support from Deniliquin RSL Club titled ‘We Did Our Bit’, an anthology of local people who had been involved in various military conflicts.
“All of those whose stories were told in ‘We Did Our Bit’ fought for the freedoms we enjoy today, and can celebrate this Australia Day.
“While I acknowledge that diversity of opinion is a respected right in our great nation, I still find it hard to understand why a vocal minority do not embrace this day and appreciate their privileged life in this democracy … it’s not perfect, but our lifestyle and opportunity is certainly well ahead of the vast majority of countries worldwide,” Mr Baker said.
Referring back to books he has written, Mr Baker described“the most challenging” being about his daughter, Bianca, after she suffered a near-death illness.
More recently he co-wrote ‘A Simple Twist of Fate’, the inspirational story of Deb Gray, which was released just before Christmas and is already in its third print run. Deb is 3 feet 8 inches tall and has no arms, a condition with which has lived since birth.
Mr Baker explained he has also had the honour of helping others through the self-publishing journey.
“Over the past decade I’ve worked with people from almost every Australian state on autobiographies, poetry, fundraising books, lots of history and even some books of humour. The authors have ranged in age from about 10 to over 90.
“On Australia Day, we are encouraged to Reflect, Respect and Celebrate. In so many ways, that’s what I am able to do every time I write a book, or help an author publish a book they have written,” he said.
Mr Baker reflected on numerous local organisations and individuals who have recorded our history, pointing out “there is not a town I have seen that matches it with Deniliquin” in this regard.
“The contribution they are making will leave a lasting legacy,” Mr Baker said.
He described Australia Day as “an opportunity for us all to celebrate – we are part of a proud, ancient, multicultural nation that values every citizen.
“Sometimes we forget how lucky we are to live in this wonderful Edward River community in a unique part of what is still truly the lucky country,” Mr Baker said, echoing words at the start of his speech.
“May we all try hard to appreciate that,” he concluded.
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