This is the attitude Orange Aboriginal Community Working Party chairman and Orange Aboriginal Medical Service CEO Jamie Newman will be adopting this Australia Day.

While many Aboriginal people mark January 26 as the national day of mourning, Mr Newman said there is much reason to celebrate.

“It’s a day to celebrate our culture and where can have come from,” he said.

‘We are a resilient race.

“It is important to recognise what has happened in the past and remember that, but it is more important to move forward and focus on change.”

This year is shaping up to be a strong one for Orange’s Aboriginal community, according to Mr Newman, following the formation of a number of groups and services including the Aboriginal Medical Service, strengthening of the Orange Aboriginal Lands Council and their projects such as the Aboriginal motel and hospitality training centre, and the success of indigenous men’s and women’s groups.

He said it was important the entire Orange community focused on these positive changes and contributions to the city.

“For Aboriginal people to succeed today they’ve got to have the support of the community.

“There are still a lot of barriers that need to be broken down.”

Using Australia Day to look to the future of Orange’s Aboriginal community, Mr Newman is full of confidence.

He feels two factors are vital in seeing more positive changes to the local indigenous people.

“Employment and education,” he said.

“A good income means a better quality of life.”