This newspaper’s position was that rather than seeking a new date to celebrate together as a nation, we should work to make January 26 a day when we remember both the good and the bad in our country’s history.

We should not shy from the shameful injustices committed against the indigenous population of this country, but rather acknowledge them on Australia Day and make the day a cornerstone of continuing reconciliation.

The editorials sparked a lively discussion in a variety forums with plenty of well-considered and well-reasoned responses posted pushing forward the case for both sides of the argument.

The passion behind many of those responses though, shows that this issue is one that will continue to be debated each year at this time. And the fact there were such strident views on both sides of this issue would suggest that no government is likely to tackle it in the near future.

It is hard to see how there could ever be an appetite to push forward such a contentious issue while ever the community remains so split.

So in the meantime, almost by default, we should expect that January 26 will remain Australia Day – for better or worse.

Away from that debate, Australia Day in Orange was again a hugely enjoyable event.

Our city adopts a fairly low-key approach to these celebrations and that is in keeping with the community’s generally conservative bent.

Rather than wrapping ourselves in the flag and chanting our national pride, most Orange residents prefer a laidback celebration that seeks to include all sectors of the community.

Australia Day in Orange is also the chance to recognise community members who do good things for our city and for others and all of Thursday’s award winners deserve congratulations.

It is a chance to enjoy some of the city’s great parks and community facilities, and a time to spend with family and friends reflecting on our great fortune to call The Lucky Country home.

And that’s exactly what Australia Day should be all about – regardless of the date we celebrate it.