What a pity this was not the case.

By awarding this award to such a little-known person, who has then denounced Australia Day and shown such irreverence by refusing to stand for the national anthem of his own country, has been a grave mistake.

I would expect that any citizen who has been given the honour of citizen of the year would be one who is looked upon with respect and who would show some dignity at such an important ceremony.

There is no way that I could recommend to my children or grandchildren that they should respect the new Wagga citizen of the year.

How can someone be citizen of the year when that is the case?

I believe that the Wagga City Council has made a mistake and that their decision is an affront to the people of Wagga.

If the Wagga City Council does not rectify this mistake, then they are giving their tacit approval to irreverent behaviour.

They would also be fostering disrespect among our younger generation and, in general, giving the nod of approval that "anything goes".

Council, do the right thing.

Rescind this citizen of the year honour.

If you do so, you will win the respect and support of the people of Wagga.

I AM writing to you in response to the article re the call for Joe Williams to lose the Wagga citizen of the year award.

It appears that Joe is to lose his award because he didn’t stand for the Australian anthem as he said it doesn’t include Aboriginal people.

Well, I agree with Joe.

The anthem represents colonial Australia.

“We are young and free”?

Colonial Australia is young but this land is not.

There are around 300 traditional nations that occupy this continent that many believe the great spirit gave to them thousands of generations ago. 

I believe that Joe was given the award for the work that he does with young people because of his concern regarding the high rate of suicide in the community.

Suicide is a major issue confronting Australia and it is important to encourage work that is done in the prevention of it.

Joe is unselfishly doing what he can – using the skill that he has to encourage young people to work to achieve their dream.

He doesn’t just work with Aboriginal young people but with all young people.

I’m not a fan of boxing but I recognise and respect Joe’s right to pursue his chosen career.

He has worked hard and with great dedication to his chosen sport and he has reached the top.

I congratulate him for that and I congratulate him on receiving the high honour of being the Wagga citizen of the year – even if it is taken from him.

As a Wiradjuri elder, I encourage all Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to be proud of their god-given traditional nation and heritage.

I also encourage them to be proud of our Australian heritage as all of our people fought to build a free nation.

Whatever our opinion is, we have a right to it with “Yindyamarra” – respect and honour for each other.

Thank you Joe, I know that many people are proud of you and appreciate the work that you do.

Keep it up the good work – we support you.