This past week marked two important dates for Australia in the Cook Islands. Australia’s official national day, 26 January, is a day to reflect on what it means to be Australian, to celebrate contemporary Australia, and to acknowledge our complex history. The official theme this year is ‘Reflect, respect, celebrate’.

We celebrate the significant contribution everyone makes to our nation, from First Nations Australians who have cared for our lands and waterways for more than 60,000 years, to our newest citizens who call Australia home.

Australia Day reminds us of the common bond we share as Australians – our democracy, our values, the strength, diversity and generosity of our people, and our beautiful natural environment.

The day also prompts us to reflect on stories of sacrifice that many make to live in a place like Australia. Australia is home to people from all over the globe, with more than half of Australia’s population either born overseas, or having a parent who was born overseas. In our last census, there were 300 different ancestries recorded and over 400 languages spoken, including 183 Indigenous languages.

Within Australia, the Cook Islands community are our fifth largest Pasifika community. Many Cook Islanders work, study and raise families in Australia. Australia is a better country for their contribution – it adds to our richness as a multicultural country, and enlivens our culture and social dynamics.

The less well-known milestone this week was on 25 January, a date marking thirty years since Australia and Cook Islands formally established diplomatic relations, when His Excellency the Hon. Vincent Ingram, as Cook Islands High Commissioner, presented his Letter of Introduction to Australia in 1994. Later that year, the Australian High Commissioner in Wellington, His Excellency Mr Raymond J Greet was accredited as the first Australian High Commissioner to the Cook Islands. This marks Australia as one of the Cook Islands’ first formal diplomatic partners.  

Our contemporary partnership is one focused on our shared goal of a Pacific region that is peaceful, safe and prosperous. It is framed by our bilateral partnership agreement ‘Oa Tumanava, signifying our enduring friendship.

Australia and Cook Islands were founding members of the Pacific Island Forum, and we were proud to support Cook Islands to host a successful Pacific Island Forum Leaders’ Meeting in November. The visit of the Australian Prime Minister, accompanied by the Minister for International Development and the Pacific, was a testament to the priority that Australia places on the Pacific Islands Forum.

Between our countries, we have strong ties between our governments, institutions and communities. We are working together on maritime security initiatives, on access to climate finance, on support for medical resources, and to help Cook Islands pursue more economic opportunities.

We are looking forward to establishing new initiatives in cultural sectors, media and sport. In recognition of our growing partnership, the Australian High Commission will be expanding our presence in Rarotonga.

Personally, as I reflect on these milestones, I am excited about the year ahead. I am planning to explore the Pa Enua with my family, and look forward to warm welcomes, and vibrant displays of culture that I have come to recognise as Cook Islander traits. This will help me more deeply understanding the unique perspectives of the people of the Cook Islands, and how that can shape a productive partnership and close friendship, with the government and people of the Cook Islands, for years to come.

• Australian High Commissioner to the Cook Islands Phoebe Smith