We take a look at the many reasons why we are proud to be an Australian!
There are many reasons why we are proud to be Australian. We live in a beautiful country with stunning beaches and are known for our great outdoor lifestyle!
But for us, it comes down to the fantastic people and culture!
Aussies are renowned for being friendly and laidback, whether you’re walking down the street and someone says ‘G’day mate’ or when tragedy strikes and a community bands together.
As we celebrate our national day, we look back at the moments that made our hearts fill with pride, making us exceptionally proud to call ourselves an Aussie!
SA suffered some of the worst bushfires in years, countless numbers of wild animals and livestock were killed. [It was heart-warming to see both Aussies and our international friends lending a helping hand by sewing mittens for all the animals injured.](http://www.womansday.com.au/lifestyle/true-life-stories/2015/1/call-for-mittens-for-bushfire-koalas-goes-viral!/)
SA suffered some of the worst bushfires in years, countless numbers of wild animals and livestock were killed. It was heart-warming to see both Aussies and our international friends lending a helping hand by sewing mittens for all the animals injured.
Sydney suffered a devastating blow when it came [under siege](http://www.womansday.com.au/lifestyle/true-life-stories/2014/12/lisa-wilkinsons-savethenotes-campaign-goes-viral/) in December. The aftermath saw the country rally together in efforts to show their support of the victims.
Sydney suffered a devastating blow when it came under siege in December. The aftermath saw the country rally together in efforts to show their support of the victims.
Aussie footballer [Alex McKinnon suffered severe spinal damage](http://www.womansday.com.au/lifestyle/true-life-stories/2015/1/alex-mckinnon-stands-up-on-his-own/) due to an injury back in March. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Alex has been undergoing intense rehabilitation and making outstanding improvements along the way. His determination has seen him inspire fans and football-novices alike. Earlier this month Alex stood up for the first time.
Aussie footballer Alex McKinnon suffered severe spinal damage due to an injury back in March. Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Alex has been undergoing intense rehabilitation and making outstanding improvements along the way. His determination has seen him inspire fans and football-novices alike. Earlier this month Alex stood up for the first time.
[Barnardos Mother of the Year](http://www.womansday.com.au/lifestyle/true-life-stories/2014/11/barnardos-mother-of-the-year-‘ive-got-17-kids-from-9-countries!/) and Aussie adoption pioneer Pat Howard has 17 kids from 9 countries! And the wonderful mother has more love to give!
Barnardos Mother of the Year and Aussie adoption pioneer Pat Howard has 17 kids from 9 countries! And the wonderful mother has more love to give!
[The shock death of Aussie cricketer Phil Hughes](http://www.womansday.com.au/lifestyle/true-life-stories/2014/11/tributes-flood-in-for-cricketer-phillip-hughes/) rocked the nation. In a heart-warming act, fans took to social media to commemorate the loss of the 25-year-old batsman. In a moving campaign titled #putoutyourbats, people around the nation and the world, posted photos laying their cricket bats as a mark of respect.
The shock death of Aussie cricketer Phil Hughes rocked the nation. In a heart-warming act, fans took to social media to commemorate the loss of the 25-year-old batsman. In a moving campaign titled #putoutyourbats, people around the nation and the world, posted photos laying their cricket bats as a mark of respect.
In a love story for the ages, it might seem improbable that a couple would have a baby together before even meeting, but for Aminah Hart and Scott Anderson, that’s exactly how it happened when [she fell in love with her sperm donor](http://www.womansday.com.au/lifestyle/true-life-stories/2014/11/the-mother-who-fell-in-love-with-her-sperm-donor/)!
In a love story for the ages, it might seem improbable that a couple would have a baby together before even meeting, but for Aminah Hart and Scott Anderson, that’s exactly how it happened when she fell in love with her sperm donor!
When 10-year-old Jaxon Cooper received the shocking diagnosis that he had an aggressive brain tumour, he knew the [one thing he wanted](http://www.womansday.com.au/lifestyle/true-life-stories/2014/10/brave-boys-final-wish-to-walk-mum-down-the-aisle/) was to see his parents walk down the aisle.
When 10-year-old Jaxon Cooper received the shocking diagnosis that he had an aggressive brain tumour, he knew the one thing he wanted was to see his parents walk down the aisle.
It can only be described as a miracle, three years on from her husband’s death Katie Elfar [gives birth to his child](http://www.womansday.com.au/lifestyle/true-life-stories/2014/9/i-had-my-hubbys-baby-3-years-after-he-died/).
It can only be described as a miracle, three years on from her husband’s death Katie Elfar gives birth to his child.
[Sophie Delezio continues to defy the odds](http://www.womansday.com.au/lifestyle/true-life-stories/2014/8/sophie-delezio-training-to-be-champion-rower/), now training to be a champion rower!
Sophie Delezio continues to defy the odds, now training to be a champion rower!
Tessa James has been an inspiration many. She is admired for her strength in the face of adversity as she undergoes cancer treatment. [Check out her touching story here.](http://www.womansday.com.au/celebrity/celebrity-headlines/2014/12/tessa-james-a-true-inspiration/|target=”_blank”)
Tessa James has been an inspiration many. She is admired for her strength in the face of adversity as she undergoes cancer treatment. Check out her touching story here.
