In a happy coincidence, he returned to the hallowed ground on Wednesday, this time as the nation's Governor General and with wife, Linda by his side.

"I can't remember too much about the game or for that matter, the celebrations afterward, but I have fond memories of the region," General Hurley told a large Australia Day crowd.

READ MORE:

What is life without music? Community honours Helen's contribution

The inspirational Beau Cosgrove receives plenty of love on Australia Day

'Life is a gift': Goulburn honours its Citizens of the Year

Goulburn commemorates Australia Day

Mentorship and calm, logical approach earns Corrections Medal

It took little arm twisting to lure the couple to the town. In fact, as Upper Lachlan Shire Council general manager Colleen Worthy explained it, his office simply rang up one day, asking if General Hurley could visit.

Unsurprisingly, she immediately said yes to the Queen's representative's first official visit to Crookwell. This time he teamed up with Mrs Hurley, a CWA life member and accomplished singer who serenaded the organisation for its upcoming 100^th birthday and helped cut a cake. The first NSW branch was formed in Crookwell on April 26, 1922.

General Hurley described Australians as a "good and strong people who were not afraid of hard work or to take on big issues." Although enduring drought, flood, fire, a mice plague and the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the nation's future was bright and worth celebrating."

ALSO READ: 'Achiever' and accomplished investigator adds another string to bow

He praised Wednesday's turnout as a great show of support for the Shire's seven new Australian citizens, who originated from New Zealand, the UK and Vietnam.

"It is a momentous and life-changing step," General Hurley said.

The new citizens included journalist Hannah Sparks, Collector district couple (England) Stuart and Emma Taylor, Lavinia Konemann (New Zealand), husband and wife Gai Huynh and Hoa Vo, and Hanh Nguyen, from Vietnam.

Hume MP Angus Taylor welcomed them on behalf of citizenship minister, Alex Hawke.

Earlier, Joel Bulger had performed the Welcome to Country.

ALSO READ: Cool accomplishment: Patience and skill reap awards for winery

Australia Day ambassador, journalist and former SBS sports commentator Mike Tomalaris, was quick to point out the the day divided opinion.

"I understand January 26 is a painful date for our First Nations people but if nothing else, we should all come together to acknowledge all parts of our history, while recognising what it is about Australia Day that we want to celebrate and reflect upon," he said.

Mr Tomalaris left SBS in 2021 after 34 years and said he was proud of his legacy in lifting the Tour de France's profile. A keen cyclist himself, he hoped the Goulburn to Crookwell rail trail became a reality.

"I know there are a lot of pros and cons...but I can only see positives," he said.

He urged everyone to reflect on the fact Australia was not at war or enduring famine and other hardships. The nation enjoyed freedoms that people sometimes took for granted.

ALSO READ: Local school leavers encouraged to unlock their future at TAFE information sessions

"I'm sure you are grateful to be living here. It is a small but special piece of paradise," Mr Tomalaris said.

The day included music by Rich Pitcher, a Lions Club barbecue, stalls, jumping castle, egg and spoon races, thong throwing and art and craft activities.

Did you know the Goulburn Post is now offering breaking news alerts and a daily email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.