Well, Australia Day is here again - January 26. Let the BBQ's cricket, drinking and fireworks begin. And here in Perth, a balmy 37 degrees Celsius awaits us.
Rosie Batty has been announced as "Australian of the Year". Without doubt she is a popular choice, and anybody who is familiar with her story would agree. Domestic violence is abhorrent and has no place in any society ANYWHERE! For those unfamiliar with her tragic story, please take the time on this day to look her up.
Hopefully, we all take at least part of the day to reflect on what it means to be Australian - and clearly that is different for all of us. I would like to think that as Australians, we are grateful to live in a country where we are free to live in peace and without fear; a country where we are free to express ourselves in a multitude of ways and not be persecuted for doing so. But above all, I hope we all enjoy the day with family and friends.
For those who are not familiar with Australia Day, this is the day that the Australian nation celebrates the anniversary of the first permanent European colony established in 1788. The primary purpose for this colonisation was that England needed another place to dump her criminals after the American Revolution closed that door to her some twelve years earlier.
In the 220+ years since that day, the Australian nation has well and truly punched above her weight on the international stage - wait for the ANZAC Day commemorations this year if you are in any doubt about this. "Black Box" flight recorders, Hill's Hoists, Combine Harvesters and Dame Edna Everidge are a few other contributions to the world we can be thanked for.
This is not to say that our history does not have it's 'dark side'. Recognition of our indigenous peoples in our constitution is chief amongst these. Our indigenous were finally recognised as citizens in 1967, and the fight to have them recognised in the constitution as the first peoples continues. Given that the 1967 Constitutional Referendum to recognise our indigenous peoples as citizens was an overwhelming success gives me hope that we can finally right this wrong, but as with many things in Australia, it takes time.
I'm off to fire up the barbie and have a beer now. Might even watch the cricket, hopefully we can beat India (it's their national day today too). So, "Australians all, let us rejoice ...", for we DO live in the best country on Earth. I believe it is our obligation to use this gift to make our country even better. Rosie Batty, we are with you!
"What do you think?"
Until next time,
CfB
Rosie Batty has been announced as "Australian of the Year". Without doubt she is a popular choice, and anybody who is familiar with her story would agree. Domestic violence is abhorrent and has no place in any society ANYWHERE! For those unfamiliar with her tragic story, please take the time on this day to look her up.
Hopefully, we all take at least part of the day to reflect on what it means to be Australian - and clearly that is different for all of us. I would like to think that as Australians, we are grateful to live in a country where we are free to live in peace and without fear; a country where we are free to express ourselves in a multitude of ways and not be persecuted for doing so. But above all, I hope we all enjoy the day with family and friends.
For those who are not familiar with Australia Day, this is the day that the Australian nation celebrates the anniversary of the first permanent European colony established in 1788. The primary purpose for this colonisation was that England needed another place to dump her criminals after the American Revolution closed that door to her some twelve years earlier.
In the 220+ years since that day, the Australian nation has well and truly punched above her weight on the international stage - wait for the ANZAC Day commemorations this year if you are in any doubt about this. "Black Box" flight recorders, Hill's Hoists, Combine Harvesters and Dame Edna Everidge are a few other contributions to the world we can be thanked for.
This is not to say that our history does not have it's 'dark side'. Recognition of our indigenous peoples in our constitution is chief amongst these. Our indigenous were finally recognised as citizens in 1967, and the fight to have them recognised in the constitution as the first peoples continues. Given that the 1967 Constitutional Referendum to recognise our indigenous peoples as citizens was an overwhelming success gives me hope that we can finally right this wrong, but as with many things in Australia, it takes time.
I'm off to fire up the barbie and have a beer now. Might even watch the cricket, hopefully we can beat India (it's their national day today too). So, "Australians all, let us rejoice ...", for we DO live in the best country on Earth. I believe it is our obligation to use this gift to make our country even better. Rosie Batty, we are with you!
"What do you think?"
Until next time,
CfB
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