Love letter to Australia

Australia – I just LOVE you.. every day of the year including the 26th January.?

From 16 years of age I have travelled the world… Italy, Russia, Greece, Pacific islands, France, Germany, Poland, UK, India, Nepal.. to name a few…. Every time I landed back on Aussie soil, back from a trip I would bring in some gratitude for this great country that I was privileged enough to be born into and realised just how lucky we are.??

When you travel far and wide your perspective widens too. This is why I travel all the time. To keep me grounded and to give me different reference points of what sometimes we Aussies lose site of.?

I didn’t realise how big the world was until I started travelling. You see I’m from a coastal country town, Port Macquarie – convict colonial roots and amazing surf beaches, tourism is what we are mainly known for. I represent many Aussies around the country, and I speak from my heart and acknowledge that not everyone sees the world the way I do, thankfully I am living in a democratic society where I am able to speak my truth.?

My truth is simple, I love Australia. This morning I spread vegemite onto my toast, spoke to my bestie about a trip to the Kimberlys, walked past parliament steps in Melbourne for my morning walk, heard the kookaburras in the park and spoke to my dad on the phone, who is a Vietnam veteran. This is an ordinary morning in my life. My values, my mindset and my character has been influenced by this nation. And I really love who I am.??

Our nation has achieved so much and if we look back, we can see how far we have come, AND how far we still have to go.??

In the year 2024, I am in disbelief when I hear Cricket Australia cancelling Australia Day, knowing just how much influence sports in this country have on the hearts and minds of young generations of Australia. Nick Hockley… was this really necessary??

Aussie retailers refusing to stock Australia day flags, hats and bunting….what part of this decision is being inclusive??

Celebrations are critical to a nation’s rituals and routines; they reinforce what we value and what we stand for. A day like Australia day allows each of us as a collective to play, dance, eat and drink in a way that adds to our identity, strengthen our moral compass. Regardless of where you were raised or what country you came from, we are all cousins, and this day helps define our nation and helps create a social bond that makes us feel connected.?

Our moral compass is fragile, and we are, too.? We are at risk of losing shared values that are holding our society together, the Anzac Spirit that keeps this nation strong, connected, and humble. If we are over indexing right now on playing small, and our tall poppy syndrome is playing out on steroids, then we need to get over it. We are a big nation with a massive spirit, and we have so much to give to this world, we just need to recognise the Australian in all of us and as each of us heal our past we all contribute to building a better future.?

If the controversy is about a date. well, let’s just find one and get on with it, that’s what an Aussie spirited person would do, right?? Whatever the date, we must maintain a sacred moment, a mindful pause, a significant pay of respect to all of us who make up Australia, past, present and for our future generations to come.??