Our Anthem

As a proud nationalist, I hold deep admiration for our heritage and the remarkable nation we have become. I am grateful to those who came before us, who sacrificed and toiled to build this great country. Australia stands as a beacon, attracting people from all corners of the globe, drawn by our unique way of life. Having travelled the world for sport and work, I can confidently say that while there may be countries that match us, none surpass Australia. Our way of life, our community spirit, and the opportunities available to improve our lot in life are unparalleled.

One well-directed question changed how I felt about our national anthem. I recall a pivotal moment in 1988 when I played Australian schoolboys rugby league. Our coach, Arthur Sauverain, posed a simple question to a small group of us while walking off the training field at Shark Park in Cronulla, where we had our camp based. The question: "When you sing the national anthem in New Zealand, what will the words mean to you?" At just 17, this exercise prompted me to deeply consider the anthem's significance.

Sport has taught me invaluable lessons about sacrifice, discipline, commitment, and camaraderie. It also taught me how important cultural symbols are. Just as values and missions in the corporate sector play a crucial role in uniting us, our anthem plays a vital role nationally. These symbols are now more important than ever, at a time when we seem to want to drag down and pull apart powerful cultural symbols that keep us united. I don’t fully understand why we are doing this, but what I do understand is that if we continue down this path without making commitments to the things that bind us, what we have now will disappear. Symbols have the power to bind us together. Without all of us making a commitment to these unifying elements, we risk losing what we cherish.

The national anthem is more than just words; it is brilliant, inspirational, and directional. Imagine the Australia we can continue to build if we wholeheartedly commit through joyful strains to advancing Australia Fair.

Australians all let us rejoice,?

For we are one and free;?

And why shouldn’t we rejoice, together we enjoy the freedoms most of the world's population can only dream of.

We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil;?

Our home is girt by sea;?

If we want to work, then wealth at so many levels is available for us, and separated by the great ocean surrounds - sparing us much of the worlds horrors, we have also been gifted abundance above and below the soil.

Our land abounds in nature’s gifts?

Of beauty rich and rare;?

We have all we need to enjoy abundance, for industry and leisure.

In history’s page, let every stage

Advance Australia Fair.?

Have it shown that our generation, my generation, left a legacy by making this place better, more livable, safer, and to make efforts acknowledge at past mistakes.

In joyful strains then let us sing,?

Advance Australia Fair.

Be pleased and grateful to work and toil, to put effort in for others, and to make your work meaningful by serving the community and your family.