General News
1 February, 2023
Murkier than dam full of yabbies
By CHRIS EARLONCE upon a time in the not too distant past, Australia Day was marked with a long weekend no matter the day the January 26 fell in the week. Tennis and bowls tournaments were almost a given on the sporting calendar. In Boort there were...
By CHRIS EARL
ONCE upon a time in the not too distant past, Australia Day was marked with a long weekend no matter the day the January 26 fell in the week.
Tennis and bowls tournaments were almost a given on the sporting calendar. In Boort there were the lakeside festivities of the 1970s when, if memory serves correct, water melons were plentiful for the crowd to enjoy.
Celebrating with a long weekend was kind of seen as the Australian way, much like thongs, lamingtons and the great barbecue.
All three, shall we say cultural icons, made a seamless transition when the Federal Government saw it patriotic and appropriate to actually celebrate the national day on the day, January 26.
If anything, community barbecues became more prolific. The sausage and hamburger menu finding room for egg and bacon sandwiches - often consumed in the morning to allow time for participation in other activities or an afternoon nap on what is often a stinking hot day.
How long ago was this, you ask? Last century, just, only a generation ago, still within memory of most people.
Then along came the self-appointed crusaders of change. Like clockwork, out would be trotted some new design for an Australian flag as they rushed to ditch history and understanding of the journey travelled by a nation that took more than century to accept it was one following settlement by the British.
This year - there’s still time I guess - the commentariat landscape has been without graphic artist-inspired designs for a new flag.
That’s so 1990s it seems. Instead, it’s all about actually ditching Australia Day.
In conversation at the weekend I asked one keen observer of changes to Australia’s social fabric and national cohesiveness what they thought the future was for Australia Day. Gone within 15 years was the immediate response.
It prompted another question, is government trying to make the change by stealth rather to showing leadership and stating a position? The response was equally as swift: Yes!
If we have a government that says one thing - not on the agenda to change Australia Day we’re told - but the actions indicate desiring an outcome to the contrary, then it’s easy to understand why some people can detect tactics of stealth at play.
Whatever happened to the Aussie characteristic of calling a spade a spade?
If people agree, they’ll tell you. If they don’t, you’ll find out in no uncertain terms.
For any self-respecting Australian watching the actions meted out against Australia and the national day, there could be despair.
The landscape of our national identity is currently looking murkier than a turbulent dam full of yabbies.
Hardly the melting pot for mature and informed conversations to lock in our Aussie spirit, whatever it may look like in the third decade of the 21st century.
Happy Australia Day!