Hunter bush poet Bob Skelton, better known as the Minmi Magster, wrote this poem to reflect on the history of Australia Day.
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AUSTRALIA DAY 2016
Tis a wonderful country that we live in
From our coast to the vast outback
A nation we should all be proud of
There’s no denying that . . .
She is a huge land of striking contrast
In her climate and scenery
From the alpine peaks of the Snowy
To our tropical Gulf Country.
Often called the Lucky Country
The land of the long weekend, some say
But we should never, take her for granted
Many have given so much, making her what she
is today.
Let us pay tribute to our traditional owners
Who have been here since time began
May we respect their customs and their culture
Tis the least they deserve from everyone.
Our convicts came, in ball and chain
Exiled from their native land
They helped shape our national character
With great strength of heart and hand.
Our brave diggers fought in many places
From Beersheba to Gallipoli
And are still paying the ultimate sacrifice
Fighting to keep our great country free.
Today we reap the benefit of that freedom
In this land ‘neath the Southern Cross
From Paramatta to Perth, Devonport to Darwin
You’ll find no foreign borders to cross.
She is an ancient land, yet a modern land
A land of equal opportunity
Where we can work, and play together
In racial and social harmony.
A land of a ‘fair-go mate’, for everyone
A place of tolerance and liberty
A nation we can all be proud of
A staunch pillar of western society.
So come on Aussie come on
Let’s bung on a patriotic scene
As we raise our flags proud and high
On Australia Day twenty sixteen.
Finally, just one more thing I’d like to say
While I’m waxing lyrical here
I’m proud and honoured to be an Australian
On every single day of the year
(Not just on Australia Day).
