For many of us, Australia is home. No matter where ones origins are, being or becoming an Australian is a great feeling. Australia is our rock, a home we all return to. A haven and and a place where you can feel safe. When overseas, the Aussie slang is easily recognisable, especially when we hear the word “Owyagoing mate”.
Only Australians say that. Today, the word buddy has infiltrated into the Australian vocabulary and I for one feel sad that it’s not Australian but American. Nothing against our American cousins, but I do love the Aussie way of speaking and I guess I am being biased.
ORIGINS
It maybe said that the crucible of Australians today have their roots embedded in the convict mentality of a bygone era. Yet it is these same roots that sought out the freedom to spread out and strengthen the trunks, the branches and the leaves above them. Therefore it is not wrong to say that the trunks, branches and leaves represent the descendants of those convict roots.
The love, hate relationship with the old country is but an emotional bond between child and parent. In this case, the parent being harsh and disciplinarian towards the child did not change the child’s longing for its parent. As an Australian, of Greek heritage, born overseas in a land where warriors once roamed an ancient land, Australia is still home to me. Difficult years at first, but now I am part of a great people. Australians.
As for the early arrivals some 200 plus years ago, a new people emerged and developed out of the harsh environment in which they acclimatised and became a accustomed to. Taller, stronger, fitter, healthier and certainly with a mixture of courage, resilience, compassionate and larrikinsm that we now refer to as Aussies.
These Aussies went onto demonstrate to the world that they too were worthy to strut the world stage and bring about change. One must admit that in doing so, there were patches of dark moments and history is full of clashes between the First peoples and those who emerged from the convict era.
TWO PEOPLES
Yet despite these dark moments in the young nations growth, a healthy respect amongst the two peoples grew and the differences fueled by indigenous and non indigenous peoples began to dissolve, leaving only the remnants of bygone unresolved differences. Differences that may never be resolved but but be absorbed by time itself.
The two great wars had an enormous effect at the psychological and societal level on the average Australian; and it became apparent that Australia in order to survive required to make changes to its policies towards migrants and to consider other than of Anglo/Saxon origins. Thus it came to pass that post WW2, Australia welcomed and embraced millions of New Australians into its bosom.
NEW AUSTRALIANS
These new arrivals who we once referred to as New Australians began to integrate within Australian society, accepting institutions, the way of life, the people and contributing towards Australia’s economic security. The influence of these New Australians though at first was met with some suspicion, yet even then, Australians were captivated and were influenced by the new arrivals culture, food, entertainment, sport, positive outlook on life, and their hard working attitude.
Some would call it multiculturalism, others would say a crucible, some would prefer melting pot, all of which has the same meaning. Yet despite these descriptions, I felt that in my opinion they all described organised chaos and inferred assimilation rather than integration. Others would point out the psychological impact these new arrivals had on the existing layer of society and the similarities faced by the First peoples when the convict ships arrived at Botany Bay.
My view of New Australians is that the policies we have in place should be used as a vehicle to be used effectively to integrate these new arrivals into Australia. Let not policies be used for political purposes but rather what they can contribute to make Australia a strong and vibrant society. A society that can stand alone and face the challenges of the future with confidence and courage.
A NEW BEGINNING
I ask therefore, whether we are at the cusp of making a break from the past, severing the bonds with the old country without losing sight of our origins. Moving forward with the same confidence as the First peoples that inhabited this great land and creating a new people with those who landed on these shores in the past 250 years.
The signs of change are there, look around you and ask yourself whether Australia has changed. If that what one sees is of a positive nature, then we as a race of Australians are on the right track. If on the other hand we see nothing but unresolved differences, alternative lifestyles, anguish, grief, problems and racial issues, then we as a nation are not ready as a people to move forward.
Who knows, maybe the recent royal visit to Australia by King Charles infuences Australians towards the path towards a Republic. I guess in this day and age, anything is possible.
As always, be of good cheer, don’t become a toadstool, enjoy your environment, be happy and never give up.
*Peter Adamis is an independent freelance journalist.
