On this #AustraliaDay, I am struck by this thought: I wasn’t born here. I was lucky enough to be welcomed here. I have lived a decade of my adult life overseas but overwhelmingly my friends have been and are Australian. Some have heritage going back 1000s of years.
Some like me are migrants. They come from everywhere. Many are multi-generational white Australians who love this country and strive for it. I don’t want my kids putting their hands on their hearts to pledge allegiance. They don’t need to. They’re Australians already.
I recognise the deep pain many, if not all, aboriginal Australians feel about January 26. I have listened to that and I feel it. But I am proud of this complex mess we call Australia and overwhelmingly grateful to be part of it. Let’s keep talking, loving and seeing each other.
