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Australia day is celebrated on Jan 26th, to commemorate the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the proclamation of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of New Holland
Records of celebrations on 26 January date back to 1808, with the first official celebration of the formation of New South Wales held in 1818. It is an official public holiday in every state and territory of AustraliaWe celebrate in the summer heat with outdoor concerts, barbecues, sports competitions, festivals and fireworks. Wikipedia/Australia_Day |
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~ Is God In Uluru ~
Will God be found in twilight's cool, above Mount Kosciusko Shall He ski the Snowy mountains. Is He everywhere we go Will we hear Him by the billabong, or off the beaten track of Uluru Will He take us through the sandy desert, or all the way to Timbuktu Can He sail with us the river Murray, or the Great Australian Bight Across the rugged Tasman gulf, led by the Southern Cross at night Will we know His love in Alice Springs, or at sunset on the beach Along the golden coast of Queensland.. Is He ever out of reach From within the northern canyons, to each wondrous waterfall In the dust storms, droughts and fires- God will always softly call All down under, past the black stump In the never never that we see God is here to be adored, within the heart of you and me Soft Aussie Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2006 heartwhispers@iinet.net.au Uluru is the biggest monolith in the world That means it is the biggest single rock, - a 6-mile hike around the base, it's like a glacier: only a percentage of Uluru is actually above the ground click for more ~ Gorgeous Ozzie sunsets |
 Uluru ( Ayers Rock) central Aust   Grass trees, we had on the farm, and we have 2 on our city block, so special  Uluru (Ayers Rock) |
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We sang this at school..
"My Country" I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, of droughts and flooding rains. I love her far horizons, I love her jewel-sea, Her beauty and her terror-the wide brown land for me! Though earth holds many splendours, wherever I may die, I know to what brown country my homing thoughts will fly. © 1904 Dorothea MacKellar 1885 ~ 1968 *********************************** Middle click - Banjo Paterson wrote the poem
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 Our cheeky galahs, koala, roo Middle click
~ The Man From Snowy River -The Descent~ best horse skills ever -one of the best parts of the movie stars Tom Burlinson, Jack Thompson, Sigrid Thornton and Kirk Douglas Australiangeographic/2012/02/this-day-in-history-Banjo-Paterson-was-born |
Ruffey Park Doncaster Victoria
~ Place Of Peace ~
Stunned by her beauteous golden vein, her open brazen face
I gaze across her great expanse, the wonders of His grace,
This country steeped in desert heat, where folk of every race may share,
Her fragrant gums of ghostly hue, to shelter every blossom rare
As earth meets earth, great chasms leap, from mountain peak to driest creek
And parrots screech to call us home, as heart to heart we long to meet
To rest at night and gaze the skies, where haze yet blinds to stars ablaze
Of God's own hand that flung His light, the southern cross His sign to raise
Thus bold, her dawn-rich colour leaps, from 'neath her dust we cry to clear
In prayer for rain to break her drought, to soak the earth and life appear
Through waves of wheat my heart will fly, with wild abandon it will come
The harvest ripe of blessing yet, where God would have His praises rung
For long I pray my country's soul, shall rise up from her sandy skirts
To lift their hearts in desperate need, for God to quench the raging thirst
Hold back this fearsome greedy gale, where sounds the pound of hammering nail
As ocean tides draw wider yet
For God's true Word to never fail
Soft Aussie Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2006
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
God made the beauty, we shan't forget..
Stunned by her beauteous golden vein, her open brazen face
I gaze across her great expanse, the wonders of His grace,
This country steeped in desert heat, where folk of every race may share,
Her fragrant gums of ghostly hue, to shelter every blossom rare
As earth meets earth, great chasms leap, from mountain peak to driest creek
And parrots screech to call us home, as heart to heart we long to meet
To rest at night and gaze the skies, where haze yet blinds to stars ablaze
Of God's own hand that flung His light, the southern cross His sign to raise
Thus bold, her dawn-rich colour leaps, from 'neath her dust we cry to clear
In prayer for rain to break her drought, to soak the earth and life appear
Through waves of wheat my heart will fly, with wild abandon it will come
The harvest ripe of blessing yet, where God would have His praises rung
For long I pray my country's soul, shall rise up from her sandy skirts
To lift their hearts in desperate need, for God to quench the raging thirst
Hold back this fearsome greedy gale, where sounds the pound of hammering nail
As ocean tides draw wider yet
For God's true Word to never fail
Soft Aussie Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2006
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
God made the beauty, we shan't forget..
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~ Waltzing Matilda ~
middle click MP3 ~ "Once a Jolly Swagman" Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong, Under the shade of a coolibah tree, And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boiled, "Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me? Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda, Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me?" And he sang as he watched and waited till his billy boiled, "Who'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me?" Down came a jumbuck to drink at the billabong: Up jumped the swagman and grabbed him with glee. And he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker-bag, "You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me. Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda, You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me." he sang as he shoved that jumbuck in his tucker-bag, "You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me." Up rode a squatter, mounted on his thoroughbred; Down came the troopers, one, two, three: "Who's that jolly jumbuck you've got in your tucker-bag? You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me! Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda, You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me. Who's that jolly jumbuck you've got in your tucker-bag? You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me!" Up jumped the swagman and sprang into the billabong; "You'll never catch me alive!" said he; And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong, "You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me! Waltzing Matilda, Waltzing Matilda, You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me!" And his ghost may be heard as you pass by that billabong, "You'll come a-waltzing Matilda with me!" ****************  Swagmen with billies  West aussie flag with swan |
  Billabong in gum trees * swagman: an intinerant farmhand, carrying his "swag" (his blankets) rolled into a cylinder
* billabong: a creek (normally with a pronounced "oxbow" bend) * coolibah tree: a eucalypt (gum) tree ) * billy boiled: - tin can used to heat water over a campfire to make tea * jumbuck: sheep * tucker-bag: bag or box used to store food * squatter: farmer/grazier who simply found good land and took possession; some became extremely rich * trooper: policeman or soldier on horseback  Billabong |
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~ I am the flag of Australia ~
middle click for The Seekers video music "I am Australian" , Georgy girl, Waltzing Matilda, Advance Australia Fair My name is "Southern Cross" I fly atop the tallest heights.. I stand guard in our courts of justice. Majestically I fly on institutions of might. I stand guard with honour in the world. I stand for peace, honour, truth and justice. I stand for freedom and for truth. When I am flown with my fellow banners, I wave with friendliness, My colours bright against the sky of blue. I am recognized all over the world. I am saluted, loved and revered. I am respected - and I am loved. I have fought in wars for 200 years. I was there at Gallipoli, the trenches of Turkey, World War 11, Korea and Vietnam. I'm presently in the mountains of Afghanistan and the hot and dusty deserts of Iraq and wherever freedom's in demand. I led my troops, I was dirty, battle worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me. I may have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of some countries, It does not hurt for I am the Australian flag. I have helped to set them free. I may have been burned, torn and trampled in the streets of my own country, And when it's done by those whom I've served in battle -I do not cower. I shall overcome - for I am Australia. I have borne silent witness to Australia's finest hours. I am torn into strips and used as bandages for the wounded on the battlefield, I am flown at half-mast to honour the soldier who kneels, I lie in the trembling arms of heartbroken parents at the grave of their fallen child, they grieve with love, they hold their Australian flag, as they cry. 'unknown' middle click for sweet video
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 Australian parliament house, Canberra   ANZAC day, soldiers parade in Sydney middle click music ~
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The Australian flag consists of three main elements:
- The Union Jack in the upper hoist quadrant, denoting Australia's historical links with Great Britain.
The Union Jack is red and white intersecting, overlayed vertical and diagonal crosses on a blue background, - The Southern Cross - stars. Consists of five stars in a kite-like pattern - The constellation of the Southern Cross is a significant navigational feature of the southern hemisphere, strongly places Australia geographically and has been associated with the continent since its earliest days,
- The Commonwealth Star or Star of Federation, central left in the third quarter or lower hoist, has seven points to denote the six states and the combined territories of the Commonwealth. The seventh point was added in 1909.
- Its an honour.gov.au/symbols/otherflags
Yes, there is a midnight roo hopping here
 Sydney Harbour bridge and Opera house   The aussie windmill |
Australia's National Anthem middle click MP3 "Advance Australia Fair choir" Australians all let us rejoice, For we are young and free; We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature’s gifts Of beauty rich and rare; In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair. Beneath our radiant Southern Cross We’ll toil with hearts and hands; To make this Commonwealth of ours Renowned of all the lands; For those who’ve come across the seas We’ve boundless plains to share; With courage let us all combine To Advance Australia Fair. In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair. Peter Dodds McCormick 1834-1916 Facts/national_anthem |
middle click ~ Advance
Australia Fair solo
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~ Beneath The Southern Cross~ As a girl... I slept beneath the southern cross Beneath God's starry sky Each night, I gazed into His heaven The cross was there on high. I knew He was my guide- The cross was there to find, Where Jesus loved and died for me So I will never die. Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 11th April 2011 heartwhispers@iinet.net.au 1. Slide Show ~ abc.net./starhunt/tour/virtual 2. The Southern Cross dibonsmith.com |
Middle click video ~ "True Blue
Wonders" celebrates the beautiful country of Australia
 ~ Hot Diggety Dog ~
It's picnic time, spring yippee-yay Oh, neato, hot diggety dog, Let's fire up the rusty barbie And just enjoy the lot. You bring the hot dogs And sweet chili sauce, I'll squash the ants, poor boys And get the punch of course. Would you want french fries Hamburgers, maybe pickle relish too, ketchup, catsup, aw meow Will just mustard do. Some crispy crunchy lettuce Cucumber and rich creamy cheese, Hot diggety dog, it's spring at last We're blessed with all we need. Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2005 heartwhispers@iinet.net.au For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; The fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape, give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. Song of Solomon 2:11-12 |
  Red wattlebird chicks  aussie tucker  |
 ~ He Ain't Heavy ~
Though I might feel tattered, torn By the heat, I gotta bear, My heart keeps beatin' on 'Cause folks 'aint heavy When I wanna care. When I plonk on down n' sigh Wonderin' where tha strength'll come, I say hang on, they 'aint heavy When I get to have God's love. As a great road looms ahead With lottsa miles to tread, Dear Lord, lift it all, I pray For life surely 'aint a load If You c'n carry me all day. Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2005 heartwhispers@iinet.net.au In any trial, in any bitter situation, you are not alone, not helpless, nor a victim. You have a sheltering tree, a cross, shown to you by the Sovereign God of Calvary. Whatever the trial or temptation, it is not more than you can bear, for it can be handled in God's strength. Joseph knew, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive" (Genesis 50:20). 'Kay Arthur' |
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Australia day fireworks on the beach 26th January 2007--with God's fireworks-lightening - we were there, it was magnificent
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The Australian Coat of Arms
New South Wales: Gold lion on red St Georges cross, star each end on white background Victoria: Southern cross stars, beneath an imperial crown on blue background Queensland: Light blue maltese cross, Crown in centre on white background South Australia: Magpie wings outstretched on yellow background Western Australia: black swan swimming Tasmania: Red lion on white background The shield is enclosed by an ermine border, signifying the federation of the States into the Commonwealth The Crest of the Arms, consisting of a seven-pointed gold star on a blue and gold wreath. Six points represent each of the States of the Commonwealth, the seventh point represents the Commonwealth Territories The Supporters of the Coat of Arms,- Australian endemic Fauna: ie the Kangaroo -to the left and the Emu - to the right. -depicted in a compartment adorned with wattle (Acacia pycnantha) leaves and inflorescence, and a scroll with the word "AUSTRALIA".  |
  The green is where there's rain/crops, the brown is cattle/mining country and is rugged/dry -except during flood season, like Queensland has in summer. All across top is tropical, The sthrn climate is temperate 34-110F, but NSW, Vic and Tas have snow on mntns, so there are ski resorts |
Opal -Australia's national gemstone
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The Governor-General, the Hon Bill Hayden AC, proclaimed the opal
Australia's national gemstone on 27 July 1993. -a stone famous across the world for its brilliant colours.  Opal from Lightning Ridge NSW  Opal from Lightning Ridge NSW  Boulder Opal from Quilpie QLD |
The Opal, known to Indigenous people as the fire of the desert, is a powerful symbol of Australia's arid interior. Australia is home to the world's highest quality, precious opal. The most famous is black opal from Lightning Ridge in New South Wales. Black opal has a colour play of red, green, blue, violet, magenta or yellow against a dark background. Australia's opal fields are bigger than those found in the rest of the world combined. Opal production in South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland, was worth $47 million to Australia in 2007-2008 and supports many communities
Australian opals are valued for their stability as well as brilliance. Opals from other countries are associated with volcanic rock and have high water content and tend to crack or craze during cutting or polishing, or during hot or dry conditions. Australia's precious opals include black opal, white opal, crystal opal, fire opal and boulder opal. © Australian National Botanic Gardens |
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 All Australian coins
have the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the front. The reverse side of $2, $1 and 50c coins frequently feature new commemorative designs. The $2 coin- introduced in 1988 to replace the $2 note. It features an Aboriginal tribal elder, the Southern Cross and native grass trees. The $1 coin- introduced in 1984 to replace the $1 note. It features kangaroos on the reverse side. Reverse of: 50c coin features Australia's Coat of Arms. 20c coin features the platypus (replaced with an image of Sir Donald Bradman). 10c coin features a male lyrebird dancing. 5c coin features an echidna. (2c and 1c coins were phased out in 1990 ) © RoyalAustralianmint.gov.au/designs |
~ Australian Currency ~
The old $5 note features Queen Elizabeth II, and Parliament House.click God Save The Queen- we all sang this at school The new $5 note features Sir Henry Parkes (1815-1896, politician and architect of Australian Federation, and Catherine Spence (1825-1910) writer and feminist. The $10 note features A.B. ('Banjo') Paterson (1864-1941) poet, author of Waltzing Matilda and Man from Snowy River, and Dame Mary Gilmore (1865-1962) poet and social reformer. The $20 note features the Reverend John Flynn (1880-1951), founder of Royal Flying Doctor Service, and Mary Reibey (1777-1855) former convict, pioneer businesswoman. The $50 note features David Unaipon (1872-1967), Aboriginal writer and inventor, and Edith Cowan (1861-1932) first female Australian politician. The $100 note features Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931), world-renowned soprano, and General Sir John Monash (1865-1931), civil engineer and distinguished soldier.   |
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Middle click video ~ "Visit Australia"
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middle click video
"There's nothing like Australia"
greeting cards
Spiritisup/Hooroo
Spiritisup/Aussie valentine
Spiritisup/This way to summer
Spiritisup/It's hot down unda
Spiritisup/Place of peace
Spiritisup/Is God in Uluru
Spiritisup/Let's dig the jag
Spiritisup/He ain't heavy
Spiritisup/Australian Christmas bush baby
"There's nothing like Australia"
greeting cards
Spiritisup/Hooroo
Spiritisup/Aussie valentine
Spiritisup/This way to summer
Spiritisup/It's hot down unda
Spiritisup/Place of peace
Spiritisup/Is God in Uluru
Spiritisup/Let's dig the jag
Spiritisup/He ain't heavy
Spiritisup/Australian Christmas bush baby
Koalas are not bears, they're marsupials, carry baby in stomach pouch
