The Lucky Country

An hour ago, my kids sat at the table in their pyjamas, eating Weetbix. We had the back door open, and there were magpies warbling in the bush block opposite our place. Other than that, it was quiet.

There are bathers and beach towels flapping on the clothesline, after our swim the other day. Next to them are Jack's school clothes, washed and ready for his first day. He will be attending a primary school that allows anybody to enrol, regardless of religion, gender, political preference or wealth. Apart from a small fee to cover excursions and books, it is free education, available to anybody who wants it.

I have just boiled a big pot of potatoes, ready to make a potato salad for the BBQ we are going to today. Even with the horrendous flooding in our country, food is still plentiful and readily available. I went to the supermarket to buy these potatoes last night. I went after dark, on my own. Nobody thought twice about a woman being out of her home without a chaperone, because it's normal. And safe.

I drove home last night with a car boot full of food for my children. The only thing that restricted my shopping was my own money - other than that, every food or product I could ever need or want was available. The road I drove on was safe, and smooth.

At lunchtime today, we are heading off to a BBQ with a great big group of friends. Sixteen children will be able to run and play in the backyard, and will probably have a high old time. Today being the day we celebrate our nation, there will be plenty of meat on the grill, drinks and laughs and good company. There will be absolutely no reason to fear for our safety, or wonder if there will be enough food left over for tomorrow, or fearfully watch our children if they play in the garden at the front of the house.

All of this - plenty of food to eat, clothes to wear, free education for all, friends, family, equal rights for women and a safe place to live - most of us take for granted every day. In fact, this is what we have come to expect - this is 'normal', this is life in our country. Wouldn't it be amazing if we could provide these luxuries for all people?

Happy Australia Day.