One Mob, One Flag, 
A canvas full of colour with desert skies so blue,
a vivid transformation, an awesome outback view.
Brushstrokes of an artist depicted by so few,
a land of isolation, Aussie through and through.
A golden wattle landscape with dingoes on the plain,
kangaroo and emu, so much more to name.
Eucalyptus canopies, koalas in the trees,
pink galahs and cockatoos with eagles on the breeze.
Snow on Kosciusko with rugged mountain streams,
salt lakes in the centre, a land of such extremes.
My family came with nothing, tested their resolve,
hell on earth to conquer, a kingdom to evolve.
I call myself Australian, to that there is no doubt,
a desert education, tons of sand and drought.
Third generation, worked to earn my keep,
Muloorina Station, via Marree, mostly chasing sheep.
Enjoy the life you’re given, we only get one go,
strive to make a difference, self-respect on show.
Mate ship and compassion, commitment to reward,
give a hand to those in need, we’ve so much to applaud.
A sporting nation of renown, heroes young and old,
fortunes made and fortunes lost in the land of green and gold.
Get up, get out, present yourself, working as a team,
everyone in unison, the great Australian dream.
Migration by the thousands, a land of boom and bust,
family so important, catch-ups are a must.
Proud to be an Aussie, a country so diverse,
everyone’s a winner, dividends to disperse.
So many different people trying to belong,
chant in revelation, excitement flowing strong.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, surging through the crowd,
waving flags and posters, united, loud and proud.
Sorry’s done and dusted, acceptance comes with age,
looking back is history, time to turn the page.
Dig in to build a future, tomorrows on its way,
don’t burn your bridges, prepare your place to stay.
Health, wealth and happiness on an island girt by sea,
Australia, way down under, no place I’d rather be.
All for one and one for all, our future’s in the bag,
let’s celebrate, not remonstrate, and proudly fly our flag.
Glen Hughes ©
Nelle's journey 