The True Meaning of Australia Day

Yet, from the desert the prophets come. Not the desert run by BHP/Billington and Essington ''I am work'' Lewis. Not the desert run by The Big Three financed by The Big Four. It's the desert that is suburbia. We are all, almost without exception, from THAT desert. And our prophets are born underneath the dull steel of a Hills Hoist. We are not just a mining pit with a pretty coastline. There's a bit more to us than that.

Our nation barely knows the words to its own national anthem. That fact makes my heart swell with pride. I love to see the horrified, furtive glances and inept, bad mime and mumbling that occurs if we ever get to that dreaded second verse. My magnificent and future Nobel Prize winning prime ministerial five-year-old daughter, Lotte May Muldoon, knows Advance Australia Fair better than 90 something per cent of the Australian population. I love that and her.

I love that if the weather is fine, our beaches will be filled. I love that a cricket ground will be packed. ON A WORK DAY.

I like that we happily shoot and eat our national symbol, the kangaroo (Sorry vegans, but I do). It speaks to our rural and indigenous past. I like that huge swathes of the city hate that.

I like that the tension between the city and the country is not that tense.

We're still finding out who the hell we are. We are a teenage nation. Which, of course brings me to the JJJ Hottest 100. Somehow, that strange and often wonderful station, has become part of our ''national identity''. No-one knows how or why. Anyone over the age of 12 gripes about JJJ, and will happily tell you when ''the glory days of JJJ'' were (I'm one of them. For mine it was when they went from JJ to JJJ. That first bit. THAT was good, weird times. But hey, you've got yours too) and you will hear JJJ across this nation on that day. It will be ubiquitous. And yes I think BBQ too. I think cricket with arguments about LBW and classic catches. It's hard not to. It'll be happening (almost) everywhere.

Do we CARE about Australia Day? Of course not. It's a bit of artificial holiday to make us think we're a nation. We have fun, we're good at that. But do we reflect on our strengths and weaknesses? About where we're headed and where we'd like to go? Do we ponder? Do we furrow our brows? Do our poets battle with the tyranny of the blank page? Do our souls expand towards a new unseen horizon sparkling with the tincture of hope?

Nup. We get on the piss. And sometimes kiss. And sometimes biff. We can, quite effortlessly become the Disney version of Australia. The worst part of us is a drunken nationalism that is like a pack of wolves seeking prey. The best part is planting trees and welcoming newcomers to this miracle of a nation that we are almost embarrassed to share, because it's THAT good. In this nation, we tend to be allowed to ''go about our business'', whatever that may be.

I've lived in this nation my entire life and I still have no idea what it is. I also hugely struggle with even typing the word ''we''. Do I love it? This place that I plant my feet? This place I potter around and bump into other lost souls seeking comfort and joy, unfussed about the concepts of ''identity'' and ''belonging'' ? This place of incomparable beauty hidden from the world, yet profoundly connected? This land of the brutal, weary, yet strangely innocent smile?

Why yes I do. Thanks for asking.

Happy Australia Day.

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Perth Skyshow 2014 - Skyworks: Perth Ready for Biggest Australia Day fireworks

THE country's biggest fireworks display will light up the sky over the Swan River on Australia Day.

More than 300,000 people are expected to gather along the Swan River foreshore for the 30th City of Perth Australia Day Skyworks, where freestyle motocross stunts and a paintball competition will thrill, along with the traditional family entertainment of bouncy castles, minigolf, face painting, water slides, rock climbing and animals.

"The event is the largest Australia Day occasion in the country," Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said.

The Circus Joseph Ashton will provide free shows of trapeze, high wires and clowns.

Vintage aircraft, jets, planes in formation and helicopters will also take to the sky, as well as fire-bombers demonstrating a water drop.

Skywriters and skydivers will entertain crowds while the RAAF will fly in close formation with daring high-speed aerobatics.

The best viewing spots for the 30-minute pyrotechnic display will be at Langley Park, Kings Park, Supreme Court Gardens and South Perth foreshore.

Some designated alcohol zones will be set up and police warn there will be a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour.

"Police will be highly visible and will be moving through the crowds to identify and respond to any issues that arise," a spokeswoman said.

Revellers have also been warned that a fire ban will be in place so all sparklers and barbecues will not be permitted.

Fremantle and Cockburn will celebrate their third annual Indian Ocean Fireworks at Bathers Beach with a free sausage sizzle, a "children's corner" and performances from artists before the 20-minute pyrotechnics display.

There is a zero-tolerance approach to public drinking and antisocial behaviour at that event.

About 40,000 spectators are expected to view the show from the Bathers Beach foreshore, the Roundhouse, Esplanade Reserve, North Mole, Monument Hill, South Beach and Fishing Boat Harbour.

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Perth Skyshow 2014 - Skyworks: Australia Day Skyworks 2014

Every year on Australia Day, The Perth sky light's up with the annual Perth Skyworks fireworks display

Metro Hotel Perth is the perfect place to be located during this event, 

To enquire about accommodation availability at Metro Hotel Perth - Please contact us for availability Phone: +61 8 9367 6122

View this special at www.metrohotels.com.au

View Metro Hotel Perth

Terms & Conditions:

• Validity dates apply - please check at time of enquiry or reservation.
• Rates are Subject to availability
• Rate is based on twin/ double share.
• Extra persons can be accommodated with additional cost.
• Maximum Occupancy is 4 persons.

Holey Sound Decisions - Holey Dollar Macquarie Group FREE Exhibition

Governor Lachlan Macquarie and the holey dollar.

Although the connection is not immediately obvious, the Macquarie Group's logo is based on the holey dollar, Australia's first coin. These silver coins were introduced 200 years ago, in 1813, appropriately by Governor Lachlan Macquarie.

Faced with a severe shortage of local currency, Macquarie had the bright idea of buying 40,000 Spanish silver dollars from the East India Company in Madras. He transformed them into local currency by punching a hole in each coin, creating an outer circular ring and an inner disc.

The outer ring was re-stamped ''New South Wales'' to become the 1813 holey dollar with a value of five shillings. The inner disc was also re-stamped to become the 1813 dump, with a value of 15 pence.

The conversion was done by a convicted forger, William Henshall.

The holey dollar, Australia's first distinct coin.

When the Macquarie Group decided to stage an exhibition of these coins to mark the anniversary, it recruited Belinda Downie, managing director of Coinworks in Melbourne.

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About 300 of these coins survive, with 200 in private hands, including most of the finest known examples. Downie knows where they are because chances are she has bought and sold them in the past 10 years.
She assembled 13 of the most significant holey dollars, with a total estimated value of $7.3 million.

These coins have taken off as solid-gold investments in the past 10 years, especially since the global financial crisis.

In March, a West Australian collector paid a record price of $495,000 for one, bought through Coinworks.
Downie also sold the holey dollar that set the previous record of $485,000 in 2011.

Three other examples have sold for more than $400,000 since 2010. Downie estimates she has sold 10 holey dollars in the past three years, for a total value of $3.46 million.

What makes the coins so special is that each is unique. Governor Macquarie's urgent request for 40,000 silver dollars did not specify dates, and the coins supplied had been struck at various mints, including Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Spain, Guatemala, Chile and Colombia.

The condition was of no concern given what would happen to them. Some, of course, are more significant than others.

One of the most notable on display at the exhibition is known as the Hannibal Head, a reference to the unflattering portrait of Joseph Bonaparte on the original Spanish coin. It is the only one known bearing this design and its exceptional condition makes it one of the most valuable. It sold at the Eminent Colonials Auction in August last year for about $450,000. The coin's previous public appearance was at a 1988 Spinks auction where it was listed with a $45,000 estimate, which bidders thought a little excessive. It's thought it sold privately after the auction for $40,500.

 Downie picked up this coin in 2007 for a cool $260,000, then on-sold it to a client who, five years later, sold it again for a profit of about $200,000.

She says this tenfold increase in value from 1988 to 2013 is typical of Holey Dollars in good condition.
The location of the mint is also significant. Holey dollars from the Mexico Mint are relatively common. Examples from Lima and Potosi are scarce.

The exhibited holey dollar struck at the Madrid Mint is unique in private hands.
The date can also be a factor.

The 1788 holey dollar on display marks the year that NSW was settled and, as if William Henshall were aware of this, the countermarks New South Wales, the holey dollar date 1813 and the Spanish dollar date 1788 are vertically aligned.

This raises an interesting question. Was Henshall under instructions to make this holey dollar the textbook coin in the series?

The exhibition also includes four examples of the 1813 dumps. Originally worth a mere 15 pence, these are also in demand. Those in exceptional condition are valued at up to $250,000.

The Macquarie Group Exhibition of Holey Dollars starts on October 2 at 1 Martin Place, Sydney. The exhibition is open to the public and admission is free.

Enjoy Australia Day in Sydney at Metro Hotel on Pitt - Metro Hotels

For Sydneysiders and regional visitors to Sydney looking to enjoy some of the many events planned for Sydney this Australia Day long weekend, Metro Hotel on Pitt, in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, is offering a great value Australia Day Package from $179* per night (real value of package is $313).

To help you celebrate Australia Day in Sydney, Metro Hotel on Pitt’s Australia Day Package includes:

• One night’s accommodation for two in a Superior Deluxe Queen room
• Lunch or dinner for two people at Paradiso Restaurant (2 courses with a glass of Australian wine or beer)
• Late checkout till 1pm
• *offer valid for January 26 – 28, 2013; subject to availability
• *Full prepayment is required at time of booking.

Some of the events planned for Sydney include the Australia Day Tall Ships Parade on Sydney Harbour; Australia Day CARnivale, one of the largest vintage car displays in the southern hemisphere; Sample Sydney, giving you an opportunity to visit a host of Sydney’s most popular cultural institutions and public buildings free-of-charge; GIO Oz Day 10K, where over 40 wheelchair athletes descend upon The Rocks to participate in this exciting 10K race; Festival of the Voice in The Rocks, a free celebration of Australian music and song on the edge of Sydney Harbour; and Darling Harbour Australia Day Spectacular, a stunning multimedia symphony of light and music, culminating in a fireworks display over Cockle Bay, to name just a few.

Previously a central city Post Office, Metro Hotel on Pitt is located in a charming, heritage-listed building at 300 Pitt Street, making it an easy walk to Cockle Bay and Darling Harbour, The Rocks, and Sydney Harbour.

Metro Hotel on Pitt offers 115 comfortable four-star guest rooms complete with modern facilities such as broadband Internet connectivity, key card access to rooms and lift, and cable television. The Hotel offers a mix of standard, superior and executive rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, and offers 24 hour reception and room service till 10 pm.

The Hotel’s facilities include a fully licensed bar and restaurant, Paradiso, offering a range of Modern Australian and European dishes, and a comprehensive wine list with a choice of local and imported wines.

Guests are able to book the Australia Day Package at Metro Hotel on Pitt by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternately guests can book online by logging onto Metro Hotels' website at www.metrohotels.com.au.

We're a Weird Mob: Australians' Bizarre Behaviour

People do some weird things overseas, which is why I wrote a post about it some time ago. Things like sticking your entire family on a scooter, or taking your goat on the bus. Or eating chips with mayo.

But it occurs to me that for foreigners coming to Australia for the first time, it would seem like we do some pretty strange stuff here as well.

So in the interests of fairness, and with a lot of help from a band of expat friends of mine, I've compiled this list of the bizarre things that Australians get up to.

Shortening all words

Whatevs, it's not like we shorten everything. Except sunnies. And boardies. And footy. And snags. And chucking a uey. And calling Barry, Baz. And Sharon, Shaz. And Robert, Robbo. I even travelled with a girl who referred to her binoculars as "binos".

"Bring a plate"

When my mum first arrived in Australia she was invited to a friend's barbecue and told to "bring a plate". So she brought a plate. An empty plate. She was a little embarrassed to find that everyone else had brought some food on theirs.

BYO

It's great when foreigners first realise this: "You can take your own wine to a restaurant? Geez, can you take your own beer to the pub?"

Watching the footy

Because there's no such thing as just "footy". There are four sports here that could qualify as "footy", and you can never be quite sure which one people are talking about. Still, you gotta love the footy.

Buying a beer

What the hell is a "pony"? And who came up with "schooner"? And why do "handles" not have actual handles? And in which other country is it normal to order a "pot of gold"? South Australia takes the grand prize for weirdness though, with a glass called a "pint" that doesn't hold a full pint.

Taking a day off for the Queen's birthday

I'm not arguing about it or anything, but it's not even on the Queen's actual birthday. And the Brits don't celebrate it, so why do we?

Having a bank robber as a national icon

Ned Kelly was no Robin Hood, was he? No altruistic man of the people. He just shot some cops and wore a bucket on his head. And we revere this guy? (OK, I know there's a lot more to this story, but from a foreigner's perspective, it's pretty odd.)

Dressing really fancy for the races...

Then getting absolutely obliterated. There's nothing more Australian than seeing a smartly dressed couple stumble out of the races, her with high heels in hand, him with a tie around his head, and start drunkenly screaming at taxis going past.

"How's it going?"

This has to be up there with the American "what's up" as the most nonsensical greeting around. How's what going? I remember a few exchange students at uni talking about this, saying, "It took me a while to realise that Australians don't actually want to know how you are going. They just want you to say 'good'."

Complaining about the rain in London

Somewhat stunningly, a mate of mine pointed out that Sydney gets more rain each year than London. Ouch.

Having celebrity TV shows that don't feature any celebrities

Australia's pool of actual, legitimate celebrities is frighteningly shallow, but that doesn't stop the networks from pumping out "celebrity" versions of their reality shows featuring people you've never heard of. We have chefs dancing on primetime TV. It's embarrassing.

Eating seafood on Christmas Day

I'm all for a few prawns and bugs on the 25th of December, but if you're from the Northern Hemisphere and were expecting a turkey roast, it might seem a little bizarre.

Worshipping meat pies

It's pastry filled with bits of meat, and slathered in tomato sauce. Not exactly a gastronomic masterpiece, but that doesn't stop us getting all excited about eating a lukewarm one at the footy.

Worshipping swimmers

Just between you and me, swimming's not really a sport, is it? It's a pastime; a survival technique. But anyone who wins gold medals over here is a big deal. Heck, we even treat walking as a real sport once every four years.

Playing the pokies

Surely the dreariest, most antisocial form of gambling there is, and yet Aussies are mad for it. We flock to pubs and clubs around the country to pour money into the gaping mouths of these flashing, dinging monsters. Sigh.

Travelling... Elsewhere

Australians love to travel, right? Well sure, as long as it's not in Australia. No, we can't tell you what WA is like, and we haven't been to Adelaide. But what do you want to know about Bali?

Rugging up for winter

Northern Hemisphere folk think it's hilarious, just as we have a chuckle when everyone strips down to their bikinis in England when the temperature nudges 20. In Australia, a brief dip into the teens will mean the scarves and coats are out for the next few months.

Wearing our thongs on our feet

This is for the Americans, who always look a little confused when you ask them if they've seen our thongs. Or, do you think I should wear thongs today? Sounds a little inappropriate... but at least it's not as dumb as jandals.

What do you think are the weirdest things Australians do?

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/blogs/the-backpacker/were-a-weird-mob-australians-bizarre-behaviour-20120609-202em.html#ixzz2AvAvUCwt

Perth Skyshow 2012 - Skyworks: Lightning and Fireworks Ignite Perth Skies in Stunning Australia Day Skyshow

Crowd numbers were slightly down on last year, but the Australia Day celebrations in Perth still attracted 250,000, despite the heat and rain.

Police said today that 139 arrests and summons were made statewide during the Skyworks.

There were 169 move-on notices issued, 67 alcohol related offences and 39 people were charged with disorderly conduct.

Police said four people were charged with driving under the influence with six people caught driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.08%.

There were nine assault charges laid, three assault on a public officer charges and seven drug related offences.

But West Australians were well-behaved during Australia Day celebrations across the state yesterday, police said.

Lightning and Fireworks Ignite Perth Skies in Stunning Australia Day Skyshow