Populate or Perish

16Mar13

Following World War II, Australia had a population of about seven million people. Isolated and without a sizeable population to fend off invasion, Minister of Immigration, Arthur Calwell, famously proclaimed that Australia must “populate or perish“. In the decades since, Australia has grown surely, if not steadily to a current population of 21 million. While I only saw a small sliver of this large country, I have every reason to believe that it still feels awfully desolate in many regions. In fact, as I expected, I came across large rural areas largely devoid of human settlement. Two things, however, really did surprise me:

1. Australia is as culturally diverse as any nation.

2. The small towns of Australia have done a wonderful job of preserving and utilizing their historic resources.

Attending the citizenship ceremony on Australia Day, January 26th, in Darebin, an inner-city suburb of Melbourne, introduced me to the breadth of cultures that now call Australia home. In Darebin, there are nearly 150 different nationalities living side-by-side! Visiting Darebin’s Preston Market later that same day, I marvelled at the bounty of ethnic foods available. Many of the market stalls were owned by immigrant families, many having emigrated several generations ago. At the same time, more recent arrivals had taken over some of the meat and seafood stalls.

My host in Darebin was my friend Bo and his family. I met Bo while backpacking through Europe in 1999. All these years later, Bo is now a Darebin City Councillor where he is an advocate for great progressive causes like renewable energy, sustainable transportation and urban agriculture. Bo and his wife were both raised in families that immigrated to Australia during their childhoods. In addition, I met Lonely Planet co-founder Tony Wheeler, who happened to be attending the citizenship ceremony as an Australia Day ambassador. My entire Australia Day experience was very special. it was easily one of the best days of my global journey not only for the community spirit I was apart of, but also,for how the day connected directly to my interest in cultural exchange and understanding.

Throughout my travels in Australia I was very impressed with the historic streetscapes in Australia’s small towns. Several locals told me it was due to the country’s reliance on tourism and wanting to project a clean and tidy image. Whatever the reason, it was great walking around these towns, gazing in the commercial storefronts and reading the interpretive signage that explained their significance. Launceston and Hobart, on the island of Tasmania, had two of my favorite historic downtowns. Combining great local beer and historic buildings and you have a winning combination!

: Signed posted at the Victorian gardens in Cataract Gorge in Launceston

: A short walk from downtown Launceston is the spectacular Cataract Gorge

: The swimming pool at Cataract Gorge in Launceston

: Another great looking street in Launceston, Tasmania

: Although not connected to US based Target Corp (besides licensing of the target symbol), it was refreshing to see a department store being a good neighbor in Launceston’s commercial downtown.

: Launceston is a great small city in Tasmania. I spent one day in Launceston, purchasing supplies and looking around, prior to leaving for the Overland Track

: Heaps of great Art Deco architecture in Australia. This prominent corner is in Launceston, Tasmania

: Some of the simple dwellings near the hostel in Launceston, Tasmania

: At the end of the Overland Track, I spend an afternoon exploring Hobart, Australia’s second oldest city, including some remarkable historic buildings

: Sandstone warehouses, in Hobart, tastefully reused for restaurants, shops and galleries

: I met Bo while travelling in Spain in 1999. It was great seeing him and meeting his family at their home near Melbourne

: Bo’s sons showing me how fast they can ride their bikes!

: Bo invited me to attend the Citizenship Ceremony in Darebin, where he is a city councillor

: Site of the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony

: “The Connies is a collective of tram conductors, performers, educators, ecologists and nature lovers touring festivals, shows and other events throughout Victoria and beyond” The Connies entertained the hall before the citizenship ceremony began with a few jolly tunes about the diversity of Australia

: Nearly 150 new citizens received their citizenship in Darebin.

: Bo greeting the new citizens

: The new citizens, on-stage, celebrating their accomplishment

: I met adventure travel pioneer and Lonely Planet Co-founder, Tony Wheeler! He signed my 2004 Lonely Planet Australia, a discard from the Tucson-Pima County Public Library! Tony serves as an Australia Day Ambassador

: Ryan and his flags after the Citizenship Ceremony

: After attending the Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony in Darebin, I felt 80% Australian! The Aboriginal flag is displayed behind us

: Melbourne trams historically had green clad conductors called “Connies”. A small troupe of Connies performed at the Australia Day ceremony in the City of Darebin

: Another fine example of Australia’s commitment to historic buildings and the arts. This historic home is now a regional art gallery and cafe

: Hanging out with Bo and his sons at the Bundoora Homestead

: This girl is a member of the exclusive 26er Club, a special group open to residents of Victoria who are born on January 26, Australia Day. She has been given a lapel pin for each of her 11 birthdays

: Gathering to cut a birthday cake on Australia Day at Bundoora Park Heritage Village in Darebin

: Lots of interactive activities during the Australia Day festivities at Bundoora Park in Darebin

: A big cake to celebrate Australia Day. Note the island state of Tasmania

: Bo and the Mayor, on the left, made the rounds on Australia Day

: This guy wins the spirit award on Australia Day at Australia Day celebrations at the Bundoora Park Heritage Village

: The really cool Preston Market in Darebin. After attending the citizenship ceremony, it was great to see the various nationalities, and their foods, represented at this lively market in suburban Melbourne

: Making pizza with Bo and family

: Getting ready to enjoy the product of our labor

: Car show at the Royal Exhibition Building

: Melbourne is an active city with many people enjoying the beautiful summer weather on this Sunday afternoon, the final day of the Australian Open tennis tournament

: Contemporary multi-purpose center in Melbourne’s CBD. Features the National Gallery’s collection of Australian Art, including some excellent Aboriginal art.

: Melbourne has a great tram system, featuring both historic and modern trolley cars

: After disassembling my camera every week or so during the first six months of my RTW trip, the screen stopped working in Melbourne. With no screen and no viewvinder, I didn;t have any way to compose images my final day in Melbourne or along the Great Ocean Road.