My husband just sent me this link -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGoNbrODq8U -- because he knows how I always enjoy a good flash mob song/dance video. This one is especially wonderful because you can do good while you watch: "Variety WA and Storyteller Media got together to produce this Flash Mob video with the Variety Youth Choir performing 'I Am Australia' at the Karrinyup Shopping Centre food hall. Proceeds from the Google and YouTube ads will go to the flood disaster relief fund."

As I listened to these young people sing, I was struck by several thoughts. Like us, Australia is a nation of immigrants. They, too, have had a less-than-honorable history with their indigenous peoples. Like us, they are a nation with many states, encompassing vast geographical expanses. They are a generous people, who believe in individual freedom and friendliness.

The song "I Am Australian" was written by Bruce Woodley of The Seekers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSoGJQkKDYk).

I came from the dream time, from the dusty red soil plains.
I am the ancient heart, the keeper of the flame.
I stood upon the rocky shore, I watched the tall ships come.
For forty thousand years, I'd been the first Australian.

We are one, but we are many.
And from all the lands on earth we come.
We share a dream, and sing with one voice.
I am, you are, we are Australian.

I came upon the prison ship, bound down by iron chains.
I cleared the land, endured the lash, and waited for the rains.
I'm a settler, I'm a farmer's wife on a dry and barren run.
A convict, then a free man, I became Australian.

I'm the daughter of a digger who sought the mother lode.
The girl became a woman on the long and dusty road.
I'm a child of the depression, I saw the good times come.
I'm a bushy, I'm a battler, I am Australian.

We are one, but we are many.
And from all the lands on earth we come.
We share a dream, and sing with one voice,
I am, you are, we are Australian.

I'm a teller of stories, I'm a singer of songs.
I am Albert Namatjira, and I paint the ghostly gums.
I am Clancy on his horse, I'm Ned Kelly on the run.
I'm the one who waltzed Matilda, I am Australian.

I'm the hot wind from the desert, I'm the black soil of the plains.
I'm the mountains and the valleys, I'm the drought and flooding rains.
I am the rock, I am the sky, the rivers when they run.
The spirit of this great land, I am Australian.

We are one, but we are many.
And from all the lands on earth we come.
We share a dream, and sing with one voice.
I am, you are, we are Australian.

very moving - I passed it on to a former colleague who teaches an Austrailia Unit to her 4th graders. thanks for sharing.