A sign of the times, a celebration of Multiculturalism

I wrote briefly about the Australian of the Year awards, but failed to mention the most important aspects of these awards.

Throughout the presentations you have to be aware that the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs had a leading role in making the arrangements. As part of the success of these events it was obvious that VIPs would be given (while the hoi polloi would have to purchase) symbols of Australiana so that the 'true blue' patriotic nature of one of our cultural events of the year - the selection and celebration of the Australian of the Year would be surrounded by the symbols of what it means to be an Australian.

So what was in the 'show bags' which were carefully laid out on the seats of those privileged enough to be VIP guests on the occasion?

First and foremost of course were the Australian flags and the hats bearing the Australian flag.

I suspect that almost none of those present actually looked at the little tags which decorate these symbols of Australia. Unfortunately, I did. They were made in China!

Prior to the occasion's commencement all of the VIPs were herded to an enclosure surrounded by security in which they were served - what else, lamb chops which were cooked on a bar-b-que. For those in the know while this is an 'Australian' tradition the BBQ is actually something that comes and is named after a way of cooking that originated in the Caribbean where the Carib Indians, cooked their meals in this fashion.

There were of course also prawns, but they resembled the 'shrimps on the barbie' made famous by one of our Australian legends when inviting Americans to visit our shores and spend their money.

When you also managed to get your laughing gear around the sausages you did not have traditional tomato sauce to dip them in, but instead there was a delicious sweet chili sauce which was available.

The canapes comprised some Italian cheeses surrounded by olives and of course a pancake in which was a form of Peking duck held together with seaweed.

As for the drinks, well there was some form of drink which has been based on the coca plant (a south American import) as well as the more traditional red and white wines and of course orange juice, lemonade and the occasional bottle of bubbly (which we are not allowed to call Champagne).

Guests were welcomed to the event by a traditional owner of the land and at least one of the recipients of an award was of indigenous origin while at least another was a relatively recent immigrant.

All in all a very Australian, multicultural and indigenous experience.

There was in fact just one thing missing!

No one served up a Pavlova!