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13th August 2008- Where God's Finger Points

Part I - THE COUNTRY

Australia is the only country in the world, which occupies an entire continent. This continent lies south east of Asia between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. This area is often referred to as Oceania.

Australia is about the same size geographically as the United States. Mountain ranges extend all around the outer edge of the continent. However, the highest mountain in Australia is but 7300 ft.

The land situated between the mountain ranges and the coastline serves host to most of the population. The coastline is adorned with beautiful white beaches and the Great Barrier Reef is noted for its beautiful coral formations.

The Interior of Australia has a vast plateau occupying nearly three fourths of the continent. One third of the land mass is at present unsuitable for habitation and in another one third the rainfall is too low to permit close settlement. Australia has the second largest desert in the world known as the Simpson Desert.

Australia lacks the large inland river systems of more mountainous countries. The largest river is the Murray, which is about 1600 miles long. Australia's total water resources are meagre compared with those of other countries. Annual rainfall for the whole of the mainland is but 16.5 inches, against the world over land average of 26 inches.

Because of its geographical position, and absence of striking physical features, Australia has a more temperate climate than other countries in corresponding latitudes. However, the warmer climate is located in the Northern part of Australia and the colder climate in the South. Summer in the temperate regions is from December to February. Sydney, Australia is about the same distance from the equator as Los Angeles in the U.S.A.

Australia is a country, which is very rich in native flowers. They include the Waratah Desert Pea, and Kangaroo Paw. The best known native three is the gum (Eucalypt). This tree is found throughout the continent with about 500 varieties. One species, the Jarah, is among the world's hardest woods. There are 600 species of the acacia known as the wattle. The wattle has found a place with the Kangaroo and the Emu in the official Australian Coat of Arms.

Australia has about 400 species of native animals and 700 species of birds; many of them found nowhere else in the world. Nearly half of the native mammals are marsupials, animals that rear their young in a pouch. Apart from the Kangaroo family, the best-known animals are the Koala, Dingo, Wombat, and Platypus. Birds include the Emu, which is the second largest bird in the world, the Kookaburra, (known as the laughing jackass), Cockatoos, and many other types of Parrots, Hawks and Eagles.

For many years up to the 17th century it was believed in the old world that a great Southern continent existed. Men of many different nationalities contributed to the discovery and exploration of Australia. The first European contact was in 1606 by Dutch explorers. It was not until 1770 when the Englishman Captain James Cook chartered the East Coast that any appreciable exploration was undertaken. Cook took possession of the land in the name of Britain. The name Australia, meaning "Southland" is believed to have been first used in the 19th century.

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The loss of the American colonies in the War of Independence led the British government to turn to Australia for alternative overseas settlement. Captain Arthur Philip commanded the first fleet of 11 ships, which brought out of England 1500 people, including 800 convicts. The first settlement was founded in January 1788 at Sydney; N.S.W. This was a new beginning for Australia. This day is celebrated annually on January 26th by a public holiday (Australia Day). It is now 213 years since Captain Cook's great voyage of discovery and in that time Australia has been developed into a thriving nation.

Before Federation in 1901, the present states were self governing British Colonies. Australia became a nation on January 1, 1901 after the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act was passed by the parliament of Britain. There are six states and two mainland territories. The states are: New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia. The two territories are: Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. Canberra is the national capitol of Australia and is located in the Australian Capitol Territory. "Australia's Washington" attracts tourist from all parts of the world.

The system of government in Federal and State Parliaments is modelled on the British Cabinet system. Voters choose between candidates at elections. The leader of the political party holding a majority in the Lower House is then called on to form a government. This government holds office for a statutory term as long as it retains the confidence of a majority of members. The main established political parties are the Liberal Party, The Australian Labour Party and the Australian Country Party. Each state has a system of local government with areas known as cities, towns, Municipalities and shires. Australia pioneered the secret ballot at elections and compulsory voting.

The population of Australia is approximately 15 million, which is less than the population in New York City. Density population is 4 people to the square mile compared to 54 per square mile in the U.S.A. It is estimated that Australia can accommodate a population of 60 million people. Australia's biggest cities are State capitals. The approximate population figures are: Sydney, N.S.W 3 million; Melbourne, Vic. 2 1/2 million; Brisbane, Qld 1 million; Adelaide, S.A. 1 million; Perth, W.A. 3/4 million; Hobart, Tasmania 1/4 million; Canberra, ACT 1/4 million and Darwin, NT 50,000.

The Aboriginal population, including persons of Aboriginal descent, is estimated at 140,000. It is estimated that, at the time of the first European settlement, there may have been some 300,000 Aboriginals scattered across Australia. The Aboriginals origin is uncertain, but it is thought that their ancestors migrated from South East Asia.

The Aboriginal tribes learned to cope very well with an often-harsh environment. Living as semi nomadic hunters and food gatherers, they did not cultivate crops or domesticate animals. Their material belongings were few, but some of their weapons and tools were extremely ingenious. The boomerang, well known around the world, was first used for hunting. They lived in small groups and spoke a number of different languages. They had complex systems of social organization and their culture was rich with ceremony and mythology. Aboriginals designed unique bark paintings and rock engravings.

Very few Aboriginals still live a nomadic life unaffected by contact with Europeans. In Northern and central Australia most of them live and work in remote areas on government settlements, missions, stations or pastoral properties. In the Southern States, where most of the Aboriginals are of mixed descent, there is an increasing movement to the cities.
...to be continued