As a immigrant to Australia, after my own childhood was over, I find the ancient culture and diverse population of Australia to be completely fascinating. There are, of course, issues that any country which has been settled by "hostile" immigration faces once "occupation" has settled into "real life".... political and social issues that will take many, many years to balance out and become fair to all. It can be very hard to balance a diverse population with what is best for the environment and to preserve the many unique cultures, both ancient and new. Australia itself is a extremely diverse continent, and due to its absolute isolation from the other continents, has its own unique flora and fauna. The marsupials that have evolved in Australia are unique in the world, both in sheer numbers and varieties. In the US, there is one "native" Marsupial, a Virginia Opossum, but in Australia, there are 64! That is just the Possums! There is a wide variety of marsupials that call the beautiful land of Australia home. Adding to this rich current day fascinating mix of creatures are the tremendously exciting fossil fields, a record of life dating back to the first microbe life! Add to that the culture that has evolved over 50,000-60,000 years! For me, the most interesting of the Ancient Aboriginal cultural beliefs is that of the "Dreamtime" or the "Time out of Time" which is beyond religion, beyond magic, beyond a spiritual guide... it is more than a way of life, it is the total focal point of countless generations! Dreamtime is the Story of Creation, but is also continuing into today and far beyond tomorrow.... and while there are as many Dreams and Dreamtimes as their are Elders and Clever People who dream them, they are all part of a greater whole. It is hard for industrialized nations to understand a way of life so focused on the spiritual wholeness of a nation that while a single identity can be vital, the whole is the most important. The simplest analogy I can use to explain it is that it is a "Force" (as in Star Wars) that not only is part of every living being but also every place and time. Each event, no matter how big or small, leaves a echo in the land, and the land in turn influences each event. Most tribes, which are more like extended families, have their own part of the dream, that is located in their own tribe’s territory, and also contributes to the greater dream. So perhaps Tribe A has dreams that talk about creation as almost every tribe does, but they also dream about how the Rainbow Serpent made this river in this spot, and if it was a angry or happy event, and what has influenced it and them since then. So each area will have its own dreams, tradition and specific beliefs, but is still part of that greater truth. So while I may not be a born and bred Aussie, I cannot imagine a better country to have picked me to represent them. The traditional role of the women in the Aborigine Culture has expanded due to the wars and policies that have been forced upon them. I believe them to be some of the strongest and resilient women in the world. I am both honored and thrilled to help this great land and peoples in any way I can.