Transforming our national anthem
There are many current initiatives to transform our national anthem. Hopefully, one day the peoples of this land will get to choose a new version (or versions!). We don’t think it’s up to us to say what the end result will be, but we offer this as one possible alternative. We welcome your involvement in having this version (or other alternative versions) sung and performed in your local community. No matter how small your action we’d then like to hear about it. In the comments section below, please tell us the story of how you talked about this with friends, in your workplace, had it sung in your child’s school, at your sporting event and so on. Thanks!
About this revised anthem
The lyrics for this revised anthem were written by Judith Durham, Kutcha Edwards, Lou Bennett, Camilla Chance and Bill Hauritz. In the video clip above it is performed by Kutcha Edwards during the KAGE Team of Life theatre production. For more information about this revised anthem, click here For a pdf of the lyrics to print, click here.
Lyrics
Australia, celebrate as one, with peace and harmony.
Our precious water, soil and sun, grant life for you and me.
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts to love, respect and share,
And honouring the Dreaming, advance Australia fair.
With joyful hearts then let us sing, advance Australia fair.
Australia, let us stand as one, upon this sacred land.
A new day dawns, we’re moving on to trust and understand.
Combine our ancient history and cultures everywhere,
To bond together for all time, advance Australia fair.
With joyful hearts then let us sing, advance Australia fair.
Australia, let us strive as one, to work with willing hands.
Our Southern Cross will guide us on, as friends with other lands.
While we embrace tomorrow’s world with courage, truth and care,
And all our actions prove the words, advance Australia fair,
With joyful hearts then let us sing, advance Australia fair.
And when this special land of ours is in our children’s care,
From shore to shore forever more, advance Australia fair.
With joyful hearts then let us sing, advance . . Australia . . fair.
Tell us more!
What actions are you and your friends/ colleagues / family taking? Please tell us below … and please include where this action took place! Thanks. Please note, we don’t publish all comments that are submitted. We are particularly interested in hearing from people about actions you have taken (or are going to take) in your local contexts. Thanks 🙂
KERRY MACLAURIN
13 Jun 2021This is awesome! Just shared in my Facebook page and to our local community group
Nick Mckenzie
11 Jul 2021Naidoc week has just finished, but kids return to school Mon 12/7.
I’ll be singing this with my grade 5’s every day.
Thanks so much!!
MyToyotaStarlet
29 May 2021Beautiful rewrite and great voice. Fantastic.
Andrew
22 Apr 2021A great blend of the traditional and the tradational… well done!
Lindi
26 Mar 2021I love this, such beautiful words of unity – Brought tears to me eyes, thank you
Elizabeth
13 Mar 2021It’s wonderful, I would happily support it and sing it as our National anthem – thank you