Backyard cricket until the light fades. Sausages sizzling on the barbie. Bare feet hopping across the lawn, avoiding bindis with a practised wince. A quick dash to the corner store. Knowing your neighbours by name.
These moments, small and familiar, are woven into the Australian story.
Australia is home to the world’s oldest continuing culture: a truth that sits at the heart of our national identity.
On the Sunshine Coast, we acknowledge and pay our respects to the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Peoples, the region’s traditional custodians whose deep connection to Country, waterways and culture continues today.
Modern Australia is also shaped by migration. The Sunshine Coast is a growing, diverse community and, in 2024 alone, more than 7000 migrants chose to call the region home, bringing with them new traditions, languages and perspectives that enrich the fabric of life here.
Australia Day means different things to different people, and those differences matter. Whether it’s a day of celebration, reflection or quiet contemplation, it is an opportunity to listen, learn and move forward together.
As the words of a much-loved song remind us:
“We are one, but we are manyAnd from all the lands on Earth we come.We share a dream and sing with one voice:I am, you are, we are AustralianI am, you are, we are Australian.”
To capture what Australia means to people across the Sunshine Coast, My Weekly Preview asked six locals from different walks of life what they love about this country.
Their answers are as varied as Australia itself – and together they tell a powerful story of place, pride, culture and community.
Alexa Leary
Australian Paralympian and gold medallist
For Alexa Leary, Australia is defined by the outdoors and the people who share it.
“I love outdoor living. I love being by the beach and going for bushwalks. We have such beautiful beaches here and natural parks. I love that people have a strong sense of mateship and that Aussies always help each other out.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply on the Coast, where sunrise swims, coastal walks and afternoons spent in nature are part of everyday life.
When it comes to music, Alexa’s choice reflects Australia’s global impact on modern culture. “Of course, World, Hold On by Fisher,” she says – a nod to the home-grown DJ who has taken Aussie beats to the world stage.
Her pick for best Aussie food is a classic pub favourite: “Parmi.” As for Aussie animals, it’s hard to go past an icon: “Kangaroo.”
On the great Vegemite debate: thick or thin, Alexa admits: “Not very Aussie of me, but I don’t like Vegemite. Sorry, everyone!” And the Aussie phrase she uses most often: “Bloody oath.”
Peppi Bueti
Multicultural Advisory Group member
Peppi Bueti believes Australia is a land of opportunity.
“As a country we punch above our weight on so many levels. I love the opportunities it provides to anyone who cracks in and has a go,” says Australian-born Peppi, who has Italian heritage.
Peppi’s musical taste leans toward Australian storytelling through song: “Anything from Paul Kelly or Powderfinger.”
Food, he says, is something Australia does exceptionally well: “Our beef and seafood is world class.”
As a diehard North Melbourne supporter, Peppi says his favourite Aussie animal is an easy choice: “It has to be the kangaroo.”
When it comes to Vegemite, he is firm: “Always thick, especially when I share it with my cousins from overseas.”
And the phrase that slips out most often: “Bloody hell.”
Dale Chapman
Award-winning First Nations chef and My Dilly Bag founder
Dale Chapman says being Australian is inseparable from Country, culture and continuity.
She speaks of “our deep connection to Country, the oldest continuing cultures in the world, and the way food, stories and community bring us together across landscapes and seasons”.
As a celebrated First Nations chef, Dale’s connection to Australia is expressed through food – not just as nourishment, but as storytelling.
Her favourite Australian music comes from two specific voices: “Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter – their music carries truth, resilience and heart.”
When asked about the best Aussie food, Dale points to the ingredients that have sustained people for tens-of- thousands of years.
“Native bushfoods and fresh seafood cooked simply – lemon myrtle, pepperberry, wattleseed and the
flavours of sea and Country telling stories of place.”
Her favourite animals carry deep meaning: “The emu, my totem, alongside the kangaroo. Both can only move forward – a powerful reminder that the way for Australia is always forward, together.”
On Vegemite, thick or thin, Dale says: “Both – depending on my mood.” And the Aussie word she uses all the time? “‘Deadly’ means excellent, awesome, impressive or really good – it’s a word of praise and pride.”
Ashley Robinson
Chairman, Sunshine Coast Falcons and Sunshine Coast Thunder Netball
Being Australian comes with privilege and responsibility for Ashley Robinson.
“There is no doubt we are ‘the Lucky Country’,” he says. “I just pray we can still encourage multiculturalism, be able to give opportunities to those less fortunate and fully understand how lucky we are.”
It’s a perspective shaped by leadership, community sport and a deep belief in fairness – values that sit at the heart of the Australian identity.
When it comes to music, Ashley leans toward songs that have helped define the nation’s character. “Waltzing Matilda or True Blue should be our anthem,” he says, before adding: “But my favourite song is These Days by Powderfinger.”
Food is equally close to home, with local seafood taking top spot. “Mooloolaba prawns,” he says, “or corned beef fritters.”
His favourite Aussie animals reflect resilience and character. “The echidna and the cockatoo.”
On the Vegemite question, Ashley is decisive: “Thick on toast.”
And the phrase he uses more than most: “Are you fair dinkum?”
Daniel Dole
Former Sunshine Coast Falcons player and Dynamic Masonry owner
Lifestyle is at the centre of Daniel Dole’s love for Australia.
“I love the lifestyle and working hard. I grew up in the country but have learnt to love the coast after moving here to play for the Sunshine Coast Falcons years ago. My days consist of early morning coffees, runs by the beach, the gym and laying bricks in the sun.”
It’s a picture many locals would recognise: work, health and community, balanced by time outdoors.
Daniel’s favourite Australian music artist reflects his roots: “Australian country music singer-songwriter Slim Dusty.”
His go-to Aussie food? “Can’t beat snags.”
For animals, he chooses one that commands respect: “Wedge tailed eagle.”
On Vegemite, he’s flexible: “Can do both.” And his most-used phrase is a classic: “Fair dinkum.”
Rosanna Natoli
Sunshine Coast Mayor
Rosanna Natoli acknowledges that being Australian is something you feel and hear wherever you go.
“I love the way you can always pick an Aussie when you are overseas – the distinctive accent (cringe), the relaxed attitude, the quirky humour. It all reflects our way of life.”
That easy-going spirit is paired with a deep appreciation for our culture, especially music, for the Australian-born former media personality who comes from an Italian family. Her favourite Aussie artist: “Absolutely, definitely, the all-time greatest … John Farnham.”
When it comes to food, Rosanna keeps it classic: “A lamington.”
And her favourite Australian animal is one few can resist: “Koala – who doesn’t love a koala?”
Vegemite, she insists, is all about the technique. “There’s an art to Vegemite. It needs to be carefully scraped across a cracker or, even better, speckled thinly across warm, buttery toast.”
When it comes to Aussie phrases, the one she uses most is one many households will recognise: “Clean your room – it looks like a dog’s breakfast.”
