The Heartbeat Of Australia

[keats]

Exactly my point Heather.

Neil

[Heather]

If it hadn't been the British it would have been the French that settled here. Nicolas Baudin was snooping around and crossed paths with Matthew Flinders when he circumnavigated the continent. It was because the French were around that the Guvnor sent David Collins to set up camp in Port Phillip in 1803. His settlement was abandoned due to lack of fresh water and he then settled in Tasmania. There was also the potential that the continent could have ended up half French and half British - imagine that! If it weren't the French then it probably would have been the Spanish.

[manfredvijars]

... or Dutch or Portagee ....

[Heather]

yep, them too - and then the flag would have a whole new look and meaning.

[Neville Briggs]

I still stand up for God Save the Queen.

[Heather]

You are such a good lad Neville.

[keats]

Would have, could have. Didn't happen. The 'Australian' spirit was born away from any other international influences. That is why we are unique. Even with the aboriginals, Australia was not known as Australia. Doesn't matter who MAY have found it. It MAY have been out of space aliens. But it wasn't.

Neil

[manfredvijars]

I still stand up for God Save the Queen.

I still sit in the Todd with my six-pack (and dog) and share with anyone for a sit-down and a chat ....

[Heather]

That sounds grand Manfred (as long as it's under a tree)

[manfredvijars]

It MAY have been out of space aliens. But it wasn't.Neil

... it was the Dutch in 1606 - on the "Pennefather River" (coming soon to a venue near you) ...