Australia - A Land of Contrasts

Australia is a land of contrasts. The inland interior contains deserts in some parts and rainforests in others; the red dirt is offset by the blue ocean fringing the shores of this southern continent. In recent days, the wet has ripped through some areas while others still see clear skies. 

For many, last year ended in rising rivers and thunderclouds, evacuations, and emergencies.  The new year brings with it challenges. Those who look out their windows and see calmness and sunshine are blessed. The rugged beauty of Australia is on display. The outback and the ocean are complete opposites, both with their own distinct elements.

Torquay Beach, Hervey Bay, Queensland

This time, most capital cities have been spared flooding. Although they, too, have had lesser amounts of rain, they’ve also experienced pleasant days with good weather. However, social media and news outlets have been alive with stories of those currently dealing with the floods and those who are recovering from the floods of the previous year. It has been rough for too many people.

Floods are endemic in Australia at the moment, where previously, it knew drought. The climate is changing, and recently raindrops darkened the ochre earth of the outback even as the tides ate away at the sand on the far-off coast. It is now summer, the beginning of a new year. Although all around Australia, people see something different when they rise each morning, we are all faced with the impending year - and we slide into 2023 together.