John Tilston

Story

I was caught up in the wave of post WWII emigration from the UK. My parents chose Southern Africa, which is where I grew up. I was inserted into a ‘Colonial’ situation and struggled to come to terms with this as I grew up. I was greatly aided in this by my father. I have met few men who were so little influenced by another person’s colour, creed, or religion, and who believed everyone deserved a ‘fair go’. In some ways he embodied the best of the Australian spirit, yet never lived here.

I never had any intention of leaving Southern Africa until about 1985, when I was overwhelmed with a sense of futility and despair about the prospects of resolving the colonial and racial conflicts that bedevilled that part of the world in those days. It was before the release of that great healer Nelson Mandela.

So with my young family of three children, I decided to try and come to Australia. I am no longer sure about why I chose Australia above England or North America, but I think shared sporting memorries played a big part. Don Bradman, Keith Miller, Denis Lillee, the Chappells.

I recall being surprised about how little accomodation there was in Australia for new arrivals. Once you were here, it was as if you were expected to know immediately everything about living here. This was a short lived feeling and I now consider it to be ‘a good thing’ in that it was much better just to get on with it.

I recall the overwhelming feeling of freedom, openess and democracy, after the claustrophobia of colonial ruled southern Africa.

I still feel Australians do not fully appreciate how wonderful our system is. We get worn down by cynicism and a few corrupt public figures. It may not be perfect, but try somewhere else.

I also recall the way Australians met and mingled in parks and public places. Where I’d come from, we were insular and tended to socialise in each others homes, behind barriers. Here, we barbequed in the park, on the banks of the Yarra. It was (and still is) wonderful. Australia 25 years ago seemed the most egalitarian place on earth that culminated in the Bicentenary celebrations. A wonderful time. Since then, things have changed a bit as the world gets swamped by the sameness imposed by economic forces stretching over the globe – Starbucks on every corner, for example.

I’ve also come to understand that the first Australians have not been fully recognised, and I salute and acknowledge them.

One can quibble easily enough, but this is a wonderful country. It is an honour and a privilege to be an Australian citizen.

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