Chairman's Message
THE "OUTBACK" - AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL SYMBOL
During 2002 Australia's Year of the Outback, the word "OUTBACK" emerged as a unifying national symbol embracing all Australians.
Across the nation the enthusiasm was infectious. Individuals, communities and organisations rallied to the "OUTBACK" banner.
The "YEAR OF THE OUTBACK" detonated an unstoppable chain reaction. This progression is now continuing through the Outback Calling process.
The Australian Outback Development Consortium Ltd (AODC), a not for profit entity is now trading as Outback Calling Ltd. It was formed to coordinate this process.
The "OUTBACK" is the bridge between an ageless past and the products of human fortitude, endeavour and ingenuity, the fountainhead of great industries, enterprises and opportunities. It is Australia's most valuable, yet most underestimated natural resource.
This is the only continent with one basic language and currency and the one nation on earth where the fruits, grains, vegetables and animals of all six continents are farmed. Here we husband the produce of Europe, Asia, North and South America, Africa and of Australia itself a peerless diversity.
The "OUTBACK" cannot be defined geographically and can satisfy the infinite diversity of interests of people if all ages, city and country, whether it be by glorying in the splendour of nature, or pursuing art, palaeontology, geology, history, painting, photography, fauna, flora etc. The list is endless. Tourism in ideal form.
Respected indigenous author and orator Herb Warton has written - a Journey to the Outback has the power to instil the true meaning of belonging and identity. Every Australian should make an Outback pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
Such is one of the purposes of the Outback Calling process, through which all Australians are invited to get in touch with that intangible connection that we all have with the Outback; recognise its vital role in Australia’s future; where possible get involved and support the ‘Bush’ through one of the many projects outlined and, where possible, actually take the opportunity and "go bush" .
Those who do are assured that the people they meet, the experiences they have and what they see will change their lives. They will be filled with pride in Australia's rich heritage, achievements and unlimited prospects.
They will come to understand that we are not two nations, city and country, as often claimed but one people responsible for the care of the great island continent and the only 'OUTBACK' on earth.
PLEASE CONSIDER THE PART YOU OR YOU ORGANISATION WOULD WISH TO PLAY IN THE ONGOING OUTBACK ODYSSEY AND ACCEPT THIS WARM INVITATION TO REGISTER ACTIVITIES OR CONTACT OUR OFFICE WITH YOUR IDEAS.
BRUCE CAMPBELL AM MBE
CHAIRMAN-OUTBACK CALLING LTD
FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN-YEAR OF THE OUTBACK
SENIOR AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2003
