AUSTRALIA  A  COUNTRY  OF  EXTREMES …

I feel as if Australia has undergone periods of low rainfall followed by high rainfall all my life. Some of these devastating droughts often last for decades. And here we are once again with  the drought affected towns across regional New South Wales and a large majority of Queensland keep everyone praying for rain.

Earlier this year we took a trip to the Northern New South Wales coast and were stunned to find how parched and dry the countryside appeared, the entire way. Even the beautiful hinterland above Byron Bay was dry. This last trip (three weeks ago) was only marginally better but at least from the delightful NSW town of Kyogle onward there was a green tinge to the impressive hillside and farming landscape.

This beautiful poem written by Susan Skowronski outlines how drought affects every member of a family and the incredible relief experienced when the rain finally comes …

Jemma’s Dream

Jemma crossed the empty paddocks

passed a bone dry stream,

 to rest beneath the willows

lost in a pleasant dream

of times when they had holidays,

when Dad could get away,

go shopping in the city

or fishing at the bay.

Now Mother looked so weary

 her eyes were filled with pain,

and Father’s heart was breaking

– if only it would rain!

Jemma knew about the weather –

it was always dry!

Knew about the hardships

and didn’t question why

banks could not be mentioned,

they couldn’t buy new shoes,

reports about the weather

more important than the news.

Life could soon be different –

is that a storm bird’s call?

Dark clouds gather in the west

sweet raindrops start to fall

wash away the flies and dust

paddocks green again

wildflowers fragrant on the air

birds sing praises to the rain.

Those who love the country

never think of giving in

don’t regret their situation

or talk of “might have been”

for God’s Love is never ending

and He will, without a doubt,

put an end to this El Niño

and break this stinking drought!

Susan Skowronski © 2007

A little more about the Australian climate.

The C.S.I.R.O. are working to understand the complexities of climate variability, climate change and drought in Australia.
As the C.S.I.R.O. states, ‘Australia has a highly variable climate with a naturally occurring cycle of wet and dry periods. Droughts are an expected product of this variability, although their severity and frequency may change in the future. ‘

However, there are a high number of towns across regional New South Wales and Queensland that are experiencing a crisis. There is a looming risk of running out of drinking water. The ongoing drought continues to wreak havoc for tens of thousands of Australians in dry communities.

The seasons in Australia

Summer in Australia, from December to February, is a great time to get outdoors. Swim Sydney’s beaches or hike Tasmania’s Overland Track. March to May heralds Australia’s autumn, a season of fiery foliage in Canberra and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Australia’s winter, from June to August, offers snow skiing in the Australian Alps. Alternatively, take a winter sun holiday. Snorkel in the temperate Great Barrier Reef or 4WD through South Australia’s Simpson Desert. Spring in Australia, from September to November is the time to watch for whales and wildflowers as you explore the wineries of Western Australia’s Margaret River region.

In tropical Australia, the dry season from May to October has clear blue skies and sunny days. It’s the time to experience Darwin’s vibrant outdoor markets, movies and festivals. December to March is the wet season, which is hot and humid with daily rainstorms. See waterfalls thunder through Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks or fly over Katherine Gorge when its water levels are highest.