Uluru, the world’s biggest rock, sits in the south-west corner of the Northern Territory, almost in the middle of Australia’s mainland. It’s a geological wonder and one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks but, first and foremost, it’s the home of the Anangu people who have lived in the region for at least 30,000 years.
Nathan and I have just returned from a five-day break at Yulara, the small resort town just north of Uluru.
Of course, we went there to enjoy the spectacular scenery and whatever flora and fauna we were lucky enough to encounter, but we also wanted to learn about the Anangu people and their ancient and continuing connection to the land, waters and culture in this place they call home.
Lucky is a self-described “fat pet galah” living with her owner, Lizzie, in the small town of Port Badminton in Western Australia. She enjoys tearing up paperback books, eating biscuits with sweet tea, and cruising the streets on Lizzie’s bony shoulder.
But Lucky hasn’t always had it so good. As a young galah she was taken from the wild and sold as a pet, spending many years in a small backyard cage where she observed the comings and goings of her owners, the Kelly family, and their neighbours.
Fortunately, Lucky has a special talent that helps keep her entertained—she can pick up transmissions from the radio telescope dish sitting just outside town.
There’s no denying that we’re living in ‘unprecedented times’. (Is anyone else sick of hearing that phrase?)
Many of us are now spending the majority of our time at home, and no matter what your level of pandemic lockdown is, it’s tough.
But this isn’t the first time I’ve found myself stuck at home! Last time it happened, the natural wonders I found in my own small backyard helped me through.
