As the dust well and truly settles on Eurovision 2015, it is time to reflect on what was by all accounts an historic year. As a first timer to the competition and being an Australian – this was the year of our lives.
From the moment Australia’s involvement was announced, it began dividing the nation. I’m sure the same sentiments were echoed around the world. “This is Eurovision, Australia isn’t in Europe.” But as a long time Eurovision devotee, there was only one feeling I had – unbridled excitement. As I constantly had to remind the Nay-Sayers, technically Australia had been involved in the past. Olivia Newton-John and Johnny Logan, while not representing us specifically brought us to this point. With Guy Sebastian, we finally had the chance to carry our own flag.
“I found myself rooting for the countries in which my parents were born, but not with great enthusiasm,” commented Jessica Bellamy of Melbourne and she was not alone in her feelings of inherited patriotism. I would say that the great immigration pushes from the middle of last century, where an influx of Europeans immigrated to Australia created the climate of enthusiasm we see today. With these people bringing with them their national pride (and love of Eurovision) and instilling that in their children it was only a matter of time before the push began to be represented ourselves.
I’m not an overly patriotic person; I don’t really go crazy for Australian sporting achievements and things of that nature. But there I was finding myself proud to display my Australian accent, culture and flag and as Liam Clark (Melbourne) noticed “I felt I could be that patriotic and not feel a bit awkward or racist about it.” As much as Eurovision was a part of me, so was Australia and it was a feeling I could have only imagined and been jealous of before. The first time Australia received a placing number of points, I screamed myself hoarse and burst into tears. It would be best to move on before we talk about what happened when we got our first ’12 Points.’
Fifth place for our first attempt is nothing to be looked down upon and we are immensely proud of that effort. Guy Sebastian brought it home, quite literally. That transcendent moment will stay with me forever. The bond between Australia and Sweden was noticeable, not only were Guy and Mans friends, but Sweden gave us our first 12 Points (of course we reciprocated). I’m hoping and dreaming here, if that bond could stretch maybe we could see ourselves in Stockholm 2016? Either way, I’ll be there, flag still firmly grasped.
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