A woman astronaut and engineer, Catherine Bennell- Pegg is the Australian of the Year. A young man, Nedd Brockmann is the young Australian of the Year, a marathon runner, walking across Australia to raise money for homeless people. Others work to upscale job opportunities for Aboriginal people, they do research into dementia and brain cancer. Dr Ralph Gomes, a Queenslander, rolls out specialised medical services to regional areas.

The day dawns with De Minaur, our favourite Aussie, into the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. He represents all that is wholesome and real about Aussies. Giving it a go, rising to the challenge and taking it on.

We wake up to scorching temperatures which seem to be affecting most of Australia and which are a frightening reminder of climate change affecting our lives.

Our day will be spent in the garden, with our bees and plants, then celebrating with friends, with lamb and Moreton Bay bugs on the BBQ.

Happy Australia Day ! We have so much to celebrate on this continent.

Not least the surprises that pop into my garden on a daily basis. Here is looking straight back at you all, and Australia, through the delightful pattern on this moth and wishing you all the very best for the year.