Love of Australia

Love of Australia

January 26, 2025 – Recently appointed as Australia Day Ambassador I attended three separate events to support our National Day where I was required to give a speech at two of those activities.

I competed under the Australia flag at my first World Hot Air Ballooning Championship in 1981 at Battle Creek Michigan USA. And at many international ballooning events since the last being 2018.

As I lifted off in my Gumball balloon loaned by Jill & Leo Esenberg, I heard the MC state “And there goes the Australian pilot and only female competitor Ruth Wilson”. My heart filled with pride that I was an Australian representing my country. And I still feel that way all these years later.

Sharing a little of my Australia Day speech.

Over the past 50 years I’ve flown over snow covered SWISS & AUSTRIAN ALPS, deserts and numerous countries. BUT TO VIEW MY HOME COUNTRY OF AUSTRALIA FROM MY BALLOON BASKET HAS BEEN A HUGE PRIVILEGE. I’ve floated above the Great Barrier Reef, the wheatfields of Western Australia, at tree level across the Daintree Forest, the vineyards of South Australia and the Hunter, over cities, the yellow canola of country towns.

In 1980 I flew around Uluru then known as Ayers Rock and in Darwin. And on many previous Australia Days I’ve flown my balloon from Parramatta Park over the Sydney suburbs.

Standing in my balloon basket I have seen from above a country without borders, with freedom of movement for all. The beauty of our Australia is diverse and immense.

My feelings are that Australia Day, our national day, is a day to come together to reflect, respect and celebrate being part of our nation’s story, to take a moment to appreciate the land on which we live and breathe. After all, each of us stands as an important part of this nation’s story going forward.