In an open letter written by The Seekers singer, she states that her “most immediate duty” was to submit the revised anthem to His Excellency The Governor General and the public for consideration, and to reinvigorate debate about the national song.
“It has been with a great sense of responsibility that I have worked hard on this objective as far as I could – with no expectation of commercial gain,” she said in an open letter..
“…I do so hope you like the proposed new lyric, with its potential as an inspiring unifying force if the new version could one day be approved at an official national level.”
Ms Durham wrote and first performed her new anthem (lyrics and audio below) in 2009.
The re-release of Ms Durham’s revised national anthem lyrics to NITV follows an interview with , where the singer restated her support for Yorta Yorta opera singer and conductor Deborah Cheetham AO's calls to make Advance Australia Fair more inclusive.
Listen: Will it be our new anthem?
Below is a special recording of the second verse of Judith Durham's version of Advance Australia Fair.
New lyrics to an old tune
Australians let us stand as one, upon this sacred land
A new day dawns, we’re moving on to trust and understand.
Combine our ancient history and cultures everywhere,
To bond together for all time, advance Australia fair.
With joyful hearts then let us sing, advance Australia fair.
...
Australians let us all be one, with peace and harmony.
Our precious water, soil and sun, grant life for you and me.
Our land abounds in nature’s gifts to love, respect and share,
And honouring the Dreaming, advance Australia fair.
With joyful hearts then let us sing, advance Australia fair.
...
Australians let us strive as one, to work with willing hands.
Our Southern Cross will guide us on, as friends with other lands.
While we embrace tomorrow’s world with courage, truth and care,
And all our actions prove the words, advance Australia fair,
With joyful hearts then let us sing, advance Australia fair.
...
And when this special land of ours is in our children’s care,
From shore to shore forever more, advance Australia fair.
With joyful hearts then let us sing, advance . . Australia . . fair.
Lyrics above from “The Australian Cities Suite”
Words by Judith Durham
Additional Words by Kutcha Edwards, Lou Bennett, Camilla Cahnce and Bill Hauritz
Based on words by P.D. McCormick (1878)
Music by Peter Dodds McCormick
Piano Arrangement by Judith Durham
