I think it would be an understatement to say that many would have been disappointed with spring so far in this great city. I understand it will be finishing soon. Many Australians are doing it tough
So we surely look forward to summer, and all its pursuits. In wartime Australia rations were increased by 2lbs of sugar for households over summer so that families could preserve their fruit for jams and the like for the rest of the year. Even if that was still a widespread practice today given the flooding which is going on in Victoria’s fruit bowl and the Riverina, we would struggle. These communities will need our help for some time yet.
I’m sure that our Lord Mayor would want us to bottle and preserve some memories of Melbourne over the Summertide. For the season which is coming to warm us, I’m sure we will all be thankful but let us not forget those communities where this isn’t going to be remembered as fondly. And of course for good food and fellowship let’s be grateful.
Thank you to Philip Cornish for providing this reflection on 23 November 2022.
