A little over a year ago I began developing ideas for things to decorate my son’s room with. I ended up designing what is now known as the My Treasure Board. It was named ‘treasure’ after all the little trinkets and prized possessions you could display upon it. But also as an ode to our beautiful island nation.

Where else in the world can you find such wide-open landscapes displaying such a contrast of rich colours and textures? Our land is one of a unique mixture of luscious bushland, sunburnt plains and white sandy beaches. Home to many animals that are found nowhere else in the world. And home to people of many different backgrounds, cultures, religions and histories.

Let’s never forget to protect our natural environments – on-land, and under the sea. Let’s never forget to respect and be kind to one another. This Australia Day, and every other day, let’s never forget to continually discover, appreciate and enjoy the simple pleasures and beauties of this treasured land.