Jessica Mauboy Interview

Jessica Mauboy Interview

AllofAus, brought to you by Qantas, is an initiative to ask all Australians what Australian spirit means to them in 2009. It will ask people from all walks of like their thoughts on what sets us apart from the rest of the world, and what makes Australia great.

AllofAus ambassadors John Eales and Jessica Mauboy agree that Australian Spirit means something particular to each person, and that AllofAus is a great opportunity to let your view be seen or heard rather than the Australian spirit being defined.

According to Wallabies legend John Eales, Australian spirit is defined as much by those acts that go unknown and unrewarded as those seen publically.

"What accurately defines Australian spirit are the many unknown acts that occur every day without recognition," said Eales. "It is the bloke who comes to the aid of his aging neighbour who lives alone and lies in fear at every noise through the night, it is the mum who helps out on the school tuckshop when the pressures of home just keep mounting up, it is the everyday person that thanks god that it wasn't them in the fire and tries to make up for it by helping in any way they can.

"In short it's all those things that we ordinary Australians do everyday just because we belong and we want to do our bit," he concluded.

Singing superstar Jessica Mauboy says that for her, Australian spirit revolves around the ability of Australians to be genuine and to laugh at themselves.

"I don't know many Aussies who can't laugh when they embarrass themselves or, at the very least, not take everything that life throws at them too seriously," said Jessica Mauboy. "For me, Australian spirit comes back to this celebration of everyday and the ability to find joy in situations. It is our willingness to encourage those around us to follow their dreams, even if it means letting your daughter sing to every television commercial that comes on, just like my parents did."


Tell us about being an ambassador for 'All of Aus'?

Jessica Mauboy: I heard about 'All of Aus' and I was approached to be a part of it, which was great. It was amazing. I think it is fantastic to see celebrities expressing why they love to be Australian and what they think the Australian spirit is.



What does it mean to you to be an Australian?

Jessica Mauboy: I have seen more of it, growing up over the last couple of years. Australia is a country that works together, that was seen with the bushfires. It showed how Australians come together, regardless of their culture. Australians are straight there when in need. I am proud to be an Australian, we are a good example all over the world especially because we work together with so many different cultures.


Do you think the Bushfire campaign is a good definition of Australian Spirit?

Jessica Mauboy: Definitely.


Do you have a favourite memory of something that made you feel very Australian?

Jessica Mauboy: I think that because I grew up in a small town, a big indigious community town, in Darwin, I grew up in the bush I have learnt about the Indigeious community and their means of survival. I love the culture and one the things they do is go out and be around the kids and fishing. I have fond memories of going crabbing with my Dad, that is Australian, that makes us. I have recently been back and went out with Dad in the dingy, crabbing. I miss that I cannot do it regularly.


Do you feel honored to sing the Australian National Anthem at Australian events?

Jessica Mauboy: I have grown up singing it, I am Australian and when I sing the Anthem I am proud. When I sing at events I do feel honoured, I am proud to sing those lyrics, it is a great feeling. I have been given great chances to sing the Australian National Anthem.


www.allofaus.com.au will be the home of the AllofAus initiative, a showcase of the images, thoughts and quotes that everyday Australians (and some well-known locals) believe represent what the Australian spirit means to them. Jump on and get involved by sharing what it means to you, to be Australian.

Interview by Brooke Hunter