Swagman bid to rise again

By Bridget Brady
THEJolly Swagman could be boiling up his billy again under plans to have his song installed as the national anthem.
Cranbourne North resident Steve Beardon has slammed the current anthem Advance Australia Fair as “dull, colourless and boring”.
Mr Beardon has waltzed in on the bandwagon to have the Banjo Paterson classic officially recognised as the nation’s song.
He has set up an online petition to have the national anthem changed and said the switch to Waltzing Matilda would save some from mumbling through Advance Australia Fair.
“Go to the finals of the cricket, footy, tennis or whatever – no one knows the words.
“We need an anthem that inspires strong voice, patriotism and an anthem that has endured time as ours,” Mr Beardon said.
And it’s not just the boisterous boys in Bay 13 that are unsure of the lyrics, the former Casey councillor said.
“During the many citizenship ceremonies I attended as a councillor, I was bemused at the number of elected reps as well as others who had no idea what the words were to the current national anthem.”
The chief executive of the Victorian branch of the RSL, Michael Annett, said the RSL supported the current national anthem. “Most Australians sing it (Advance Australia Fair) with gusto and pride and we’re heartened by the respect that people show to the anthem,” Mr Annett said.
Mr Beardon said Waltzing Matilda was the Australian song chosen in celebration and in times of struggle. “Let’s all embrace our heritage, our future and an anthem that has stood by Australia in peace and in times of adversity,” he said.
To check out the petition and vote on the Swagman’s future visit www.gopetition.com/online/34157.html