♫ Eastern Rosella… Eastern Rosella… ♫
Has that earworm got you?
Carla was on a remote island in the Philippines, avoiding the internet – and somehow it still reached her.
The short version is that seven-year-old boy named Miles visited his grandparents and was inspired by an Eastern Rosella. Consequently, together with his dad, he wrote a simple, joyful song. Incredibly, in just a few weeks, it attracted millions of views, inspiring covers from famous musicians to police bands.
The media and music experts have offered all sorts of reasons for this phenomenon. For instance, commentators highlight the catchy melody. Furthermore, reviewers point to the pure innocence and joy of the track. Finally, many note how this colourful bird feels distinctly Australian, representing a shared piece of our national identity.
Indeed, all of that may be true.
However, perhaps there is another reason. Ultimately, this viral moment speaks to something deeper that many of us instinctively recognise: our strong connection to place and the living world.
More Than Just a Melody
Interestingly, when Aunty Munya first heard the song, her reaction offered a completely different lens. She simply smiled and said:
“I love it. That must be that young fella’s Dreaming.”
For First Nations peoples, this connection is foundational. In essence, Understanding Country means recognising that it is not simply dirt, nor is it just a place on a map. Rather, Country encompasses every living thing.
Country is alive, and similarly, Country is family.
Moreover, as Aunty Munya explains, Country and Dreaming are deeply interlinked:
“Dreaming might be an animal, bird, plant or something else from Country. It helps show who you are, what strengths you carry and what responsibilities you have.”
Therefore, this connection is not just an abstract concept. Instead, it is a lived reality.
At Evolve, some of the richest conversations we facilitate in our community are simply about birds. To start, we ask people which birds they notice. Then, we encourage them to share what they admire about those creatures. Instantly, these conversations bring forward stories of places, childhood memories, and profound connections to the land.
Moving Beyond Cultural Protocols
Currently, in public and professional spaces today, we spend a lot of time debating cultural protocols. Specifically, workplaces focus heavily on the mechanics of an Acknowledgement of Country. As a result, these discussions can often become tense, focusing heavily on what divides us.
Yet, what might happen if we paused the debate for a moment?
Furthermore, what changes if we begin by truly understanding Country first, and focus on what connects us?
Crucially, Understanding Country helps cultural protocols make sense. Consequently, it shifts an Acknowledgement from a scripted corporate requirement into a genuine recognition of relationship, responsibility, and belonging. Ultimately, when we go beyond the protocols, Country teaches us how to relate well to the environment and to each other.
A Moment to Reflect
So, let’s take a moment right now.
First, close your eyes and think of a bird.
Which bird comes to mind?
Also, what do you admire about it?
You can reflect on this alone, or alternatively, you can try bringing this conversation to your team. After all, sometimes the most profound conversations about inclusion, belonging, and connection can start with something as simple as noticing a bird in the trees.
