“I love a sunburnt country” These words resonate powerfully. They’re etched onto this very plaque. This is the Dorothea Mackellar OBE Plaque. It commemorates Dorothea Mackellar a significant Australian poet. Her most famous work “My Country” is known throughout Australia.
The plaque stands as a tribute to her life and literary achievements. Dorothea Mackellar was born in 1885 at Dunara in Sydney’s Point Piper. She came from a wealthy family. She was educated privately at home. She learned French Spanish German and Italian. This multilingual upbringing enriched her writing and broadened her perspective.
Dorothea started writing in her teens. This surprised her family. Magazines actually published and paid for her poems and prose. Her poem “Core of My Heart” later renamed “My Country” was written when she was only nineteen. It was published in the London Spectator in 1908. This poem perfectly captures the essence of the Australian landscape. It evokes both its beauty and its harsh realities. The poem’s powerful imagery resonated with Australians. It solidified her position as a major voice in Australian literature.
The enduring appeal of “My Country” is remarkable. It became especially popular during World War I. This reflected the patriotic feelings Australians held for their country during wartime. The second stanza beginning with “I love a sunburnt country” is particularly famous. It’s a celebration of Australia’s unique beauty and spirit. The lines describe a landscape of “sweeping plains” “ragged mountain ranges” “droughts and flooding rains”.
Mackellar’s work extends beyond “My Country”. She published several volumes of poetry and novels. Her collaborations with Ruth Bedford are also noteworthy. She was involved in Sydney’s literary scene. She helped found the Sydney PEN Centre. This promoted writing and literature in the city.
Dorothea Mackellar was honoured for her literary contributions. In 1968 she received the Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Sadly she died shortly after in Paddington Sydney. This plaque serves as a fitting tribute to her lasting impact on Australian literature and culture. It’s more than just a plaque. It’s a symbol of national pride. It stands as a reminder of Dorothea Mackellar’s significant contributions. It invites us to reflect on her life and her words. Those words continue to inspire generations of Australians and lovers of poetry. The legacy of Dorothea Mackellar lives on. This plaque is testament to that.