Remembering Eureka

What struck me is how the story sheds some light on why we are a nation of gamblers. Eureka helps explain why Australia has a horse race as a national holiday and we spend more than any other nation on the punt. Taking risks is in our blood, our genetic code. Giving it all up for a dream of striking the mother lode on the gold fields is a gamble.

Yet so is getting on a boat and taking a chance on a brave new world, as those first settlers did. That too, could be said of those who came here in the decades and centuries following Eureka – a desire for freedom, courage, and the willingness to take a big risk for a big reward.

From what I can see, Eureka: the Unfinished Revolution goes through an exacting analysis of often obscure historical evidence to profile the main characters of the rebellion – their passions and peccadillos, their courage and cowardice. It gives life to a now-familiar tale with vivid descriptions of a young and wild Australia, bringing colour, moment and context to an important moment in Australia history.

After I finished reading I thought: I bloody well hope Eureka Flag is saved from the poisonous grasp of the extremes of Australian politics. It's an important symbol. And as a bonus I'd get my tattoo back.