Territory Day. We have been proudly self-governed since 1978. We’ll celebrate this in many ways, but most remarkably by our use of mostly ungoverned fireworks between 5 pm and 11 pm on this one day of the year. And then, of course, we all return our unexploded fireworks to the police. Don’t we?
Last year I enjoyed the local showground fireworks – except for the ash and particles which landed on me and particularly those which ended up in my eye. And then the unofficial ‘show’ as I drove home. And then the ongoing ‘show’ which happens for the next few weeks on and off as the residual (unreturned!) supplies are used to celebrate at household parties, and wake unsuspecting neighbours, their dogs and sleeping babies.
I’m not a party pooper. I really enjoy the amazing dazzling colours of light. But I wonder if they should bother me. PFAS does, largely because of the unknown. But we know a bit more about the effects of the metal particles such lead and copper (and sometimes perchlorate) which we launch into the air.
What does consistency look like? How do we decide? I’ll still be there on Sunday cos I’m a Territorian – but I might just be holding my breath.
St Paul’s Anglican Church meets on Sundays at 9am with kids church. All welcome.
