1. The word ‘mate’
I tend to go into overdrive the second I step outside the country and start ‘G’daying’ all over the place but no matter where I am, I always love hearing the word ‘mate’.

2. Sunshine
Specifically, the quality of the light; so bright and clear.

3. The food
From the abundance of fresh fruit and veggies, to the fact that you can get a banh mi, ramen or curry for lunch in most cities. The cultural diversity and wonderful natural environment of Australia collide to make it one of the best places to eat in the world.

4. Our casual nature
From ‘she’ll be right’ through to ‘no worries’, Australians are a pretty casual bunch.

5. Our willingness to help
If you need someone to help you lift something, you can ask just about anyone and they will do it without so much as a raised eyebrow. Same goes for putting out a bushfire, rescuing people stranded in floods or searching for lost bushwalkers. Aussies tend to band together and volunteer when the situation calls for it.

6. Drinking
We have a well earned reputation for drinking. Yes, we’re rowdy but we’re also fun. We are terrible at Dry July, we drink wine the same day we buy it and we get ridiculous at weddings.

7. Free education and healthcare
Without getting too political, this is one of the best things about living in Australia: the equity provided by offering healthcare and education to everyone.

8. Safety
Our roads are pretty good, you can drink the water out of most taps and planes rarely fall out of the sky. Our military and government are stable, we have strict gun laws and a mostly straight police force.

9. Our wilderness and wildlife
From gum blossoms to wattle, wombats to wallabies; there’s beauty and wonder around every country corner.

10. Our sense of humour
Even our birds laugh. Aussies have a great sense of irony, use satire wisely and can be both very silly, very erudite and very black in their humour. I love that it’s perfectly appropriate to take the piss out of everything, including yourself.

What do you love about Australia?