A poem written by Rob Gullan, an ABC friend and observer, after attending the ABC Friends Victoria annual dinner.

Birthed in 1932
July 1 to be exact
you started talking and
we started listening

Now over 90
your early years were full of hope,  joy, and aspiration
you reached the hearts and minds of Australians no matter where
you conveyed our values and inspirations and goings on to the world

Now over 90
from you people learnt English and the Australian way in tents in far away places
became students in our country
and went on to become political, business and educational leaders  in theirs

Now over 90
you gave us the truth about wars and famines and droughts and floods
you exposed corruption and ill doings
and highlighted and lauded good deeds

Now over 90
you developed  and nurtured the arts and music and literature of our country
you invented Australian comedy
and 2 bananas gave our kids joy and pleasure

Now over 90
will you reach 100 will you live for ever
have you found the secret to eternal life of regeneration and regrowth
or are you becoming wrinkled and doddery and mean-spirited

Now over 90
have you had a good life
are you preparing for death
have you anointed your successor

Now over 90
have you made a will
have you crafted your legacy or tombstone epithet
how do you want to be remembered

Now over 90
have you forgotten what you used to be
outrageous, provocative and annoying
or are you now just  a shadow of your former self

Now over 90
seeking popular acclaim from your age bracket of the populace
by offering endless repeats of  shows from mother England
such as antique roadshow

Now over 90
is that what you have become
is that your epithet
an antique roadshow.

Rob Gullan