John Williamson(Credit: Anna Warr)

Ahead of the Ashes Test in Adelaide, John Williamson performed his iconic tune True Blue. In a stadium packed with cricket fans from around the country, the familiar opening lines landed instantly with the crowd and viewers.

Released more than three decades ago True Blue has long outgrown the label of a hit song. It’s become a cultural symbol and a gentle but firm reminder of the values Australians like to believe in: fairness, resilience, mateship and looking out for each other.

Williamson’s performance at a time that’s usually fuelled with passionate rivalry in the air, further amplified that reminder of Aussie values. And while the focus of the day was still on the cricket, there was an unspoken awareness of the tragic events that took place at Bondi Beach deeply affecting the Australian and Jewish community.

Without turning the moment into something heavy or performative, Williamson’s performance created space for reflection and connection at a time when unity feels especially important.

In that setting True Blue did what it has always done best. Cut through the noise. And although perhaps the song itself won’t “fix” anything, it serves its purpose of reminding us who we are at our best and sometimes that’s exactly what is needed.

Our thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected by the horrific events that unfolded in Bondi.

“True Blue, is it me and you

Is it Mum and Dad, is it a cockatoo

Is it standin’ by your mate when he’s in a fight

Or just Vegemiite

True Blue, I’m asking you

Hey True Blue, can you bear the load

Will you tie it up with wire

Just to keep the show on the road