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   A major change in values and in behaviour is beginning to occur in Australia. For too long we have been exploiting both our continent and each other. Patterns of human living based on selfishness and ruthless competitiveness are becoming self-destructive. A new era is dawning--equality between the sexes, generosity in human relationships and honesty in negotiation. With this goes a respect for the environment that sustains us.

   Humankind is a bio-social species. His biological survival depends on harmonious working with Nature. Harmony comes only when we give as well as take.

   The world has paid a terrible price for the Industrial Revolution and the advance of science. We had to be ruthless to control and harness the forces of Nature; to become machine-like to make machines and to think like computers to conquer ignorance. But the battle is won. Now we must re-humanise ourselves and share the fruits of our labour. The swing away from the mistakes of the chemical solution of biological problems, is beginning. Natural food movements suggest we are searching for a healthier way. The growth of community groups in ecology, welfare, education and the arts suggest we want to become better and happier humans.

   Australia is the only continent on earth never split by warring nations or states. We are fortunate in being unimportant in the great power competition. As inheritors of the industrial era we are on the periphery of both European and Asian civilizations.

   We alone are in a position to accept the best from all continents in ideas, people and ways of living.

   History took humanity from the tribe to the City State, to the Nation State. The next step is the Continental Nation at peace with itself and with its neighbours. It is our unique opportunity and duty to become the example to the rest of the world for that next step. In this process the Machine City must be replaced by the Human City. The exploited landscape must be husbanded with loving care. The soil which gives us life must be developed in its own living processes so that it grows richer year by year rather than poorer. The beauty and freedom of personal space depends on caring for the integrity of all our environment. We may not be the most varied and beautiful continent on earth, but we can and must be the most human.

   My father's work and the contributions of all Australians is needed for the task ahead.

   Neville Yeomans.