Are we really drowning in a sea of grog?

Febfast National Director, Howard Ralley, shares his experience after almost a month without alcohol and questions the value of Australia’s drinking culture as part of our national identity. 

Two weeks ago, as I sat reading The Age on the train into work, I read the Australian poet, cartoonist and cultural commentator, Michael Leunig’s poem about the ‘rivers of grog’:

The rivers of grog are deep and wide, they keep the nation well supplied

Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney town; The rivers of grog flow quietly down

Down and down the throats they run. Mother, father, daughter, son

Black and white all stupefied. The rivers of grog are deep and wide.