Rural Australia often gets the rough end of the pineapple, but it remains a vital storehouse of authentic Australian language – from speech patterns, slang, swear words and sayings, right through to the rich heritage of ancient Indigenous languages. We put the spotlight on language in this country in a revealing and entertaining look at what it is to ‘speak Australian’. Other highlights of the issue include a western wander in outback NSW where the Darling River is flowing again and an inspiring profile of the new Rural Health Commissioner Dr Ruth Stewart. Plus enjoy our favourites of Dogs, Pubs, Boots, Bush Weddings, Bush kids and more.