Hello! :D I lived with the ferals for 2 yrs in northern NSW and found friends, arguments and moments of true beauty and occasional dismay. I fell in love with Nimbin, tho sad that the museum burnt down..it reminded me of Hebden Bridge in north england, but that has also lost some of its 'magic'. Hippies grow old and the days are dark in british society these days.
Still Australians are a young culture and intensely passionate about their beliefs, hopes and dreams when I was there, 20 yrs ago. There was a lot of debate about how to create a 'brave new world' but some confusion as to what philosophy to reference..not the surfie scene mired in old-school male chauvinism, or the urban-types drinking coffee and claiming enlightenment..but thank goodness the hippies love nature and don't cut down the trees, it has at least kept the weather pattern stable up there I was told.
California seems strong, and I've met Suzan Saxman of Woodstock, so there's always hope.