"Organisers give flag thumbs up" - 23/1
Jan 23, 2007 21:43:20 GMT 10
Post by dededom on Jan 23, 2007 21:43:20 GMT 10
Organisers give flag thumbs up
By Erin McWhirter
January 23, 2007 05:43pm
Herald Sun (also printed in the Australian, CourierMail, Daily Telegraph, Adelaide Advertiser etc)
www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21105654-5005961,00.html
FORGET the Big Day Out – Australia Day organisers are urging everyone to proudly fly the national flag this week.
Dismissing fears the flag could provoke racism or aggression, National Australia Day Council director Warren Pearson says displaying the flag publicly provokes pride and patriotism.
“I think a vast majority of people think the flag provokes a feeling of pride and a feeling of unity,” Mr Pearson said today.
Organisers of Thursday's Big Day Out festival in Sydney have urged music fans not to bring Australian flags, saying they were used as “gang colours” at last year's event in a show of racism and nationalism.
The call by the Big Day Out has sparked anger throughout Australia, with Prime Minister John Howard saying it was “stupid and offensive”.
Australia Day organisers say people will be allowed to bring their flags to the thousands of events throughout the country on Thursday and Friday.
Highlights include Australian of the Year awards in Canberra on Thursday and a host of parades, competitions, family picnics and live musical performances throughout the nation on Friday.
“I am part of the gang that is Australia. I have 21 million members of my gang and I am proud to be a part of that gang on Australia Day,” Mr Pearson said.
“It's your flag, it's my flag.
“And, on Australia Day, it's 21 million different people's flags to be proud of. People shouldn't be told they can't wear it, it should be encouraged at all times.”
Mr Pearson said Australia Day celebrations were about “including people, not excluding people”.
He urged Big Day Out revellers to give the festival on Thursday the flick in aid of soaking up the patriotic atmosphere of the Australia Day Live concert held annually on the lawns of the Parliament House in Canberra on Australia Day eve.
Australian Idol winner Damien Leith and popular groups, The Whitlams and TV Rock, will perform at the event broadcast live on Channel 10.
“If Big Day Out is a party that won't let you bring your flag when you want to bring it, then come to Canberra,” Mr Pearson said.
“Bring the flag, wear the flag, come dressed as swagman if you like. We don't care as long as you come and are proud to be Australian.”
By Erin McWhirter
January 23, 2007 05:43pm
Herald Sun (also printed in the Australian, CourierMail, Daily Telegraph, Adelaide Advertiser etc)
www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21105654-5005961,00.html
FORGET the Big Day Out – Australia Day organisers are urging everyone to proudly fly the national flag this week.
Dismissing fears the flag could provoke racism or aggression, National Australia Day Council director Warren Pearson says displaying the flag publicly provokes pride and patriotism.
“I think a vast majority of people think the flag provokes a feeling of pride and a feeling of unity,” Mr Pearson said today.
Organisers of Thursday's Big Day Out festival in Sydney have urged music fans not to bring Australian flags, saying they were used as “gang colours” at last year's event in a show of racism and nationalism.
The call by the Big Day Out has sparked anger throughout Australia, with Prime Minister John Howard saying it was “stupid and offensive”.
Australia Day organisers say people will be allowed to bring their flags to the thousands of events throughout the country on Thursday and Friday.
Highlights include Australian of the Year awards in Canberra on Thursday and a host of parades, competitions, family picnics and live musical performances throughout the nation on Friday.
“I am part of the gang that is Australia. I have 21 million members of my gang and I am proud to be a part of that gang on Australia Day,” Mr Pearson said.
“It's your flag, it's my flag.
“And, on Australia Day, it's 21 million different people's flags to be proud of. People shouldn't be told they can't wear it, it should be encouraged at all times.”
Mr Pearson said Australia Day celebrations were about “including people, not excluding people”.
He urged Big Day Out revellers to give the festival on Thursday the flick in aid of soaking up the patriotic atmosphere of the Australia Day Live concert held annually on the lawns of the Parliament House in Canberra on Australia Day eve.
Australian Idol winner Damien Leith and popular groups, The Whitlams and TV Rock, will perform at the event broadcast live on Channel 10.
“If Big Day Out is a party that won't let you bring your flag when you want to bring it, then come to Canberra,” Mr Pearson said.
“Bring the flag, wear the flag, come dressed as swagman if you like. We don't care as long as you come and are proud to be Australian.”
The Big Day Out festival should realise that they have been granted leave to hold their festival on government land, that is Australian land! They should get their crowd control organisers into gear and forget about deterring Australians from bearing their flag. I just hope that all who do attend wear T shirts, caps, bags, earrings, badges etc. emblazoned with the Aussie flag. Better yet, go to the Australia Day concert in Canberra where you'll be treated to the beautiful vocals of Damien Leith! I could go on and on about this but I'll leave it to the words of John Williamson. 
