THIS editorial was going to be an open letter to NSW Arts Minister Troy Grant (we haven’t heard of him either) but we’ll address it to everyone in State Government because Goulburn is sick of being ignored....
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Dear State Government,
This might come as a shock to you latte-sipping suits, but your job is to represent the WHOLE of New South Wales.
Quite obviously, geography isn’t your strong point because Sydney – that congested, sprawling metropolis in which most of you unfortunately inhabit – gets all the attention.
But if you put down your blinkers for a moment, and step outside that swanky Surry Hills café you spend most mornings in, you might just realise that it’s regional NSW powering this great State.
And Goulburn is one of the driving forces.
Check us out on Google if you know what that is.
Who do you think trains your police force? Guess where the nation’s most dangerous criminals are kept?
Where do you think the wool in your three-pieces comes from? Which regional city has spawned more sporting stars than you’ve had limo trips?
Where do you think the world’s biggest ram lives? Australia’s First Inland City … guess who?
Yes, Goulburn, that’s who.
We might add that our fair city has a rich architectural and cultural heritage.
We can’t offer you bottles of Grange, but we can give you a history lesson and some time out in Belmore Park, perfect for those in-between days during ICAC hearings.
And check out all the windfarm turbines you’ve put up around the countryside.
The place is spinning, some might say humming too.
We’re pretty adept at dramatic arts (James Bond was born here), with Goulburn home to – wait for it Mr Grant – the Lieder Theatre Company, the longest running theatre company in Australia.
But the Lieder – despite managing to pull an audience for more than 123 years – isn’t “professional” enough to be eligible for Arts NSW funding.
Apparently, the company’s internationally-acclaimed shows, which have challenged audiences here and abroad, have been too powderpuff for your liking.
If you want to talk about amateurish performances, check out the latest stage production called the NSW Coalition Government, starring ‘hubris’ and ‘regional discrimination’, written and directed by ‘if they’re not a political donor, than I’m not interested’.
Pru Goward has more details on Goulburn. She can provide directions if necessary.
If in doubt, just get your taxpayer-funded driver to head down the Hume.
Mr Grant, you’d get change from $250 for an overnight stay, dinner and two tickets to the Lieder’s latest production, The Laramie Project.
Yours Sincerely,
Editor.