By JAMILA RIZVI
They pleaded with me not to write this post; the whole office did. They threw their hands up in the air (well they didn’t actually, that’s more a cartoon character kind of frustration), claiming nobody would read it, that I couldn’t make it entertaining, that is was a topic duller than the history of the English language.
But the best bit about being Editor of this here website is getting the final say. And today I’m changing the rules, exercising my ‘I’m the boss’ rights, claiming the match and publishing this post.
(Shhh, Mia doesn’t know yet)
Today is the Centenary of Canberra. The 100th anniversary of the founding of our nation’s capital.
*Holds for applause*
It’s a city that gets far more than its fair share of mocking, laughter and derision; a city that is unfairly blamed for the grumpy, game playing goings-on of those who inhabit the House on the Hill; a city that is dismissed because it’s not as showy as Sydney, not as sunny as Brisbane and not as cool as Melbourne.
Well, today I boldly strip down to my tights, position my undies squarely on the outside and claim my new (self appointed) role as the superhero to beat all other superheros: Jamila Rizvi, Defender of Canberra.
In honour of her 100th year, I want to share what it is about Canberra that makes my home town a wonderful place to grow up in, to live in, to work in and to visit. And I’m going to do it all in only a few hundred words, before I have to fly off and shoot down some bad guys with my laser beam eyes and save a damsel in distress.
Top Comments
What a fantastic article, thanks so much for writing it. When you live in Canberra there is so much that is good about the place than those pollies up on the hill that get it bashed so badly. I have been here for over 21 years now and can't see myself living anywhere else in Australia at this point. It is nice to read something positive written about Canberra for a change.
Great article Jamila!
I've been living in Melbourne for a year and no one believes me when I defend Canberra (usually I get looks of pity or disgust when I own up to coming from there, and people on the tram shuffle away from me). Did you know the phrase "Canberra bashing" officially entered the dictionary this month? Timely. But I'm glad to see some pride staying strong in other cities ;)
My favourite thing about the Berra is that despite the fact it's not a rich city with lots of arts funding and philanthropy, locals do manage to get festivals, entertainment, theatre, music, local publications and markets off the ground and sustained, but they keep that grass-roots vibe, they don't become pretentious because everyone's too stoked to attend to be blase or cool.
PS: And yes, everyone in Canberra knows each other. Glad to see you so successful since Hawker!