On The Gold Coast: The Party Question
On this New Year's Eve, in the aftermath of the worst natural disaster in a century, Judith Wallis is in no mood to party. Because modern media has drawn countries closer together the tsunami victims are our neighbours, she says.
"I am hopeful the goodwill generated this New Year's Eve will encourage generosity towards our neighbours.''
I have been sitting for half an hour at the computer, my fingers resting unmoving on the keyboard. My indecision is creating inertia. To party or not to party? That is the question.
It is New Year’s Eve and in a few hours thousands of people will be making their way to the various parks which extend the length of the Gold Coast coastline. By evening the sand will be cool but the sea still warm as the sun sinks and the breeze chases away the last of the day’s searing heat.
The people will come in family groups or with a party of friends. They will carry chilly bins filled with food and drink. Some will bring their own tables and chairs and others will be content to spread a rug on the grass.
The children will swim in the sea or play on the swings under the watchful eyes of mothers, aunts and big sisters while the men folk attend to the barbecue. The delicious smell of charred steaks, sausages and king prawns will spread with the blue-grey smoke through the trees and out into the open space where electricians are checking sound systems and lighting ready for the evening’s entertainment.
Across the road people will gather amid much laughter and loud talk at the outdoor cafes along the street. Friends meeting and greeting, wishing each other a Happy New Year.
Normally I would be a part of this conviviality but this year, because of the tsunami I do not have the heart for it. It is not a question of whether or not we should party on but rather a question of why?
If one of my family had been killed in an accident this week I would not go to the fireworks tonight. If close friends had been robbed of all their belongings, I would think twice. Wouldn’t you?
So how much separation do we need before we decide ‘We don’t know those people. Let’s carry on with the party.’ Sadly, not much. We do know these people, they’re human beings just like us. And through modern media, near neighbours.
I am not alone. A lot of people are questioning the issues involved in spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on the displays of fireworks that welcome the New Year. Some of the planned celebrations have been cancelled and others, too far ahead with costly preparations to make changes, are asking people to make a donation as they enter the concert area. It is believed the donations will far exceed the amount spent on the fireworks.
There is, of course, another point of view. The view that this is an opportunity for the community to gather together engendering social harmony, a sense of belonging and to fulfil a tradition that provides hope in an uncertain world. I am hopeful the goodwill generated this New Year’s Eve will encourage generosity towards our neighbours.
I would like to wish everyone, workers, contributors and readers connected with www.openwriting.com, increased peace and happiness throughout 2005.
