Keen Indy readers might have noted the ongoing transformation of Geelong Trades Hall boss Tim Gooden, as represented in last week’s paper.
And, as befitting the head of any organisation, Tim’s new look was all about fashions worn upon the noggin.
Tim appeared as the Victorian version of bandana-wearing Sydney author Peter FitzSimons, although opting for a headpiece in an eye-catching patterned yellow instead of the harsh red favoured by the New South Welshman.
Tim’s bandana was also certainly a softer look than the medieval helmet he wears when indulging in his passion for archery. And decidedly more fashionable than the drab navy beanie he favoured while picketing a sewage farm project in 2011.
Readers are invited to nominate their favourite but Double Take prefers Tim’s head presented the same way as oysters: natural, thanks.
Has Pako Festa lost the plot?
The answer seems in the affirmative after last weekend’s event, which seemed more carnivale than multicultural.
Traditionally a celebration of Geelongs’ numerous ethnic communities, the festa on Saturday included everything from sustainability stalls to Star Wars characters.
The trend away from the festa’s multicultural roots toward a free-for-all of expression possibly began around a decade ago with the introduction of TV soapie stars as parade paragons. Dancers, dress-ups and other participants of obscure enthnic association have further diluted the purpose of Pako over the years.
Double Take looks forward nervously to what next year’s event brings – hopefully it’s more festa than fester.
The question of Geelong’s heritage has been long and bedevilled, with much of it lost over the years.
It seems Geelongites by and large see the city’s heritage as nice to have but don’t set a lot of store by it.
Federal Corio MP Richard Marles bemoaned the situation in parliament this week, conceding that Geelong did not celebrate its “rich and proud” heritage as well as Ballarat and Bendigo.
He suggested that City hall should install a series of plaques around the town marking the stories of historical sites and their significance, citing the example of London’s blue-plaque system.
Now, all we have to do is make sure they don’t become plagues.
