Voice of Real Australia is a regular newsletter from Australian Community Media, which has journalists in every state and territory. Sign up here to get it by email, or here to forward it to a friend. Today's newsletter is written by NSW north coast editor Christian Knight.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hump Day and reflecting on a weekend that is now but a fading memory in the rear vision mirror. Fun times were had, all be they politically incorrect through the prism of some.
My great sin was going to the horse races. Bowraville Cup. The once-a-year event on the Mid North Coast hinterland of NSW, and some of the visiting punters are probably just scratching themselves now after the merriment.
More than a few of the travelling gang arrived themed. The lads from Armidale were dressed as Where's Wally, the boys from Lake Cathie, 130km south near Port Macquarie, got their aloha on with Hawaiian clobber.
Everyone bar their livers had a great day and longer night. No poor behaviour, let alone a 'book 'em, Danno' moment.
One who would not have been impressed by the galloping steeds is Desmond Bellamy, as he is a spokesperson for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and can't stand horse racing. Yet, Desmond had a good weekend too.
He was elated that Taylor Swift would not be attending the Melbourne Cup. He told me so in an email. He observed that a sans-Swift Cup was the perfect reason for us all to shun that first Tuesday in November.
Desmond lives in Byron Bay, a country yet to be separated from the mainland. It should happen, as most of us can barely afford to visit there, let alone buy a kale-infused chai, with a Vegemite smear on the side.
Smear segue - NSW State National MP Adam Marshall was also active this past week.
He doesn't like things such as plant-based or made-in-a-petrie-dish products being called what they are not - like 'meat' or 'milk'.
Imitation is the greatest form of flattery, so they say, but Member Marshall is drawing the line in the labelling corral.
If he's successful at high noon, the vegan me-toos might have to market almond milk as 'nut juice'.
Few will guzzle that with enthusiasm. Even if it is good for you.
So back to Desmond. He doesn't like horse racing - or any sport where animals are involved. He's not a Lone Ranger there.
But at country meetings the flashing thoroughbreds are background colour. Most head along for the community atmosphere. And the chance to throw on some fine threads, and lose the pay cheque.
This year, in eastern NSW, the races at Bowra were a chance to forget about the D word. Drought, not Desmond.
Christian Knight
Editor, Macleay/Nambucca/Bellingen