THE EVENT ORGANISER
Name: Tom Jenkins
What do you plan to bring to the party?
I plan to make sure we can get all the 22 bands on stage on time, make sure everyone is having a good time and raise some awareness and cash for the Refugee Council.
How have you noticed that Australia Day has changed over the last few years?
I’ve noticed that every year, any meaning behind Australia Day is getting lost and more of a focus is being put on getting hammered and acting racist, rather than acknowledging the original owners of this land and the importance of welcoming new people into the country.
What message do you hope people take away from the day?
Not only are we raising money for The Refugee Council, but there will also be The Refugee Action Committee present on the day, so hopefully people can get some new ideas to take home with them, or even just get a new perspective on some of the refugee issues in Australia.
FEAR LIKE US
Name: Jamie Hay
What do you plan to bring to the party?
A healthy amount of enthusiasm, sing alongs, hugs, love and back sweat.
How have you noticed that Australia Day has changed over the last few years?
The rise in popularity of the “Aus-stika”, the southern cross tattoo. Gross.
What message do you hope people take away from the day?
A sense of perspective. That we can love our country and be thankful for our lives here but also accept and acknowledge its faults. In this case, the indefinite incarceration and fear mongering of refugees.
THE SMITH STREET BAND
Name: Wil Wagner
What do you plan to bring to the party?
Whimpy lyrics, party vibes, three guitars, heaps of woahs!
How have you noticed that Australia Day has changed over the last few years?
Yep. It’s probably the worst day to be anywhere. It’s become a celebration for the southern cross tattooed, flag waving fuckheads.
What message do you hope people take away from the day?
Stop the all bad things. Do good stuff. Be nice to people. Don’t be a dick. Don’t listen to stupid musicians trying to tell you a message. Make up your own mind.
ARROWS
Name: Anders
What do you plan to bring to the party?
The great thing about this party is that you don’t really need to bring anything. Tom has hit the ball out of the park with the great bands and venue, which attracts a great group of punters.
What message do you hope people take away from the day?
We were lucky enough to be invited to play last year and I think everyone who attended was very like-minded. It feels like the message is similar to that of the bands we know and friends we have try to put forward at all shows. One that promotes a sense of community and support, regardless of your background. Everyone just wants to come together, have a good time and drink beer, which is as Australian as it gets.
ANCHORS (pictured)
Name: Pat
What do you plan to bring to the party?
It’s not what we will bring to the party that I worry about. Last year we – well more specifically, I – had shoes and thongs thrown at for the entire set. So I guess by the end of this years’ set we’ll have a lot of free footwear to give out.
How have you noticed that Australia Day has changed over the last few years?
I don’t tend to take a lot of notice of Australia Day. I guess Aussie flag capes and beachwear are up, and reason, fairness and tolerance are down.
What message do you hope people take away from the day?
I hope they will understand that it’s quite easy to raise a bit of money or donate some time to help other people. If they could try and contribute in their own way that would be fantastic. But if they go ‘yeah punx music’ and that’s it, then that’s their business.
