Tuesday night started with confirmation of the pride that exists in Penrith and finished with a beer whilst trying to get through the much-hyped (or much-tweeted-about) Census.
I went over to Outback Steakhouse to enjoy the hospitality of Mike Hicks and his team for a Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce function.
Tuesday night started with confirmation of the pride that exists in Penrith and finished with a beer whilst trying to get through the much-hyped (or much-tweeted-about) Census.
I went over to Outback Steakhouse to enjoy the hospitality of Mike Hicks and his team for a Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce function.
Great for networking and more importantly, great to see people actively proud about this region.
Mike himself is a success story and his tale of how an Englishman ended up here in western Sydney running Outback Steakhouse is one you should ask him to tell when you visit his restaurant.
A great, down-to-earth bloke who is seating about 2,500 people a week in his restaurant.
I chatted extensively with Jeff Fox from the Penrith Rugby Club about the trials and tribulations of the Penrith Emus.
The Penrith who?
Unfortunately, the Emus struggle to find their place on the sporting map in this town but when you hear about WHY the Emus aren’t performing well on the field, and when you hear about the people dedicated to changing that, you get a greater understanding of why it’s important for the club to eventually emerge as a success.
Apparently I won the business card draw, too.
That’ll teach me for leaving early.
But what can you do, when you have an all-important Census to fill-out.
Now I’m pretty sure I was still living at home with the folks when we last had a Census, so this was a momentous night for me.
First time nerves and no led pencil available in case of mistakes.
I’d heard about people having census parties, but lack of organisation meant it was just me and a bottle of Pure Blonde.
The Census and alcohol just seemed a natural mix.
Fingers crossed my new personal trainer doesn’t read this column – visits to Outback Steakhouse and beer with the Census probably doesn’t fill him with confidence.
Now I’ve got to admit, my excitement about the census quickly turned to dismay when I started going through the questions.
After all, could this be where so many of the quirky press releases with bizarre statistics originate?
A few questions in and the whole thing is enough to make you depressed.
Live alone.
Never married.
No kids.
Religion is always the interesting question. Jedi is apparently the going thing. Bit silly, really.
Housework? I went with five hours a week.
Admittedly, that’s in a good week, but still, it’s the truth.
My favourite question was of course the last one. Do I want my information released to the public in 99 years?
Taking into account that unless a magic pill is developed I won’t be here in 99 years, I ticked yes.
Why not?
It’s kind of cool to think that future generations could perhaps look into those who came before them, and find out about their history and lives in 2011.
They’ll probably have a good laugh, asking what the hell broadband is and scratching their heads at other topics to which time and history left behind.
More than 56 per cent of the population chose the Time Capsule option in the 2006 Census.
In 2011 the Australian Bureau of Statistics expects even more people to choose to have their Census information stored by the National Archives of Australia.
Most people I know filled out the Census properly, and did it on Tuesday night.
Judging by what friends were saying on Facebook and Twitter, all adhered to what needed to be done, even if it was a little bit tedious.
To those who didn’t fill it out correctly or took it as one big joke, the ultimate question is why.
I’m not a Census-junkie but I do appreciate the fact that I live in a country where I have the right to vote and the right to participate in a survey that helps shape future policy direction and funding.
Many in our world do not have such an opportunity.
And another thing…
It’s hard to believe that in 2011, we can still be debating whether or not it is right for a lesbian couple to have a baby.
Gillard Government Minister Penny Wong and her partner Sophie Allouaches are having a baby in December via IVF.
Christian Democrat MP Fred Nile has criticised the couple for choosing to have a baby, saying it sets a “poor example”.
He said he was against a baby being brought up by two mothers and said “the baby has human rights”.
Indeed it does, Fred. And I’m pretty sure that Penny and Sophie will ensure it enjoys every basic human right they can.
The debate over gay marriage is one for another day, but if we can’t let a successful couple have a baby and show it compassion, love and dedication, then something is wrong. Fred, pull your head in.
