The Australian television soapie 'Home and Away' is the stuff of legends. Premiering in 1988, the show has continued unabated for thirty-five years. Originally, the story-line followed the Fletcher family and their foster children, who moved to the fictitious town of Summer Bay after buying the local caravan park. Since those early days, 'Home and Away' has morphed into a juggernaut tackling topics from self-harm to autism, cyber-bullying to miscarriage and eating disorders to witness protection. There have also been repeated natural disasters such as floods and bushfires, along with shootings, accidents involving all types of vehicles and some moderately strong violence, which may have caused a few raised eyebrows, considering the programme airs at seven o'clock four evenings a week.
'Home and Away' could also be viewed as a nursery for budding actors keen to get a foot in the door. Chris Hemsworth, Naomi Watts, Heath Ledger, Isla Fisher, Guy Pearce and Melissa George all cut their teeth on 'Home and Away' before moving onto quite stellar international careers. There are only two original cast members from the first series, although some others, such as Kate Ritchie, stayed in character for twenty years.
Summer Bay, with all these hair-raising events, could be thought to be unrealistic and over-the-top. After the previous week here in Heavenly Beverley, I could affirm that truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Hot weather and funerals have made strange bedfellows this month and left some of us (including me) shaking our heads in disbelief. Let me explain...
Unfortunately for all involved, Beverley experienced three funerals and wakes over three consecutive days. Two of these were perfectly well-mannered and sedate affairs, showing the deceased persons the dignity, love and respect they deserved, without any ruckus.
The other funeral was an utterly different matter. A split family, with two wakes, degenerated into a free for all, with police in attendance. Additionally, others chose to engage in appalling behaviour which degenerated into fisticuffs and an alleged threatened knifing. One of our pubs became a war zone, which resulted in frightened staff, angry publicans and bewildered guests. One worker who was staying the night commented that the pub had become "like 'Home and Away' without the car crash!" Not a flattering analogy.
We all read the papers and watch the news, tut-tutting in the assurance that we would never see that type of disorder in our suburb or town. Heavenly Beverley has just won the State Award for Best Heritage Street Walk, our Wine and Tapas bar will open shortly with art, music and theatre developing strongly, along with fun for all ages from littlies to families.
As a community, we can't allow a minority of idiots to spoil our future. Because Heavenly Beverley does have a promising future, unlike some other towns which are dying or have expired. As a community, I believe we need to come together to lift our game, be innovative and cooperative and remain a fabulous town where all are welcome. We have a moto-cross and off-road clubs, along with a multitude of sports and other activities. For those who choose to be disruptive, then clear and consistent rules need to be initiated as a matter of urgency in our pubs and other venues. There must be a firm message that whilst having a good time is fine, anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
I don't want to sound like an aggrieved kill-joy. I enjoy a drink as much as anybody and I loved the recent live band that attended the Hotel Beverley a few Saturdays ago. I have had more than my fair share of hangovers, and will probably continue to overdo drinks from time to time. But alcohol and aggression go hand-in-hand for some and the rest of us shouldn't have to put up with that.
Sorry for the serious tone of this post, however, I am sure that I am not the only person who doesn't want Heavenly Beverley's glorious reputation to slip because the grown-ups didn't step up.
Constructive suggestions, anybody?
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