
Nothing in life worth doing comes easy – and there’s no exceptions to this rule. This applies to our own lives as much to community events: just because something’s hard doesn’t mean we give up on it.
The above are some random thoughts in response to some of the comments from readers on the story about the Paul Borg petition to bring back the Fisher’s Ghost Festival street parade.
It’s true that it’s not an easy thing to organise a street parade with almost 100 entrants, from sport club members marching to creative floats on the back of a truck.
Well, you know, as one of our Prime Ministers said many years ago, life wasn’t meant to be easy.
And that certainly applies to a huge undertaking like a street parade.
Having been involved both in the organising committee and on a judging panel for several years, I can vouch for the logistical challenge it was every year.
But you have to ask yourself the question: is it worth it, and the answer is always a loud and clear: hell, yes!
The festival itself is world famous, because it’s based on a story of a ghost that pointed to the spot where a murdered man – Fred Fisher – was buried.
And the parade, well, it was always the heart and soul of the festival.
Last year’s Fisher’s Ghost Festival, as good as the program was, felt like something was missing.
And that was the parade, there’s no doubt in my mind.
As for the cost of running it, well, it’s ratepayers’ money and should not be a factor when you consider how much it brings the entire community together.
Council is about to take another look at the parade, thanks to Councillors Josh Cotter and Warren Morrison.
Hopefully it will realise that just because running the parade is hard it should not have thrown the baby out with the bath water in 2019.
I really do hope that the parade is brought back this year. It brought a true sense of community as we all joined together celebrate the legend of Fisher’s Ghost, as well as our wonderful city of Campbelltown. After all, council found the money to build the Billabong, despite the obstacles of lockdown and subsequent delays. Yet whether it has brought our community together is yet to prove itself in my mind, especially since there’s been so discussion about the cost for hiring simple shade and ‘seating’ from the harsh UV rays.
So in addition to the fact that our rates have sky rocketed, surely, surely Council could find the finds to bring our wonderful parade back? Traditions last a lot longer and have more value than money.