We can and we will Keep Sydney Open

You may have already read a handful of articles on what went down in the city of Sydney over the weekend, but the fact of the matter is that the success of Keep Sydney Open has hardly been addressed in mainstream media. A battle we're 110% behind and willing to persist with (until we win), take this piece as not only a commendation of the 15,000 people that rocked up at Belmore Park, but also as another affected voice yearning for change.

Contrary to pitchforks and fiery torches, a swarm of anti-violent Sydneysiders boosted witty, yet heartfelt placards above their heads on Sunday, 21st February, with a vast majority rocking the white & black Keep Sydney Open tee; putting their hands together for the very articulate messages that the collective boast, as formally annunciated on the day by Keep Sydney Open's representative, Tyson Koh.

Experiencing the classic four seasons in one Sydney day, protesters refused to allow the raindrops to dampen spirits, as the conglomerate chanted, danced and cheered their whole way throughout the CBD as they shared a special moment in the historical culture of this wonderful city.

[caption id="attachment_65808" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Doris Goddard at the Keep Sydney Open rally (image by Dan Ilic)[/caption]

An exceptional occasion for a tremendously important issue, it was fantastic to see the support of crews (/legendary friends) like, Stoney Roads, I Oh You, Goodgod, Ministry Of Sound, Future Classic (who wound up the day with a DJ set that commenced with Tom Budin's, 'Mike Baird') and Astral People (setting back the opening time of their own Summer Dance event for the rally, and offering punters half-priced tickets if they were sporting a Keep Sydney Open shirt). It was even more lovely to witness older veterans of our arts, music and cultural environment, such as peace activist, Danny Lim (aka the omnipotent placard wearer forever spreading good vibes around the CBD) and the absolutely phenomenal, Doris Goddard, of Hotel Hollywood.

Alongside a live set from Art vs Science dropping their lockout law anthem, 'You Got To Stop' & a cover of  Beastie Boys', 'Fight For Your Right', followed by a handful of originals from cherished locals, Royal Headache, some amazing speeches were also made; inspired by the personal growth and experiences made as a result of the industry that is now endangered by the consequential laws of the NSW State Government. Wonderful oral presentations were shared by Bernard Keane, Dave Faulkner, Isabella Manfredi and Tyson Koh, as well as Nina Agzarian, aka Nina Las Vegas, who was kind enough to further share her humble spiel with us here at Purple Sneakers,

"One of my greatest sadnesses of this situation is that young people going out now are not getting the freedom to do a million things at night and hear a million songs they'd never heard before.

Young artists wanting that early support slot and practice now don't have these opportunities. In the last 5-10 years, Australia has cemented itself as a major player in the electronic music scene. The demise of the nightlife culture will affect this.

You can't expect an Olympic swimmer to win gold without pools, right?

The lockout laws have taken away our ability to have choice and encourage creativity. Unfortunately with the low foot traffic numbers, we literally can't afford to take risks. Choice is a thing of the past for young people today, and the irony is, they didn't have any say in any of it.

It saddens me to know that 18, 19 year olds now in Sydney might never know any other way or any other nightlife."

It downright saddens us too, as well as at least 42,000 others.

[caption id="attachment_65807" align="aligncenter" width="610"] Nina Las Vegas at Keep Sydney Open (image by Martin Novosel)[/caption]

The rally was an amazing start, but in no way does it stop there. We can tackle this issue together, and we absolutely deserve to. Write to your local MP, sign the petition, support live music / entertainment / exhibitions / etc, voice your concerns in person and online and inform your mates. Let's see this city continue to be the thriving entity that it has been renowned for, for so long; because in the words of Tyson Koh,

"We can have a vibrant nightlife and also stamp out violence entirely... This idea that we should pat ourselves on the back for solving violence? It just hasn't happened and I think we can do better."

Words by Hannah Galvin.

Feature Photo credit: Zak Kaczmarek

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