As summer starts to bite and 2019 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the year that was.
Business
The business world saw significant reports into the Banking and Aged Care sectors. Just when we thought we’d heard it all in terms of corporate greed it seems there was time for one more. The year ended with the revelation of an alleged 40-million-dollar fraud within the Department of Communities. What made this even more shocking was the fact the alleged offenders had possession of the homeless purse. Little wonder then that reports suggest there are more homeless on our streets. It amazes me that in the current climate of corporate crimes being exposed, some amongst us continue to think they can get away with depriving the greater good for their own means.
Politics
Scott Morrison was officially voted in as Prime Minister, lucky number 30 if you’re counting. Does that count as another new PM? Either way the election taught us there’s no such thing as a sure bet, and to seek feedback from people beyond your immediate reference group. While Bill Shorten missed out on the top job, the biggest loser was the opinion poll operators. Something that sent the Polling industry into a spin for a while.
Environment
On the environmental stakes, this year saw the full gamut. An earthquake in Darwin, floods in Tasmania, continued draught conditions in farming areas and major fires spread right across the land. Amongst this backdrop, 2019 saw the closed sign go up on Uluru.
Sports
On a sporting note, 2019 created a few firsts. For starters South Africa’s Springboks took out the Rugby World Cup. Granted they were amongst the favourites, but it was still a shock for some, especially the kiwi All Blacks. Even more poignant though, the trophy was accepted by South Africa’s first non-white captain, Siya Kolisi, who was born in the slums to teenage parents who couldn’t afford to keep him. In accepting the Web Ellis Cup he was the embodiment of Mandela’s quote that “sport has the power to change the world.”
Closer to home, Roger Federer and Serena Williams went up against each other for the first time. The historic match held during the Hopman Cup, saw Sweden play the USA in mixed doubles. The match was fascinating. Aside from phenomenal tennis the action showed another side to the Williams powerhouse as she dissolved into a giggling schoolgirl. For the record Sweden won.
We can’t mention 2019 sport without acknowledging the efforts of Ash Barty who took number one position in the female tennis world. Not strictly a first for Australia, but it would be un-Australian not to mention it. Similarly, congratulations go out to the Australian cricket team for retaining the Ashes.
Entertainment
Maybe it was the lure of the quokka I’m not sure, but this year a number of high-profile international guests drop in, including Eminem, U2 and Elton John. The new stadium is getting a workout and for the most part coming up trumps.
Sad passing
This year we lost several legends of politics, sport, and entertainment including: Bob Hawke, Tim Fischer, Mike Willese, Polly Farmer, Margaret Fulton, Geoff Harvey, Max Kay, Anne Phelan, Jimmy Hannon, Annalise Braakensiek, Nlngalli Lawford-Wolf, Clive James and Danny Frawley to name a few.
Overall though I remember 2019 as the year we found our voice. Around the globe and here in Western Australia consumers took to the streets in increasing numbers to vent.
One of the most memorable demonstrations saw thousands of high school students follow in the footsteps of Greta Thunberg. I happened to be in the Perth CBD on the morning of the demonstration and taking an innocent right hand turn up from Elizabeth Quay into William Street I found myself at the start of the march. Realising that the mass of humanity stretched all the way back to Forest Chase, I had to frantically back-peddle on my bike (literally), so as not to be mowed down. The vision with stay with me forever, largely because of how well behaved the students were, even when their plans hit a snag and the march route had to be diverted. They simply sat on the ground waiting for instructions. I was told they also knew to stand up periodically or risk being taken away. Regardless of your opinion about their motivations, it was an incredibly impressive example of organisation and getting your voice heard in a peaceful manner. I’m guessing there are several parents out there who’d love to know the secret to wrangling in their offspring.
Sadly, while the world found it’s voice, one citizen chose not to speak, and he was the one person we needed to hear from. On October 27, 2019 convicted serial killer Ivant Milat died of esophageal cancer. Despite several attempts to make him confess to the murders he was convicted of, he kept his mouth shut, thereby taking his secrets to the grave and denying peace for the families left behind. My thoughts go out to them during the Christmas holidays as they have one less person around the dinner table. Christmas is a hard time for anyone who has suffered loss, but I cannot imagine what it must be like for people who have lost someone through criminal acts or tragic circumstances.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday period amongst your loved ones. Hold them tight.
This piece first appeared in my Swan Magazine column which has been running since 2015.
