…The More Things Stay The Same

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE…

Meredith has had a No Dickheads Policy since the early 90s. It’s largely self-policing and it works well, due to the good people of Meredith looking after themselves and others. We do have a few rules, which are derived from common sense and twenty-three years of collected wisdom – like no glass, no campfires, don’t annoy your neighbours, etc. As you know there are also no commercial sponsors and no market stalls. It’s still BYO. You can bring a couch. One of the Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre’s prime reasons for Being is to be A Haven.

Offensive signage, slogans, clothing, costumes have never have been cool at The Sup’ – we have put that in writing this year, not that there’s ever been many. Slogans that are really obviously-offensive on, say T-shirts or campervans are not cool. Likewise obviously-offensive costumes. Dressing up for many people is a huge part of the festival and that’s terrific, that shouldn’t change – I really like walking along at the festival and being high-fived by a rocketship.

This year we included a link from ‘offensive costumes’ to an article about Native American headdresses. In brief, people from the Native American community are asking people who aren’t from their culture not to wear them. Although not many people have worn them at Meredith we included the link so that everyone can be informed and aware when making choices about what to pack for Meredith. That is all we ask.

There was some incorrect media reporting, including one report that we had banned couches and another that our Dickheads Policy was inspired by the Sydney Swans! Both false.

…THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME

Working out what is “offensive” can be subjective, but as usual, we’ll figure them out together. Same as we have on matters in the past and will do in future. We’re all tuned a bit differently and perhaps our world is experiencing an accelerated shake up of all manner of things, which is just another reason we are as determined as ever to Keep Meredith Meredithy.

Feel free to drop me note of any kind at any time, my caravan door is always open. (Except maybe when Family Feud is on).