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Australia Day Poll
Australian Top Five
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writer: Sabrina Quader |
I recently conducted an extensive research report amongst very
credible sources (note very bad sarcasm) to compile a best of list about
Australian tourist attraction, movies, musicians etc. At the beginning of my
extensive research which began months ago (again bad sarcasm),what surprised me
was the respondents vast knowledge and appreciation of all things Australian. It
gives hope to the argument that we are being proliferated with American media
and American culture. I for one am certainly not against a dosage of American
pop culture every once in a while, however as Australian citizens and members of
this society it is important for us to support Australian industry. In terms of
the survey as it was taken amongst residents of Canberra it may not exactly
reflect many of Australia’s wide ranging tourist attractions and destinations,
all the same it reflects the opinions and feelings of our neighbours here in
Canberra. So as we approach Australia Day perhaps this list here will inspire
you to visit some of the memorable locations listed, or watch one of the movies
and be inspired by the great country we all live in. So have a look at the list
and see if you agree!!
Top Five Australian Locations
- Sydney Opera House (NSW)- Nothing can beat the majestic
beauty of the harbour and the white sails outlining the clear blue sky of
the Sydney Opera House. No matter how many times I revisit the location the
sheer architectural brilliance of the Opera House against the backdrop of
the sea is truly awe-inspiring.
- Bondi/Manly Beach (NSW) - These two locations was cited
by many of the respondents of the survey as the best beach sites in
Australia. I think Bondi Beach is an iconic part of Australian culture,
surf/sun/fun and Manly is considered to be a great place to eat/surf and
swim.
- War Memorial (ACT)- Many of the older respondents named
the National War Memorial as one of the best places to visit in Australia.
The Memorial is considered one of the best war archives and museums in the
world so we are very lucky to have such a landmark here in Canberra.
- Crown District/Great Ocean Road (VIC)- Many stated the
glitz and glamour of Crown Casino and the district as a highlight of
Australian entertainment venues. This is in contrast to the natural beauty
of the drive on the Great Ocean Road.
- Gold Coast (QLD)- Many have described the Gold Coast and
particularly Surfers Paradise as the Miami of Australia. It literally is
sun/surf/fun all year in the Gold Coast.
Top Five Australian Movies
- Moulin Rouge- This film has been debated as to whether it
is actually Australian, as it was not produced by an Australian production
house. However the fact that its director, production team and lead actress
are all Australian, along with the fact that it was filmed in the heart of
Sydney would make it my mind a very Australian film. A beautiful, colourful,
psychedelic and entertaining film that in an odd way reflects the vitality
of Australian culture.
- The Castle- The quintessential “Aussie Battler” film.
Australians have always been known to root for the underdog, and if there
ever was a movie about challenging a big corporation it would be this gem of
a film about a typical suburban family battling to save their house from
becoming an airport terminal.
- Strictly Ballroom- Although most people know Paul
Mercurio as one of those silly judges on channel 7’s Dancing with The Stars,
he was once on the other side of the podium in this early 90’s Australian
film. Once again themes of battling against the odds and establishment. A
great movie about believing in one self and who could forget the theme song
in the movie by John Paul Young “Love is in the Air”.
- Picnic at Hanging Rock- Although much younger generation
may not have heard of this film, all you media students have probably been
made to watch this haunting and beautifully filmed movie by Australian
director Peter Wier. The haunting music from the film is instantly
recognisable, although for the younger generation they might know it as the
theme of the Nescafe ads a few years ago! Oh well great film.
- Shine- I urge people to watch this film, simply because
of Geoffrey Rush’s magnificent performance, as mentally incapacitated
pianist David Helfgott. If anyone had ever become at one with the character
they were portraying it would be Mr Rush and thus a deserving Best Actor
OSCAR winner.
Top Five Australian Actors-
- Nicole Kidman- The most high profile of the list is also
number one, all respondents agree she has had great success overseas and
she’s a best actress OSCAR winner, go the Aussie!
- Hugh Jackman- I was surprised that Hugh was ahead of good
ole Russell Crowe, however many respondents are big fans of Hugh’s character
in X- Men and there is the issue of Mr Crowe being brought up in New
Zealand!
- Cate Blanchett- Also an OSCAR winner, respondents say she
is a brilliant actress.
- Russell Crowe- The temperamental and controversial actor
is said to be great at his job, respondents site Gladiator as one of his
most memorable performances.
- Geoffrey Rush/Naomi Watts- These two actors were tied in
fifth place, many cite Geoffrey’s consistency has one of the reasons for his
placement and Naomi is said to be a emotionally truthful actress.
Sabrina Quader, Canberra
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