The decision by new Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to make grand final eve a public holiday certainly raised eyebrows.
I would have thought we have enough public holidays. We even have one for the Queens Birthday in early June on a Monday in Victoria – and this Queen wasn’t born in June.
However, what’s even more mindboggling is that Mr Andrews wants to change the route of the grand final parade from the CBD to either further up St Kilda Rd, which is a mini business precinct in it’s own right, or around the MCG.
What’s the old saying about fixing stuff that ain’t broke? Ever since the inception of the parade The Melbourne city centre has been the venue and it’s worked.
The motorcade starts outside the art centre and makes it’s way along Swanston St, up Collins and then finishes on Spring St outside Parliament House. There are always huge crowds lining the streets, no matter which teams are involved.
The Premier thinks the public holiday, which he has penciled in for grand final eve, will reduce the number of people in the City for the parade.
How many parades has he attended? Sure, there’s the great sight of people hanging out of office buildings to get a birds eye of proceedings, but the majority of people make their way in for the occasion.
As the Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said, it’s a public holiday for Labor Day in March, which coincides with the Moomba Parade in Melbourne and there are big crowds.
The Premier has identified the heart of or top end of St Kilda Rd as a possible replacement location, but it’s like North Sydney on the weekend and public holidays are quiet – so why would it be a better place to hold the parade than the CBD on a public holiday.
The MCG is not a bad choice, but where do you hold it inside the venue?
It’s like playing the grand final during the day – the parade works in the CBD whether it’s a public holiday or not.
It seems Mr Andrews is seeking change for the sake of change. The current lead up celebrations before the match are rituals. For me, they comprise the 24 greatest hours or so of the year – why change what works?
Penster
Guest
What happens on long weekends? People vacate the city the night before. The place will be deserted except for those who specifically want to attend the parade - supporters of the competing teams. 2 interstate teams playing off, no city workers to make up numbers, what an atmosphere killer. On the up side, more chance of scoring grand final tickets as people choose a long weekend holiday over the footy.
deccas
Guest
jesus what a storm in a teacup. Ever been into the city on a public holiday or weekend? Shock horror, there are still a lot of people there. Maybe if there is a public holiday associated with a major public event such as the grand final parade, some people will take time out of their day to enjoy it. My gosh, anyone would think Andrews plan was to ban smiling.
AR
Guest
The promise of a Grand Final public holiday was a populist election carrot that nobody wanted. Since the 1970s, every Friday before the Grand Final, Melbourne turns into a carnival. Kids line the streets, Families are decked out in their colours, blokes in suits play kick-to-kick on Collins St...all watching teh parade as it heads from St Kilda Rd up Collins St to the steps of the iconic Treasury building. Now, as a result of that silly election promise by the now-Vic Govt, the city will be effectively emptied, and the tradition of the parade has been wiped. What a howler. I'm all for a public hol, but this one is a stinker.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
It's just going to be a little different. Shock horror! Maybe give it a few years and see what happens, some won't be happy but I'm sure there'll be plenty who benefit.
Paul W
Guest
It's just the Show Day public holiday being given back. Still doesn't make a lot of sense.
Milo
Roar Rookie
Stupid idea like most of Andrews' ideas so far. Leave the parade as is. If you really wanted a holiday consider the Monday after instead and a twilight GF. But otherwise forget it.
Gyfox
Guest
Agree with everything Dan says. Stupid, crazy, indulgent decision to have this public holiday!
Franko
Guest
How the hell did Victoria get a public holiday for this? And don't start me on the lack of h
Paul D
Roar Guru
I'm sure there's a union somewhere that's owed a favour, and moving the route is going to benefit them.
mds1970
Roar Guru
There's always a massive buzz around the streets when the parade is on, and afterwards. The city is packed with footy colours, and there's always plenty going on afterwards around the city - Fed Square always packs them in. For those who don't have tickets to the game, it's a way to still be a part of it. For those who do, it builds up the anticipation nicely. I don't see the logic that a public holiday means it has to go elsewhere. On the contrary, it would give even more an opportunity to attend.
Brendan Donohoe
Guest
Dan. The parade finishes outside the Old Treasury Building at the top end of Collins St. State parliament is at the top of Bourke St. Regards Brendan.