WYD 2008: What did Sydneysiders really think?

Compiled by MEGAN PALIN

Patricia Forsythe
Executive Director of Sydney Chamber of Commerce, Sydney

In a time when tourism is generally down it was a bright spot for many in the tourist industry. Sydney has demonstrated that it can organise and manage major events, second to none.

How did World Youth Day (WYD) affect local businesses’

Many Sydneysiders kept out of the CBD for most of the week so general retail was down. Businesses that had contracts as caterers or suppliers to the events will be smiling for a long time to come. For airlines, the airport, and transport companies, generally the event has been a most significant economic event.

Anything you’d like to add in relation to WYD’

WYD should be measured for the long term benefits it may bring in terms of tourism and the message that has been given that Sydney is a beautiful and friendly city and a great place to visit.
 

Amelia Saw
Fashion Assistant, 23, Sydney

I believe all religions should be allowed to be practiced and celebrated and we should all be able to live together harmoniously. Unfortunately WYD wasn’t a harmonious celebration as it disrupted the entire city, regardless of denomination.

What was it that you found most disrupting’

My entire street was made a clearway, there were barricades along the footpath for the pilgrims to walk down and there was a 24 hour police guard at my doorstep. Not to mention the choirs that kept me up at night with their religious songs!

Did anything in relation to WYD surprise you’

The orange uniforms – particularly the baseball caps – does being a pilgrim really necessitate a horrid wardrobe’

 

Anthony Englund
Member of the ‘NoToPope’ Coalition, spokesperson for Atheists Sydney, 40, Sydney

It was wrong of the Iemma Government to spend $118 million dollars of taxpayers’ money to fund WYW. If the Roman Catholics want to have a party, they are welcome to do it on their own dollar. Taxpayers’ funds should have been spent on badly needed community services such as health, education and transport.

What was the ‘NoToPope Coalition’ attempting to achieve during WYD’

Raising awareness of human rights issues such as equality of sex and sexuality, access to contraception, the separation of church and state and a proper apology for the sexual abuse perpetrated by the clergy. The Church is still very much stuck in the dark ages on these important issues. I hope we got our message across in a positive and constructive way.

Anything positive to say about WYD’

There was generally a good amount of goodwill and I hope it forms the basis for a positive dialogue in the future.

Did anything during WYD surprise you’

The support for the ‘NoToPope’ Coalition was unexpectedly strong which was fantastic!

 

Kate Smeal
Special Projects Coordinator, 26, Martin Place

It was a great thing to see so many people from so many different countries, walks of life and ages all coming together and uniting in such a positive manner. The atmosphere within the City centre was fantastic. Everyone was so enthusiastic, and there were so many smiling faces walking the streets.

Did anything associated with WYD affect you in any way’

There were road closures throughout the city that prevented direct routes to work. But having been forewarned about that before WYW begun, alternate routes and arrangements were made. I didn’t experience any problems or major delays.

In 3 words, how would you sum up WYD’

Pilgrims, positive, friendly.

 

Michael Darling
Business Developer, 22, Town Hall

Thank God it’s over.

Did anything associated with WYD affect you in any way’

The trains were always delayed and I did not get a seat on my journey to or from home because they were too packed.

Did you encounter any other problems or difficulties as a result of WYD’

Yes. The flag bearers on the platform had no respect for anyone else and waved those bloody flags in everyone’s faces’ which was also a direct hazard to the train driver who could have perceived that as a sign to leave.

Anything positive to say about WYD’

It brought everyone together in a peaceful environment.

 

Winifred Magill
Pilgrim Host, 22, Sydney

It was a super opportunity for the youth of the world to meet up, network and share a common faith experience.

How would you describe your experience as a pilgrim host’

Rewarding in so many ways. The pilgrims were friendly, appreciative and generous.

In 3 words, how would you sum up WYD’

Uplifting, rewarding, inspirational.

Anything else you’d like to add (In relation to WYD)’

It was a tremendous week, I wish I was younger!!