Where the ... Are You?

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"Monarchists have little to fear" says the headline over Neil C. Fearis' letter in The West today (19 Jan 2010). It's a response to an earlier letter from John James, which suggested changes to our national anthem. (That's Advance Australia Fair, for those who are uncertain. Not Waltzing Matilda.)

John James had been confused -- or possibly dismayed -- by the comment that "our land is girt by sea". Forget the dubious possible meanings of "girt"... His letter had suggested substitution of those words with, "We'll gather at the 'G."

Now this has really had me confused!

Where is "the 'G"?

I do remember that Auntie Jack referred to Wollongong as "The Gong". Perhaps that's it? "The Gong"... "The G"... "the 'G"... Ah! Etymology!

Many years ago I stayed a few days in the 'G. I do remember eating an excellent steak dinner in a rather seedy local cafe. The steak remained in my mind far longer than it remained in my body because of the excellence of both meat and cooking. An excellent meal, in an unexceptional neighbourhood.

Since then, I believe that I may have passed through the 'G (if "the 'G" really is, Wollongong), once or twice. Nothing memorable from those visits... but the memory of that excellent steak still lingers.

So, in memory of an excellent steak dinner in Wollongong -- perhaps 30 years ago -- yes, let us all celebrate our proud nation in song, then gather at the 'G.

And if that same cafe still sells an excellent steak dinner -- please pass the word around, through the gathered crowd.

Advance Australia Rare!

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