Thanks to a campaign by “Captain Pat” McGeown, a local radio announcer, and the Macarthur Chronicle a ban on busking has been lifted in Campbelltown, just South-West of Sydney, Australia. Buskers will not be restricted to certain zones anymore. We did a short interview with Captain Pat, to ask why he got involved. To hear his show
You can join Captain Pat every Sunday night from six on – C91.3FM – by radio, on-line or through their iPhone App – c913.
http://c913.com.au/c913fm/index.php/shows/captain-pat/
Nick Broad: Why did you take on this fight?
Captain Pat: Jeff Tooth was fined $220 for busking in our town. I didn’t think that was right and found others who felt the same as me. The local newspaper Macarthur Chronicle joined with me and together we started our campaign. I’d have buskers on my radio show every couple of weeks and have them talk about their journeys so we kept up the momentum. Then the Sydney media did stories also.
Some officials were “quoting” sources, regulations, rules and public opinion as to why buskers should and could not be in Campbelltown. But a bit of research revealed most of that was heresay. I could find no real argument for keeping them out of our town.
NB: What were the root causes of this restriction?
Captain Pat: I think it comes from a Real Estate agent trying to lease a property. The property is very difficult to rent and she blamed the occasional busker out front for her leasing problems. She complained to the police. The police acted. A year later the property is still empty.
On social media one retailer complained about buskers hurting her business. I found her shop one street back from the main street. She had to blame someone for her failures.
NB: If you were mayor, how would you “handle” busking?
Captain Pat: I think the Council has handled it well. Our campaign lasted a year and we have the green light for a two year run to see how it goes. As Mayor you can’t “stir the pot” as much.
NB: What does busking bring to Campbelltown that you can’t get elsewhere?
Captain Pat: Over the past few decades our town has been put down by many. We are in a low socio economic area and some turn their noses up at us. But once you live here you get to appreciate the richness of the town’s creativity and their support for each other. Busking adds colour to the town. There is still a connection from busker to audience.
NB: Anything else to add?
Captain Pat: The majority of buskers I know are nomads. They come and go. Stop them busking and they’ll go to another town. Most have a free spirit.
Most of the police and rangers in our city supported the buskers and often threw a few coins in their guitar cases.
Suggestion to Buskers. If the media ever ask how much money you make don’t tell them your best day as that is the figure everyone will remember. Just tell them you made $20 one day – and that’s not lying. Nobody wants to support a rich busker.
Cheers Nick.