The rally in Sydney last weekend was a huge success with what seemed like a thousand people turning up to support the rights of artists to go freely about their business without overly restrictive and expensive laws. All the big guns were there and of course the biggest gun of all Tommy Putt, ok I mean’t Kenny D Duncan. I had the unenviable job of saying a few words to the crowd after Ken and was thinking having my arm chewed off by a pit bull with braces would have been more fun. I have never been so nervous in my life. There were cameras and videos everywhere and it was a little daunting. I had a speech organised but because Ken covered everything I was going to say that went out the door. Oh no I thought, I’m going to die in front of every photographer in NSW. As it turned out I didn’t but I didn’t set the world on fire either. I don’t think anyone laughed at my jokes and that confirmed my fears that people on the East coast have no sense of humour!! Couldn’t be because I ain’t funny! Could it?

If you look closely at this photo kindly sent to me by amazing photographer Gavin Blue, you can see none other than the great Thomas Putt in the dark shades. He was my body guard for the day and made sure I had all the right hair products available at all times. Nick Rainsy Rains is next to me and Leo Meier is just to my right. Also there protesting was some West Aussies, Sandra Herd, Matt Matty Saul and Adam Monk. Also Brent Pearson, Antonio Ranieri and Dan Capobianco were there. Pete Eastway turned up to hear my speech, the last I saw he was pissing himself, at my expense. David Oliver was there also, he said, You have to make a speech?, what have you got to say? Then laughed uncontrollably! There were so many other people there too many to mention and it is always great hanging out with your peers.

Thanks to the crew from Arts Freedom Australia, especially Renee for doing so much for this day and pulling it all together. And to Kenny D, you are the man! The rest of us mere mortals could only hope to have your profile. Your a great ambassador for photography. Nick, your a great MC, a little bit of rap now and then, scratch a few tunes and you could do the wedding circuit. You are the man after the main man!