BobtheBuilder

“Where else?” (has lived here)
Where else do you see people wearing t-shirts: "I love [insert suburb of Brisbane]"? You might see "I love NY" or "I love Paris", or even "I love Sydney". But, it will be a rare day that you see a t-shirt that says: "I love Kenmore". No offence to Kenmore - it is, in fact, a great place to live. But, you will see around West End, t-shirts, car stickers, posters and caps declaring "I love West End" [though "love" is usually a red heart, but you get what I mean]. What does this say about West End? It suggests to me that West End is a place that has managed to maintain a very distinct sense of community. It is a fairly small place, and it doesn't take long before you are waving or smiling at regular faces among the many visitors who pass through to enjoy West End's unique culture.

It also suggests that West End stands for something that people are proud to support. West End represents a place where people of all walks of life, income and ethnicity can get along and form a happy vibrant community. It represents a love for a simpler urban life that is valued for its culture, arts, music and ideas. Community gardens are protected, Friends of the Earth meet to discuss local issues, bikes are manufactured from recycled material, lawyers work for free at the Environmental Defenders Office, and local musicians and artists are encouraged and celebrated. Pop into Cafe Checocho on Hardgrave almost any night of the week and enjoy the local talent. Your coffee will also likely be served by one of Brisbane's up and coming musicians.