Latest news with #TownHall
The Advertiser
14 hours ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Jeff McCloy tributes: 'We were Statler and Waldorf'
Tributes have flowed from across the Hunter and beyond for Hunter businessman Jeff McCloy, who died on Friday, aged 75. Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying following a 12-month battle with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND). City of Newcastle led the tributes to Mr McCloy, who was Lord Mayor between 2012 and 2014. "Jeff McCloy was one of the region's most successful business people of recent years. His drive, his can-do attitude and his passion for the community were all hallmarks of his success," Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said. "A particular achievement was his leadership and resolve that enabled his team to finish construction of the new John Hunter Hospital well ahead of schedule after the 1989 earthquake. This was crucial to Newcastle's recovery and reconstruction." A generous philanthropist, Mr McCloy freely gave to many local charities and public art and sculpture projects. He also quietly and discreetly helped out many Novocastrians in personal difficulties. "Like all big achievers, he had his critics, but no one can deny his passion and positive commitment to the community," Cr Kerridge said. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said Mr McCloy became Lord Mayor after a period of instability and stagnation in local politics. "In his time as Lord Mayor, he demonstrated strong resolve and a clear vision," he said. "He got Newcastle moving again. The reforms he enacted unlocked the revitalisation of our city. Those reforms changed the mindset and approach to renewal in our city. "I hope that today, Novocastrians take the opportunity to reflect on his legacy as a leader who believed in giving back to the city he called home." City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city he loved. "Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. Today, we almost take for granted that developers want to build and invest in Newcastle. This wasn't always the case. "Jeff's belief in Newcastle dating back to the 1980s convinced others that ours was a town that had the potential to become a city." Mr McCloy's political ally and deputy Lord Mayor, Brad Luke, celebrated his unyielding passion for the city. "Jeff was the most visionary and inspirational leader I ever worked with," Mr Luke said. "He had a passion for Newcastle that drove every decision and he put that passion into every project. I remember seeing that passion on display with every discussion around so many projects from the Anzac Walk to fixing the Town Hall. Jeff always wanted each job to be the best it could be for our community." Hilton Grugeon yesterday mourned his mate of more than 50 years. The pair met when Mr McCloy returned from Sydney to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. "We were Statler and Waldorf (the grumpy old men from the Muppets). We never knew who was who because it was interchangeable," he said. Mr Grugeon said Mr McCloy's legacy throughout the region was "huge". "The John Hunter Hospital was a great money-making legacy for him, which he spread around the town. What he did in Newcastle was never for himself because he didn't need anything; it was for the city and the region he loved." "For some of us, the easiest thing is to throw money, but the hardest thing is to give your time. You can give money and go out and earn more, but when you give time, you've spent something that is irreplaceable, and he gave his time to the city." Like others, Mr Grugeon paid tribute to Mr McCloy's leading role in the revitalisation of Newcastle. "Newcastle was like a dead horse, and the chamber of commerce and local council were like a horde of blowflies hovering over the carcass. Jeff lit the fire that the Phoenix could come out of; the Phoenix we see today came out of that dead horse." Tributes have flowed from across the Hunter and beyond for Hunter businessman Jeff McCloy, who died on Friday, aged 75. Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying following a 12-month battle with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND). City of Newcastle led the tributes to Mr McCloy, who was Lord Mayor between 2012 and 2014. "Jeff McCloy was one of the region's most successful business people of recent years. His drive, his can-do attitude and his passion for the community were all hallmarks of his success," Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said. "A particular achievement was his leadership and resolve that enabled his team to finish construction of the new John Hunter Hospital well ahead of schedule after the 1989 earthquake. This was crucial to Newcastle's recovery and reconstruction." A generous philanthropist, Mr McCloy freely gave to many local charities and public art and sculpture projects. He also quietly and discreetly helped out many Novocastrians in personal difficulties. "Like all big achievers, he had his critics, but no one can deny his passion and positive commitment to the community," Cr Kerridge said. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said Mr McCloy became Lord Mayor after a period of instability and stagnation in local politics. "In his time as Lord Mayor, he demonstrated strong resolve and a clear vision," he said. "He got Newcastle moving again. The reforms he enacted unlocked the revitalisation of our city. Those reforms changed the mindset and approach to renewal in our city. "I hope that today, Novocastrians take the opportunity to reflect on his legacy as a leader who believed in giving back to the city he called home." City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city he loved. "Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. Today, we almost take for granted that developers want to build and invest in Newcastle. This wasn't always the case. "Jeff's belief in Newcastle dating back to the 1980s convinced others that ours was a town that had the potential to become a city." Mr McCloy's political ally and deputy Lord Mayor, Brad Luke, celebrated his unyielding passion for the city. "Jeff was the most visionary and inspirational leader I ever worked with," Mr Luke said. "He had a passion for Newcastle that drove every decision and he put that passion into every project. I remember seeing that passion on display with every discussion around so many projects from the Anzac Walk to fixing the Town Hall. Jeff always wanted each job to be the best it could be for our community." Hilton Grugeon yesterday mourned his mate of more than 50 years. The pair met when Mr McCloy returned from Sydney to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. "We were Statler and Waldorf (the grumpy old men from the Muppets). We never knew who was who because it was interchangeable," he said. Mr Grugeon said Mr McCloy's legacy throughout the region was "huge". "The John Hunter Hospital was a great money-making legacy for him, which he spread around the town. What he did in Newcastle was never for himself because he didn't need anything; it was for the city and the region he loved." "For some of us, the easiest thing is to throw money, but the hardest thing is to give your time. You can give money and go out and earn more, but when you give time, you've spent something that is irreplaceable, and he gave his time to the city." Like others, Mr Grugeon paid tribute to Mr McCloy's leading role in the revitalisation of Newcastle. "Newcastle was like a dead horse, and the chamber of commerce and local council were like a horde of blowflies hovering over the carcass. Jeff lit the fire that the Phoenix could come out of; the Phoenix we see today came out of that dead horse." Tributes have flowed from across the Hunter and beyond for Hunter businessman Jeff McCloy, who died on Friday, aged 75. Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying following a 12-month battle with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND). City of Newcastle led the tributes to Mr McCloy, who was Lord Mayor between 2012 and 2014. "Jeff McCloy was one of the region's most successful business people of recent years. His drive, his can-do attitude and his passion for the community were all hallmarks of his success," Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said. "A particular achievement was his leadership and resolve that enabled his team to finish construction of the new John Hunter Hospital well ahead of schedule after the 1989 earthquake. This was crucial to Newcastle's recovery and reconstruction." A generous philanthropist, Mr McCloy freely gave to many local charities and public art and sculpture projects. He also quietly and discreetly helped out many Novocastrians in personal difficulties. "Like all big achievers, he had his critics, but no one can deny his passion and positive commitment to the community," Cr Kerridge said. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said Mr McCloy became Lord Mayor after a period of instability and stagnation in local politics. "In his time as Lord Mayor, he demonstrated strong resolve and a clear vision," he said. "He got Newcastle moving again. The reforms he enacted unlocked the revitalisation of our city. Those reforms changed the mindset and approach to renewal in our city. "I hope that today, Novocastrians take the opportunity to reflect on his legacy as a leader who believed in giving back to the city he called home." City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city he loved. "Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. Today, we almost take for granted that developers want to build and invest in Newcastle. This wasn't always the case. "Jeff's belief in Newcastle dating back to the 1980s convinced others that ours was a town that had the potential to become a city." Mr McCloy's political ally and deputy Lord Mayor, Brad Luke, celebrated his unyielding passion for the city. "Jeff was the most visionary and inspirational leader I ever worked with," Mr Luke said. "He had a passion for Newcastle that drove every decision and he put that passion into every project. I remember seeing that passion on display with every discussion around so many projects from the Anzac Walk to fixing the Town Hall. Jeff always wanted each job to be the best it could be for our community." Hilton Grugeon yesterday mourned his mate of more than 50 years. The pair met when Mr McCloy returned from Sydney to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. "We were Statler and Waldorf (the grumpy old men from the Muppets). We never knew who was who because it was interchangeable," he said. Mr Grugeon said Mr McCloy's legacy throughout the region was "huge". "The John Hunter Hospital was a great money-making legacy for him, which he spread around the town. What he did in Newcastle was never for himself because he didn't need anything; it was for the city and the region he loved." "For some of us, the easiest thing is to throw money, but the hardest thing is to give your time. You can give money and go out and earn more, but when you give time, you've spent something that is irreplaceable, and he gave his time to the city." Like others, Mr Grugeon paid tribute to Mr McCloy's leading role in the revitalisation of Newcastle. "Newcastle was like a dead horse, and the chamber of commerce and local council were like a horde of blowflies hovering over the carcass. Jeff lit the fire that the Phoenix could come out of; the Phoenix we see today came out of that dead horse." Tributes have flowed from across the Hunter and beyond for Hunter businessman Jeff McCloy, who died on Friday, aged 75. Mr McCloy ended his life by voluntary assisted dying following a 12-month battle with an aggressive form of motor neurone disease (MND). City of Newcastle led the tributes to Mr McCloy, who was Lord Mayor between 2012 and 2014. "Jeff McCloy was one of the region's most successful business people of recent years. His drive, his can-do attitude and his passion for the community were all hallmarks of his success," Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said. "A particular achievement was his leadership and resolve that enabled his team to finish construction of the new John Hunter Hospital well ahead of schedule after the 1989 earthquake. This was crucial to Newcastle's recovery and reconstruction." A generous philanthropist, Mr McCloy freely gave to many local charities and public art and sculpture projects. He also quietly and discreetly helped out many Novocastrians in personal difficulties. "Like all big achievers, he had his critics, but no one can deny his passion and positive commitment to the community," Cr Kerridge said. Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull said Mr McCloy became Lord Mayor after a period of instability and stagnation in local politics. "In his time as Lord Mayor, he demonstrated strong resolve and a clear vision," he said. "He got Newcastle moving again. The reforms he enacted unlocked the revitalisation of our city. Those reforms changed the mindset and approach to renewal in our city. "I hope that today, Novocastrians take the opportunity to reflect on his legacy as a leader who believed in giving back to the city he called home." City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath said Mr McCloy had left an indelible mark on the city he loved. "Jeff saw the potential in Newcastle when many others didn't. Today, we almost take for granted that developers want to build and invest in Newcastle. This wasn't always the case. "Jeff's belief in Newcastle dating back to the 1980s convinced others that ours was a town that had the potential to become a city." Mr McCloy's political ally and deputy Lord Mayor, Brad Luke, celebrated his unyielding passion for the city. "Jeff was the most visionary and inspirational leader I ever worked with," Mr Luke said. "He had a passion for Newcastle that drove every decision and he put that passion into every project. I remember seeing that passion on display with every discussion around so many projects from the Anzac Walk to fixing the Town Hall. Jeff always wanted each job to be the best it could be for our community." Hilton Grugeon yesterday mourned his mate of more than 50 years. The pair met when Mr McCloy returned from Sydney to work with his father, Don, in the family's commercial building company, DF McCloy. "We were Statler and Waldorf (the grumpy old men from the Muppets). We never knew who was who because it was interchangeable," he said. Mr Grugeon said Mr McCloy's legacy throughout the region was "huge". "The John Hunter Hospital was a great money-making legacy for him, which he spread around the town. What he did in Newcastle was never for himself because he didn't need anything; it was for the city and the region he loved." "For some of us, the easiest thing is to throw money, but the hardest thing is to give your time. You can give money and go out and earn more, but when you give time, you've spent something that is irreplaceable, and he gave his time to the city." Like others, Mr Grugeon paid tribute to Mr McCloy's leading role in the revitalisation of Newcastle. "Newcastle was like a dead horse, and the chamber of commerce and local council were like a horde of blowflies hovering over the carcass. Jeff lit the fire that the Phoenix could come out of; the Phoenix we see today came out of that dead horse."
USA Today
a day ago
- Business
- USA Today
A deep dive inside the PGA Tour's mandatory Town Hall meeting with new CEO Brian Rolapp
DETROIT – Storm clouds rolled over Detroit Golf Club on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the arrival of the PGA Tour's new CEO Brian Rolapp. The former NFL executive, who met the field of 72 in a no-cut, $20-million purse signature event last Tuesday at the Travelers Championship, continued his Town Hall meetings with the 156-man field at this week's Rocket Classic. The mandatory players meeting was scheduled for 5 p.m. ET, but just after 3 o'clock the horn blew, closing the course, and with only so many cold plunges to go around, the clubhouse filled with antsy players with nowhere to go and nothing to do. Eventually, the Tour sent out a text that they were moving the meeting up 30 minutes. Adam Schenk didn't get the memo and had gone to the grocery store. 'I thought I got there a minute early, but I missed the first half hour,' he said. More: Who is Brian Rolapp? 5 things to know about the PGA Tour's new CEO That included hearing remarks from Commissioner Jay Monahan, who kicked things off and kept his portion, which Matt Kuchar described as feeling 'like a state of the union,' brief and focused on the Tour's bright future. Sam Kennedy, representing Strategic Sports Group, which has invested $1.5 billion in the Tour's new for-profit entity, had the floor next. Zach Johnson and other pros had nothing but glowing things to say about Kennedy, who is highly-regarded for his work as the president and CEO of the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball and CEO of Fenway Sports Group. Peter Malnati offered 'impassioned' speech on PGA Tour Then it was the turn of Camilo Villegas, who is still in the honeymoon phase as a player director, having assumed his seat when Jordan Spieth's term expired at the end of the year, and Peter Malnati spoke on behalf of the players. In Hartford, it had been Adam Scott and Tiger Woods filling that role. Multiple players referenced Malnati's speech, which Mark Hubbard described as 'impassioned' and Kuchar said felt like 'an apology.' Malnati began by saying that he ran for the board to protect playing opportunities and to keep the Tour from getting smaller on his watch. During his tenure, both of those things transpired, nonetheless. 'But because I was on the inside and saw the thought process, saw the planning, I could see how it truly was creating a stronger Tour from both a sponsorship standpoint and an overall holistic health of the Tour standpoint, and that even though it hurts, that opportunities are gone, that is what is best for all the members to ensure the long-term health of what we're doing,' he said. New CEO Brian Rolapp has three questions for Tour players Finally, it was time for Rolapp, 53, to speak, and he did his best to ingratiate himself. 'He's a fresh set of eyes,' Aaron Baddeley said. 'It's like having a new coach for your swing without pre-conceived ideas and not looking at all the things that are good and bad.' 'I think we got a real switched-on guy,' Hubbard said. 'From the handful of people I've talked to outside the PGA Tour, everyone says he's awesome. I'm a Jay Monahan fan. He's dealt with some crazy-hard things but I feel excellent about this guy," said Kuchar based on his interaction with Rolapp, whom he managed to collar for a 5-minute one-on-one. Kuchar was one of several players who left impressed that Rolapp promised to speak to 100 members before he even starts officially as CEO this summer and intends to speak to the entire membership during his first month on the job. He told them he would ask them each three questions: 'I thought it was awesome to hear that from the new guy,' Kuchar said. 'He had no agenda, he's an outsider trying to figure it out. What a great way to start.' Rolapp didn't delve too deep into his game plan, which he will need time to formulate before unveiling at a future date, but he did express the importance of the Tour's next media rights negotiations, which expire at the end of 2030. According to players in the room, he said that five years away may seem far off, but it isn't and it will take time to plot a strategy. He reiterated that is where the Tour's bread is butter. 'Just look at his track record and what he did at the NFL and with the media stuff and that's important for us with (media rights negotiations) coming up in 2028,' said Villegas. Q&A touched on LIV Golf negotiations At last, it was time for the question-and-answer period. The hot topics were no surprise: LIV and playing opportunities/signature events. Beau Hossler didn't articulate a question as much as a general sentiment. He began by giving the Tour leadership credit for creating tangible positive momentum for the Tour – and then came the inevitable but – people at his home club in Dallas ask him what's going on with PIF and LIV. A player who attended the meeting recounted that Hossler said, 'I tell them I don't know anything more than you. That's frustrating for me as a member of the PGA Tour. I feel like I should know.' Kuchar said he followed up with a LIV question and was told that the two sides are at loggerheads with no resolution in sight. The Tour refuses to capitulate on certain matters, especially Yasir Al-Rumayyan's obsession with the team concept and his refusal to budge on having it be a future component as part of any deal. 'I don't think it's any breaking news that the talks have gone silent. They said we're still open to negotiations,' Kuchar said, and wondered if perhaps a new voice in Rolapp can rekindle the talks. But he took the opposite approach to Hossler on being kept in the dark on the state of negotiations. Kuchar said he'd rather not know how the sausage is being made. 'There's some things I understand the sensitivity of – like I don't want to know some of the decisions we make politically for the US. I get the feeling that both sides still want to do something but I also think we're at a stalemate,' he said. Aaron Baddeley asked about playing opportunities Several players mentioned a question posed by Baddeley to Monahan as being the most pertinent for the rank-and-file players that made up the majority of the membership in the room. With Tour cards being reduced to 100 and the number of return trips via Korn Ferry Tour trimmed from 30 to 20, livelihoods are going to be at stake. Baddeley asked if the goal of the signature events is to get the top guys playing together more often. The FedEx point differential and the advantage of being in the signature events are significant enough that many top pros end up playing a more limited schedule. He noted that Viktor Hovland played only one non-major or signature event and still made the 2024 Tour Championship. 'It was kind of what I expected," said Justin Lower, who didn't think the question by Baddeley was answered to his satisfaction. 'I don't think the Tour will ever really answer that question. It just seems like the Tour gets the ideas together, sets it in stone, practices it for a couple of years and adjusts from there. I think there will be an adjustment soon when it comes to [signature] events, but I don't know what that adjustment will be or when it will happen. I think 100 would be good.' "Everyone in the room there would like to see some tweaks to it," Kuchar said. "It sounds like they are open to it and they are always trying to make it better. We're tweaking the Tour Championship format, so why not change the field size of the signature events," he said. 'It's a double-edged sword,' Hubbard said. 'The top players need to play more, but if they only play the big events, how do we keep tournaments like this and grow? Jay gave a very political response. We can't get a straight answer from him, and that's why a lot of people are fed up with him." At 5:50 p.m., players streamed out of the clubhouse. The storm had subsided, the sun peeked out and the practice facility opened for the likes of Hossler. As many headed for their cars or practiced the next day, a reporter sidled over and asked if they felt better, worse or the same than before the Town Hall meeting. From a small sample size, there was one 'waste of time,' an equal number were bullish on Rolapp and a majority who felt no change. Leave it to Hubbard to sum up the sentiment inside the room. 'I didn't leave feeling like we're getting screwed,' Hubbard said. That's a start and part of the beauty of having new leadership with fresh eyes.
Washington Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Democrats are trying to figure out what to do about John Fetterman. One of them is stepping up
ENOLA, Pa. — Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania isn't even up for reelection until 2028, but already a one-time primary foe, former U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, is crisscrossing Pennsylvania and social media, looking and sounding like he's preparing to challenge Fetterman again. At town hall after town hall across Pennsylvania, Democrats and allied progressive groups aren't hearing from Fetterman in person — or Republicans who control Washington, for that matter.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Sligo's enduring bond with a French town is celebrated
Addressing the gathering in the Town Hall in Crozon, Cllr Bree said: 'On behalf of the people of Sligo, I bring you warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations on this magnificent milestone – one of the longest, most successful, and indeed, award-winning twinning links in all of Ireland. 'The first tentative steps towards this twinning were taken back in 1979, aiming simply to connect with towns similar in spirit to Sligo. In May of that year a small delegation from Sligo led by then Mayor, Michael Carroll, visited Crozon and this was followed by a visit to Sligo by a Crozon group led by Mayor Claude Yvenat and the Chair of Crozon Town Twinning Committee Gege Le bourdiec. 'Few people at the time could have imagined the extraordinary tapestry of connection that would be woven across nearly 1,000 kilometres in the following decades. 'I was privileged to be present here in Crozon in May of 1980 to witness Sligo's Mayor, the late Sean McManus and Crozon's Mayor, the late Claude Yvenat, signing the twinning pact marking the first stage of the formalisation of the relationship between our two towns. 'And when we formalised that twinning agreement, even the most ardent enthusiast might have struggled to foresee the depth and vibrancy of the relationship we celebrate today. 'On a personal note I particularly remember our friend the late Maurice Prigent, former member of Crozon Municipal Council and founder member of the Town Twinning Committee, who with his wife Jeannine, were so generous, kind and warm to all of us who visited Crozon over the years. 'Today, the name 'Crozon' is proudly etched into the very landscape of Sligo – gracing our parks, our promenades, and our housing estates. 'It is a constant, visible reminder of the bond we share. But far more important are the invisible threads woven by people: the countless successful exchanges that have enriched lives across generations. 'Our young people have forged friendships through school and summer groups, broadening horizons and building artists and musicians have shared stages and studios, blending our cultural expressions. Our sports enthusiasts have competed and collaborated – from football pitches to… the unique terrain of the pétanque court. 'Our friendship has inspired creative and cultural exchange in unique ways. One such example is the Pétanque Club in Sligo, which was established thanks to our French friends. ADVERTISEMENT 'Today, players meet regularly at Mitchel Curley Park to enjoy this beloved sport — a little piece of Crozon in the heart of Sligo. 'We are immensely proud that in 1984, this very link earned Sligo the prestigious International Town Twinning Award. 'That award, and indeed this 45th anniversary, stand as powerful testaments to the unique energy and commitment that defines Sligo-Crozon. 'The benefits for Sligo are immeasurable. This enduring friendship is a gateway: it allows us to learn about the rich history, cherished traditions, and vibrant culture of Crozon and Brittany. 'It invites us to explore your magnificent, rugged countryside. And above all, it allows us to experience, time and time again, the legendary warmth and generous hospitality of the Crozon people. 'Ask any Sligo person who has visited – their abiding memory is of impeccable hosts. So many of us feel such a deep connection that Crozon truly becomes a second home, drawing us back again and again. 'Of course, none of this would be possible without the passionate and tireless efforts of the people behind the scenes — the members of the Twinning Committees in both Crozon and Sligo. 'These individuals have given so much of their time, energy, and expertise to organise visits and exchanges and to nurture this relationship for the benefit of current and future generations. 'In this context, I want to pay a special tribute to the President of Sligo Town Twinning, Dymphna Gorman, and to Marie-Claude Ward, whose exceptional work on the Sligo-Crozon link was deservedly acknowledged when they were awarded the Brittany-Ireland Association medal. 'Their dedication is truly inspiring. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to their colleagues, Michael Clancy, Pat O'Malley, and the many other volunteers and host families who are, quite simply, the backbone of Town Twinning. Your commitment makes all of this possible.'
The Spinoff
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
‘I don't want to give up': Why Chris Parker refuses to join the brain drain
Alex Casey talks to comedian Chris Parker about his love of touring the country and going head-to-head with Marlon Williams at the Christchurch Town Hall. Chris Parker fancied himself a bit of a singer growing up. He was in the special choir, competed in Christchurch Music Festival competitions and even starred as Caiaphas in the Christchurch Boys' High production of Jesus Christ Superstar. But as he got older, he describes feeling self-conscious about it. 'I started to think, 'maybe I'm not actually a good singer at all',' he says. It was only years later that he realised where that insecurity had stemmed from – next to him in many of those choirs, competitions and performances had been his classmate, Marlon Williams. ' That's why I was so hard on myself,' Parker laughs. 'Because I grew up singing alongside our country's greatest voice.' In a fortuitous turn of events, the pair will be reunited once more in Christchurch's Town Hall, with Williams' Te Whare Tīwekaweka tour in the Douglas Lilburn Auditorium and Parker's Stop Being So Dramatic in the James Hay Theatre on Saturday June 28. 'Huge booking error on my behalf,' says Parker. 'Luckily he has already sold out so I'll just get any riff raff that's left.' While he hasn't talked to Williams about the coincidence, Parker has high hopes: 'afterwards we can swing open the doors and all climb into the big cone in the square, something fun like that.' He jokes, but there are nerves around performing in front of his home crowd. 'A lot of the show is about Christchurch – doing ballet as a kid and amateur dramatics as a young boy, and the community that you form,' he says. 'It's also about the cringe that makes you give up what you love the most.' There's also a bigger and timelier motivation behind the show. 'I got really bummed out about all the Destiny Church stuff and I felt myself getting quieter,' Parker says. 'I've been driven by that feeling of not giving up – because that's what they want.' The other thing that keeps Parker going is his love of touring stand-up around Aotearoa, even if it does get lonely sometimes. 'You go crazy because you're just on your own all day not talking to anyone, and then suddenly you're on the Wellington Opera House stage talking to everyone.' While there are some similarly large venues on the tour, he has a soft spot for 'unlocking' the audience in a new small town. 'Especially somewhere like Ranfurly and they come up and say 'you picked a terrible night to visit because it's Jan's 50th and we're all there'. I love that.' From performing everywhere 'right down the bottom to the very top' Parker has also seen the inside of a lot of shopping centres and malls, and intends to review them on Instagram during his tour in a series called Top of the Shops. 'Growing up in Christchurch I was raised in the mall, so I always find it really relaxing walking past a Strandbags on my way to a Muffin Break,' he says. 'There's some great malls in this country, especially The Meridian in Dunedin. In Christchurch it might be Riccarton, but I also think that South City is a phenomenal mall.' The flipside of this is that he's also familiar with the 'grim' town centres that have either not bounced back post-Covid, or been ravaged by the cost of living. Paired with a record number of young New Zealanders leaving the country, including many of Parker's comedy contemporaries like Two Hearts, David Correos and Alice Snedden, he's been thinking a lot about why people would want to stay. 'We have to figure out what's going to keep young people here, and I think a big part of that is that our cities are these fun, vibrant and amazing places to live.' The local entertainment industry has a lot to do with that vibrancy, but Parker likens the current situation to a candle that burns too quickly. 'It tunnels down fast, but then not enough oxygen gets in, and it snuffs itself out,' he says. 'There's just not enough people here who can keep turning up to stuff.' Even with its challenges, he feels a sense of duty to keep championing live events across Aotearoa. 'To an extent, it is up to people like us to be the reason why people want to go out and enjoy their life, rather than sitting at home watching AI videos.' His current tour includes sold out dates across Australia and the UK, but Parker insists he won't be going anywhere – and not just because he recently adopted a rescue dog. 'I don't want to give up on New Zealand. Whenever I'm in Australia, everyone's like 'surely, you'll just move over?' And I just say 'I love breakfast TV too much. I love Chris Chang, we can't move'.' His only hope is that audiences continue to show the same enthusiasm for live acts. 'It's our local talent who want the best for our country, so we need to keep turning up for them.' 'We want to stay here – I'm gagging to stay here.'
