Wollongong Proud & Strong

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday June 10, 2008

I asked him to repeat his surname. I still didn't understand. His English and my skills with the Thai language conflicted to the point where we both laughed during the communication process. My name is Sam, and I've been working at Video Ezy Wollongong for only two months and in that time I have learnt a lot about the people of Wollongong.

I work casually at the video store and there is no ethnic group that does not visit us. This reflects the multicultural society of Wollongong.

The Americans who visit to hire videos are the loudest and funniest, they are often studying at the University of Wollongong. They hire the latest comedy releases but it's always American humour which we Aussies wouldn't think was funny at all.

However, it is not just the customers that visit the store that are interesting - what happens outside the store is just as fascinating. As the video store is located on the side of the Gilligan's Island roundabout, we employees are provided with non-stop entertainment as there is always a minor crash or argument outside the front doors.

Thursday night is the busiest time to be on the road. Families are coming back from sporting events, young people with there souped-up cars proud as peacocks make the city come alive. All the colour and lights flash past the windows of the video store.

There are many reasons that I like Wollongong so much because of the different people who come to live and work here, due to the opportunities that Wollongong provides for people of all ages and cultures. Also being far away enough from Sydney to not get all the complications that you get with a big city but still close enough to take a drive up there. Working in a video store gives you the chance to promote the city of Wollongong to all the people who are just visiting for the weekend or studying here from another country. Daniel from Ohio and Mick from Texas not only come in for their videos but also to get the info about the best skateboarding spots and where the biggest hills are in the city.

Next time you're in Wollongong you should stop in and visit us to have a chat about how great the city is.

SAM FORST

Edmund Rice College

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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