Homeback 2009 - 15th anniversary of the trashing of the Domain. Just a bit o

The youth of today may not know how to cook, read a book for longer than 10 minutes or take no for an answer, but they certainly know how to enjoy a good old Aussie music festival, 10 hours of dedicated party time and perhaps a bit of music appreciation as well - as long as they aren't so f#@ked off their heads that they can barely walk straight.

I have been attending Homebake since 1998, where the Domain was turned into a big mud pie. Since then, the organisers have seemed a bit more clued up to what antics youths will get up to. This year was the first time since 2007 that I have attended and I noticed several changes since the first year I attended, and even since 2007.

1) As long as you get paid to put trash in the bin it gets done
Homebake gives you a $1 token for every can or recycling bottle you take to designated recycling centres. A great idea, it saves the organisers spending hundreds on cleaners that will have to scour the venue picking up every can that is purchased. The results would from most people bring congratulations... from me not so. The fact that there were food wrappers, empty glass hip-flask vodka bottles and cigarette packets strewn about the place shows that the youth of today don't really care so much about the environment, and only when they get paid to do it. And even then - if you have the cash to spend $11 on a Smirnoff Vodka, and not worry about the $1 return, people will still chuck their rubbish on the ground, and leave it for those who care, or those who just want cheaper drinks, to pick up. (N.B. I consumed about 8 drinks, and spent about $10 dollars)

2) Sniffer dogs does not equal a drug-free event
Upon entering Art Gallery Road, its clear it becomes a patrolled event, police walk up and down the footpath, scalpers quietly whispering their offers of tickets, and assuming anyone with drugs has either consumed, or concealed. Not only is there the typical bag check at the door to make sure you aren't sneaking in alcohol, water or sunscreen (one bottle of sunscreen confiscated, and yet a aerosol deodorant retained), but boys are subjected to a metal detector (and some girls as well) and a "Sir, please lift your shirt", perhaps distractions from the black sniffer dogs that stand at ease by the policeman's side, eagerly anticipating detection. It took longer to get into Homebake that it to did to Big Day Out this year, and more security was present than at Sydney Airport when I flew last weekend. Kids, the new evil, who knew.

3) Cloning is in, individuality out
Fashion trends were clearly stated on Saturday. Jean shorts (and I mean short) are back in, as long as you are wearing gladiator sandals. Hats are in, as long as they are straw. No shirts are in, as long as you are buff. And anyone who tries to be an individual, like guys dressing up as girls, will never be alone. And for the first time since I can remember - I did not see one pair of fairy wings, and if there were any 'real' goths at the festival, they must have been hiding in the mosh pit.

Perhaps its just me getting old. Ten years ago, I was the "individual" wearing the tie-dye slip with doc martins racing to see Grinspoon and Frenzal Romb. I knew all the acts, and wanted to see everyone. I didn't care if I was in someones way, threw myself head strong (a size 8 girl mind you) into the mosh pit, protected only by my best friends farting (noticed by Frenzal Romb themselves). I didn't drink at festivals either, and I believe the only people we had to pass to get into the concert was the ubiquitous scalpers along Art Gallery Road.