wallydownundy

Having presented to Burson-Marsteller staff in Washington DC and New York City, I returned to my home in Australia and told staff what the meetings were like (see post for 2 March ‘07). Wednesday I presented to the Sydney team and the next day to colleagues in Melbourne.

(In Australia B-M has two offices and yet it is run as one business - I spend time between each city trying to create ‘one culture.’ It ain’t easy!)

There’s an opening slide in my presentation to the Americans where I ask - “When I say Australia, what do you think about?” The folks in Melbourne were aghast to hear people immediately said kangaroos, Steve Irwin, Opera House, Fosters and that big rock (aka Uluru).

“People didn’t really say that,” exclaimed one.

“Surely they know more than that about Australia,” said another.

I was saddened to report that was all. Americans have caricature versions of Australia firmly embedded in their minds. But then in discussions we realised we’re guilty of our own propaganda campaigns. Look at our cultural exports - Lantana, Jindabyne, Priscilla, The Castle, Steve Irwin, Crocodile Dundee. All promote a rough, desolate continent peopled with swarthy land-locked Australians.

Yet in reality 85% of Australians live in urban centres. We’ve got innovative, fresh cuisine. Australia is predominantly a services-based economy. We travel constantly.

And no, we don’t secretly wear Akubras and strap large knives to our shins.

Well, not always….