Tognetti out of tune with Wollongong

We should not get too defensive about Richard Tognetti's rather elitist comments on Wollongong in a national magazine. But it would be improper of us to let him off the hook.The head of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and a virtuoso violinist, Tognetti has in the past been proud to label himself "a boy from the Gong".But in a recent interview he has drawn on the stereotypical view of the city in an exploration of his rise to fame.It is true that Wollongong's name was tarnished by the corruption scandal that unfolded almost three years ago. That aside, we have also had a fairly colourful civic history in other regards. However, we take umbrage at his comments that, unlike Sydney, "Wollongong is not full of different people. I feel it's full of downtrodden people ..."Together with his other references to his homeplace, readers would get the impression we are a cultural backwater.Tognetti has done some marvellous spruiking in the past for NSW's third largest city.And while he is entitled to his opinion, he should be aware that whether he likes it or not he is an ambassador for our city. People respect his views, so when he speaks ill of us it does matter.Fundamentally, what is most concerning, is that in our opinion he is wrong.While we are proud of our working-class roots, we are also a diverse community and becoming an increasingly sophisticated and well-serviced place in which to live.Surely on his visits to the Illawarra he is seeing some of the change.Indeed, we believe 2011 could prove a watershed year for our region.A major project like the University of Wollongong's planned health precinct would be a huge win. And the completion of the WIN Stadium upgrade will be symbolic of a more contemporary feel as we knit together the various zones that comprise Wollongong's CBD. As well, the likelihood of a new political dynamic at a state and local level could kickstart other initiatives.The Illawarra is one of the most liveable places on the planet. This will be increasingly appreciated in the years ahead.