Canberra bashing is a favourite national past-time but a couple of entrepreneurial Canberrans with a good sense of humour have turned the criticism into cash.
“Underrated Canberra” was launched at Pop Canberra in Braddon on the weekend and it’s the brainchild of Canberra couple Liz Cowling and Jamie Syme, who subscribe to the saying “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade”.
The pair have scoured online reviews of Canberra landmarks on Google and Trip Advisor to select the ideal content (both negative and hilarious) to feature on their line of merchandise.
“People just don’t get Canberra,” Liz said. “They don’t understand it. For example a Google review of the carillon stated: “I don’t know what this is supposed to do.”
The bagging-out of Canberra is prolific (and profitable for Underrated Canberra) with one reviewer stating “I got lost at Glenloch Interchange for a Week” (available as a poster). Another disgruntled visitor posted a review of the Australian-American Memorial (bugs bunny to the locals) – “I’ve seen taller eagles” (available as a stubby holder).
“All location reviews are real, we don’t make this stuff up,” Liz said. “It’s no secret people from all over Australia bag out Canberra but we see the comedy it. Canberrans appreciate what we’ve got, so we find the humour in what others don’t.”
Liz moved to Canberra about 15 years ago from the NSW south coast, so she almost qualifies as local. Jamie, who came up with the business idea, is Scottish – hence the satirical UK sense of humour. The Lyneham couple have only just opened an Instagram account and it’s already accumulated a strong following.
It seems thick-skinned Canberrans can see the funny side of Canberra-bashers. After 111 years we are accustomed to the mud-slinging and in true Taylor Swift style, we shake it off.
Even our dam doesn’t measure up, with one tourist’s review stating: “wouldn’t call Scrivener Dam a dam”. Parliament House and its sizeable 81-metre stainless steel flagpole doesn’t escape criticism either – “Only worth a visit to say you’ve been there”. Comedy gold and merchandise heaven.
Last but not least, the review is in for our iconic Captain Cook Memorial Jet, with one reviewer claiming: “A fireman’s hose is more interesting than the jet” (available in a tote bag).
For an engineer, Liz makes a good graphic artist, creating the artwork to accompany the dry reviews. Her art adorns everything from mugs, coasters, posters, tote bags, postcards and stubby coolers.
“The negative reviews are good for Canberrans because we enjoy the quiet space,” Liz said. “We get us, we think we’re great.”
Underrated Canberra is on Instagram and www.underratedcanberra.com.au
