Walter led a campaign that resulted in the shutdown of a music venue. He says whingeing is a right
Walter felt it was his civic duty to complain and says whingeing shouldn't be disparaged. Others think differently.
Walter Bilas, a semi-retired lawyer, defended the practice of voicing complaints, stating that it is a right in any liberal democracy like Australia. He felt a sense of civic duty towards his neighbourhood in Sydney's Inner West, taking issue with a "problematic nightclub." The club's late-night noise, including car doors slamming, shouting, and litter, disturbed residents.
Walter and others lodged complaints with the Inner West Council and Liquor & Gaming NSW, which led to the club's shutdown. Another venue, run by Alison Flett, also faced complaints due to new government-mandated COVID-19 restrictions, forcing her to close her live music venue in 2024 after incurring legal fees and fines. Retail worker Lauren Leung encountered customers who took advantage of the complaint system to get new goods.
Psychologist Sue Read explained that we whinge to gauge perspective and understand if our thoughts and opinions are reasonable. However, constant negativity can have profound impacts, making it harder to access higher-order cognitive functions like compassion and empathy. Business owner John Megalli, who has built a multi-million-dollar air-conditioning business, expressed his disdain for whingeing, believing it limits potential and hinders growth.
Written by urgent.news from SBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
