Souffle

The information on the noticeboard, by now swaying gently in the rising afternoon breeze, was very clear.

Graduands must register for the graduation ceremony between 1:30pm and 1:50pm and be seated in the Sir John Clancy auditorium by 2:00pm.

Otherwise they will be “graduated in absentia”.

A couple of graduands, having been granted a 2:15pm reprieve, were pacing nervously outside the auditorium foyer, peering earnestly towards nearby Gate 9, hopeful of spotting itinerant friends or family making a late dash from High Street.

“Another generation, another graduation,” said one robed UNSW don to another, as they casually strolled into the building.

Yes, it’s been a while, hasn’t it…

My momentary reminiscence was interrupted by the sight of a lone figure, now cutting a somewhat familiar, and self assured, gait towards the auditorium forecourt.

Impeccably dressed, and carrying a stately air about him, he was armed with a camera packing far more punch than my snap shooter. It was the George Gregan effect. Is it him, or is it not?

“A souffle only rises once.”

Was this former Australian Prime Minister, Paul Keating, now scanning the phonebook of his mobile, who was standing in front of me?

Again my thought train was interrupted, this time by an auditorium usher. “Sir, we need to take your seat now.”

Sir? Seat? Sir? How times have changed.

She had a point though. The breeze was fast developing into a gale, and the looming storm clouds were looking all the more ominous. It was time to be elsewhere.

Another generation had graduated in absentia.