A recent highlight among National Library of Australia author talks was that of Christabel Blackman, focusing on her book, Charles & Barbara Blackman: A decade of art and love, about her late parents, Barbara, the highly-regarded artist, broadcaster, essayist, librettist, poet and patron of the arts, and highly-renowned artist, Charles Blackman. … Read more.
For travellers venturing along the Hume Highway between Canberra and Melbourne there’s many delightful country towns and villages to visit, including Bookham, Jugiong, Gundagai, Holbrook, Tarcutta, set on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri people. They’re great for a food, drink and pit stop. Five hours’ further along from Canberra (two hours from Melbourne), Euroa in the Strathbogie Shire (much of which is on the lands of the Taungurung people), is replete with good accommodation and hotels, and delightful eateries, shops, galleries, markets, parks, and historic places. … Read more.
“…[S]ince 2019, we’ve been experiencing our share of setbacks and challenges…the sustained and devastating bushfire season of 2019-2020; the floods that engulfed entire towns; and the COVID-19 pandemic…punctuated by lockdowns, mask wearing, physical distancing, home-schooling, working remotely and all the other changes to our lives that increased the risk of social isolation”, says leading social psychologist and bestselling author, Hugh Mackay, in his latest book, The Way We Are: lessons from a lifetime of listening. … Read more.
Former members of the ACT Legislative Assembly, Annette Ellis (ALP), Giulia Jones (Canberra Liberals), and Caroline Le Couteur (The Greens), recently presented at the National Library of Australia about their experiences as women in politics. For Annette and Giulia who were both brought up in political households where politics was discussed “around the kitchen table”, going into politics may have seemed like a natural progression. … Read more.
Writing in The Canberra Times (Panorama supplement) recently, journalist, Ian Warden highlighted the importance of being exposed to the finest art of the finest artists’ works. He was commenting on his visit to Canberra’s National Gallery’s exhibition of the works of senior Anmatyerr woman, Emily Kam Kngwarray. He opined that viewing such art improves our character-building wonders. … Read more.
The sun may be up and the skies blue, but “murder is in the air” at Coopers Chase Retirement Village where a coterie of residents lend their help to police in solving crimes, the main protagonists being former intelligence officer with MI5, Elizabeth; one-time nurse, Joyce; former union official, Ron, and occasionally still-practising psychiatrist, Ibrahim. … Read more.
Canberra’s National Press Club was abuzz recently with the announcement of the winner of the 2023 Australian Political Book of the Year. The judging panel of the ABC’s chief political correspondent, and author, Laura Tingle; Australian political journalist, and radio and television host, presenter and commentator for the ABC, Barrie Cassidy; and ANU Political Science Emeritus Professor, John Warhurst, considered that Niki Savva’s Bulldozed: Scott Morrison’s fall and Anthony Albanese’s rise met the required criteria for the award. … Read more.
The Camp Hill Antique Centre & Tart Café, is a small family business offering an eclectic mix of wares from 70 dealers as well as a great café with fresh and inviting delicacies – under the one roof. It’s worth a visit when you’re visiting Brisbane. Located in Camp Hill’s former Planet Theatre roughly nine km from Brisbane’s CBD, the Centre has much to offer: browsing (and perhaps buying something), having some great coffee or tea (or a milkshake), or taking a trip down memory lane – in a friendly and peaceful atmosphere. … Read more.
In a talk entitled AUKUS – AN Expensive Folly? at Manning Clark House (11 Tasmania Circle, Forrest) on Sunday, 29 October at 3-5pm, the head of the International and Security Affairs program at the Australia Institute, Allan Behm, will discuss AUKUS. The discussion will centre on whether nuclear submarines and increased defence spending will deliver increased national security as well as considerations of Australia’s cultural and historical experiences that have shaped Australia’s security thinking. … Read more.
Located approximately 4 kms from Brisbane’s CBD, 99 Kirkland B&B has all that a Canberran in Brisbane could want: cosy, old-world charm, home comforts, the sophistication of modern hotels and very reasonable tariffs. Set in a heritage-listed Queenslander in Coorparoo (said to be an Aboriginal word describing the sound of wild doves that were common in the area), the B&B’s sparklingly clean rooms have comfortable beds, ensuites, tea and coffee-making facilities, a toaster and small refrigerator, reverse-cycle air-conditioning and Internet and Wifi access. … Read more.