In Daring to Fly, the ABC-TV’s News Breakfast co-host, Lisa Millar tells of her very happy childhood in the small Queensland rural town of Kilkivan and her experiences in journalism, including 10 years as the ABC’s overseas correspondent in Washington and later, London. From her start in journalism with The Gympie Times, newspapers in Brisbane and Townsville and ABC-TV’s parliament house bureau in Canberra, Lisa became familiar with covering confronting stories, work which was to take a toll on her emotional health. … Read more.
Queanbeyan-based writer, researcher, advocate and pioneer of the organics resource industry, Gerry Gillespie, recently discussed the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, with former Welsh Minister for Environment and Sustainability, Jane Davidson, at Manning Clark House. The lead proponent in ensuring the Act’s passage through the Welsh parliament, Jane Davidson is now Pro Is-Ganghellor/Pro Vice-Chancellor Emeritus, University of Wales. … Read more.
Professor Megan Davis (Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous and Professor of Law, University of NSW, and Balnaves Chair in Constitutional Law), will be presenting (via Zoom), this year’s Dymphna Clark lecture – The promise of the Uluru Statement from the Heart: The past, the present and future of First Nations Australia – at Manning Clark House, 6pm, 13 October. … Read more.
In her beautifully-written, thoughtful book, Phosphorescence, renowned author and journalist, Dr Julia Baird, describes her love for ocean swimming, the magic properties of water, and her quest for lightness. She notes that prayer, meditation, and taking advantage of life’s simple pleasures, have helped her through some very dark days of illness and other difficulties. … Read more.
Acclaimed Actor, comedian and writer, Kitty Flanagan, lays down some ground rules in her very amusing 488 Rules for Life, inspired by Jordan Peterson’s bestseller 12 Rules for Life. Kitty has taken her brief further – she has 12 rules for the bathroom alone. Her wise thoughts are those with which many of us agree, and include tips for the home, office, celebrations, food, dating, language, lifestyle, parenting, sport, technology and travel. … Read more.
Feelings of being claustrophobic, shut in, or cooped up, during lockdown, are bound to fray even the most even of tempers. Strains on people’s mental and physical health become evident, as we long for “everything to be back to normal” (though just what is “normal” now?) But there are the positives. … Read more.
The bad news is lockdown. But the good news is that many of Canberra’s top restaurants are offering takeaway meals during lockdown. So, patrons will continue to be spoilt for choice for fine dining in the capital and environs. Takeaway is available from some very popular eateries, including Mawson’s Okami (Japanese); Weston Creek’s Croatian restaurant, Maestral; Acton’s Monster Kitchen & Bar; Braddon’s EightySix, and Italian & Sons; and, Civic’s Bar Rochford. … Read more.
Former member for the federal seat of Chisholm (2016-2019), Julia Banks, recently spoke with academic-journalist, Virginia Haussegger at ANU’s Kambri Centre, about politics, parliament, and her book, Power Play. Ms Banks recited details of her 2018 departure from the Liberal Party when she became an Independent, and the orchestrated campaign against her from Liberal conservatives which caused her considerable stress. … Read more.
Herbert Vere (“Doc”) Evatt (1894-1965), was a brilliant Australian lawyer, politician and writer, whose controversial stances, and erratic behaviour invited strong criticism at times. However, he did have a strong band of supporters. Evatt’s career included representing Australia in the British war cabinet (1942-1943), being one of the architects of the United Nations and later, President of the UN General Assembly. … Read more.
The latest book of George Browning (Anglican Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn – 1993-2008), Not Helpful: Tales from a Truth Teller, examines power structures related to whistle blowers, inequality and climate. Addressing these issues through biography and anecdote, it covers Bishop Browning’s episcopate in Brisbane (1985-1993), and in Canberra. Bishop Browning recently talked about many of his concerns about contemporary times and the misuse of power, which he has outlined in his book, at a Manning Clark House function at All Saints Anglican Hall in Ainslie. … Read more.