Distinguished Canberra journalist, Paul Bongiorno, recently presented his views on democracy in Australia in a lecture entitled, Mediating democracy: journalism in the post truth age. This was part of the Forum Series: Whither Democracy, chaired by Emeritus Professor, John Warhurst AO, at Christians for an Ethical Society, Barton (www.ces.org.au). … Read more.
Located 80 km north west of Canberra, Wee Jasper (pop 100) boasts a variety of attractions, including camping and recreational reserves – perfect of course for adventurers and outdoor people wanting to explore nearby caves such as Careys Caves (which has seven chambers of crystal formation) – www.weejaspercaves.com/. Set among a mix of broad acre and grazing properties, Wee Jasper’s other attractions include heritage-listed sites such as the Wee Jasper Bridge over the Goodradigbee River. … Read more.
A holiday in Japan provides experiences of history, culture, people, natural and urban geography, architecture, food and way of life which contrast markedly with that of Australia. Rather than staying in hotels, a better way to experience “everyday living” may be Airbnb accommodation. Apartments are small, have tiny kitchens and compact laundry/bathroom facilities and little space for entertaining, but generally have all that a tourist needs. … Read more.
Having been popular overseas for some time, street libraries are now dotting the landscape in many parts of Australia, including Canberra. Books covering many genres are offered free of charge, presented in a variety of containers, such as old fridges, filing or television cabinets or purpose-built cupboards. These mini libraries are a hub for borrowing or exchanging, with no charges, fines or need for a library card. … Read more.
The National Gallery of Australia celebrated Canberra’s 2018 Reconciliation Day public holiday with various events. A panel discussion about Aboriginal art in Australia featured federal Shadow Minister for Human Services & Shadow Minister for Preventing Family Violence, the Hon Linda Burney; Dr Greg Lehman, research fellow from the University of Tasmania; and highly-respected local Indigenous woman, Matilda House and her son, Paul House. … Read more.
The 2018 Launceston Freelance Festival organised by its founder, Sue Bell, brought together people from Tasmania and mainland Australia, sharing their experiences and insights as freelancers. Held at the start-up space, Enterprize, in Launceston’s charming CBD, the Festival boasted a wide range of presenters and participants and was a great networking event and reminder of the talent and innovation of Australia’s many artists, journalists/writers and illustrators. … Read more.
For many years, Australia has depended on America for defence, security and assistance with maintaining order in Asia. In recent years, the Australian-American relationship has changed for various reasons. Australia now has to look carefully at the challenges America faces in Asia and the risks and benefits for Australia of depending on America in the future. … Read more.
For those who love art and cats and collecting prints, there’s been a great collection of vintage and contemporary images of cats at Braidwood’s fYREGALLERY. Gallery director, Cheryl Hannah’s collection includes litographs, linocuts, serigraphs, etchings and drypoint, from 30 international and Australian artists. Open until 15 April 2018, the exhibition is presented in association with Josef Lebovic of the Josef Lebovic Gallery, Sydney and Robert Newman, The Old Print Shop New York. … Read more.
Though now based in Melbourne, Anna Snoekstra grew up in Canberra. Her recent psychological thriller, Only Daughter, is set in Canberra. Based largely on “Bec”, the book takes readers on a journey of intrigue and twists and turns, with a puzzle which only fits together at the very end. Chapters alternate between 2003 (when Rebecca Winter went missing after finishing her late shift at McDonald’s in Manuka) and events of 2014 when the fake Bec takes on the persona of the decade-missing young woman. … Read more.
Great news for Weston Creek! Beyond Q Bookshop and café with its wonderful collection of second-hand books including Penguin classics and rare editions, has moved to Weston (from Curtin). Located in Brierly Street’s Weston Arcade and tucked away behind a cleverly-disguised door, the bookshop offers a great range of fiction and non-fiction, its subjects ranging across many genres including art, biography, craft, environment, gardening, health, history, music, politics, philosophy and science. … Read more.