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.
Category: Contemporary Canberra Page 3 of 6
Life in Canberra
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.
Queanbeyan-based writer, researcher and advocate, Gerry Gillespie, has recently written The Waste Between Our Ears, a book outlining ways to rethink rubbish disposal. “[We need]…to think differently about discarded materials – about how to focus on their economic value rather than on how they simply are waste. To do this, you will need to be able to put your mind in a different place”, says its Foreword. … Read more.
With 2020’s Floriade held across Canberra rather than at its usual venue of Commonwealth Park, many Canberrans have been able to enjoy colourful displays of magnificent blooms in their local areas. Weston Creek is one such beneficiary and FLORIADE: Re-imagined in Trenerry Square has added a much-appreciated splash of colour. This “new” Floriade is perhaps akin (though on a much smaller scale) to Toowoomba’s annual Carnival of Flowers where residents and tourists can enjoy a wide range of events across Toowoomba, including chances to visit spectacular private and public garden displays and the iconic street parade and food and wine stalls. … Read more.
Named the 2011 Senior Australian of the Year and with many other awards and accolades, Professor Ron McCallum AO, recently spoke about his memoir, Born At The Right Time, at a radio for the print handicapped (1RPH) lunch at Canberra’s Ainslie Football Club. Having a distinguished career as a lawyer and academic, Professor McCallum was the first blind person to be appointed as Dean at an Australian University (Sydney University). … Read more.
The owner of Lava Espresso café in Phillip, Lincoln Fairleigh, has set up the website Canberra Still Open “dedicated to supporting restaurants and cafes in the Canberra region”.
It’s an information hub about available eateries across the ACT and region, categorised under the headings: City, North Canberra, South Canberra, Tuggeranong, Woden, Weston Creek, Gungahlin, Belconnen Greater Region, and allows easy access to information on the cuisine, location and opening hours of a wide range of cafes and restaurants. … Read more.
Staged in Canberra recently, David Williamson’s play, Family Values (Lee Lewis (director); Griffin Theatre Company) presented a mix of poignant and lighter moments, its wonderful cast laying bare some of Australia’s not-so-pleasant aspects about the treatment of refugees and boat people. Just to set the scene. Recently-retired 70-year-old federal court judge, Roger (Andrew McFarlane) clearly hopes to enjoy some birthday celebrations with his family including his lively (very much a “doctor’s-wife” type), Sue (Belinda Giblin). … Read more.
The AFL Community Series (pre-season warmup games) in Wagga Wagga on Sunday included the 2019 grand finalists (Richmond and Greater Western Sydney) face off for the first time since last year. And while not as intense as regular AFL footy, the game depicted a willing contest with the full range of Australian rules skills on display. … Read more.
Former federal parliamentarian and Keating government minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Robert Tickner, recently shared his story from the warm summer’s day in 1993 when he was re-united with his birth mother. Speaking with Canberra Times journalist, Karen Hardy, Robert read from his book, Ten Doors Down as, describing his mixture of happiness and “roller coaster of emotions” as he waited near Sydney’s Opera House and “magnificent harbour” for the mother who had last held him as a tiny baby some 41 years’ previously. … Read more.