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.
Canberra author, researcher and editor, Penelope Hanley’s latest book, After She Left, takes readers on a journey through five decades, focusing largely on three main characters: bohemian artist, Deirdre O’Mara, an Irish émigré in 1927 to Sydney, where she soon gives birth to her daughter, Maureen. Maureen takes a different life path to her mother, opting for marriage at a young age and devotion to husband, children, hearth and home. … 
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. … 
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. … 
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. … 
