“The reason we started Boomalli was no Sydney gallery would exhibit the work of urban Aboriginal artists”, Aunty Euphemia Bostock told us, as she reflected on the passing of time, at last night’s celebration of thirty years of the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative. “Even now”, Djon Mundine added, “There are only two or three works from Boomalli at the Art Gallery of NSW”.
It was standing room only, and an awesome night to attend. Here a few photographs from the celebration.
Promoted in Blockbuster VideoAs I walked down the street towards Sydney University, I noticed an ad for “Mamma Mia” in the window of Blockbuster Video.
The movie which haunted me throughout Europe will soon be available at my local video shop. The same video shop I haven’t been to for years because I was so embarassed at the $27 overdue fine I had to pay eight years ago (or thereabouts).
I was on my way to Sydney University for a “Media Industry Night” put on by one of the student groups. In comparison with the main drawcard – Ray Martin – I was a minor player, though quite a few of them were interested in what I had to say, even if a couple of them confused me with James O’Loghlin. “We’re both bald”, I reassured one of them, when he realised the mistake he’d made.
It was a really interesting reminder of my own university days a thousand years ago. Most of the students seemed to have no clear idea of what they want to do when they finish their courses, echoing the experience of most of my peers back in the 1980s.
In common with these kids I lived through a reasonably difficult economic period. “Everyone goes on about how we are gonna cope, as such a materialistic generation”, one of them said to me at one point. He was reassured, I think, when I mentioned similar comments were made about my generation.
Despite what’s often said about the generation gap, I think we all go through similar experiences from generation to generation. I think it’s too simple (simplistic) to make generalisations about Gen X, Gen Y and whatever comes after that.
There was only one occasion when I had to turn my head and smile at what I thought was one of the naïve thoughts/ideas of youth when we discussing some issue or such. One of the guys picked up on it, I know, though he didn’t draw attention to it.
Later though, he asked why I’d bothered to come in a genuinely inquiring way. It was then I pointed towards Ray Martin and said “Ray didn’t have to come, either but he did” alluding towards a genuine sense of altruism.
I could have been at home watching television, or playing on the internet, but I really enjoyed my experience visiting Sydney University tonight. Despite what you often read about the cynicism of this generation of kids going through university today, they seemed like a genuinely nice bunch, with a genuine sense of optimism towards the future. I hope they do well.
Since news broke this morning of a COVID-19 case at Lismore Base Hospital, the rumour mill has been running hot.
Through various messaging apps, I’ve been “reliably told” all manner of things about the case. I have no idea how much is true, though I have some good “reliable sources”, as they say in the media.
Generally speaking people in Lismore has been fairly good about check-ins and mask-wearing, but we do have some anti-vaxxers and COVID-denialists, as evidenced by the 5G Agenda 21 graffiti in a local phonebox.
I went down the street earlier today to grab a coffee and they were talking about it in the coffee shop. “Yeah, we’ll be going into lockdown” people were saying literally minutes after the media release came out from NSW Health.
As I walked home I heard a couple of people on the street talking about it. “Ah the bloody media just makes this stuff up”, I heard one bloke say. I kept walking for a few metres before stopping and returning to say, “Hey mate, this isn’t made up by the media. This is a statement by NSW Health. I can show it to you if you like”, I said to him. “No worries, I’ll believe you”, he said.
Later in the afternoon, there was already evidence of panic buying. I went to the shopping centre to check my Lotto (a win of $7.50) and grab a haircut. People were talking about the “imminent lockdown” at the hairdresser too, even though nothing had been officially announced. At the bottle shop, two blokes walked in without masks and were challenged by the people behind the counter. They were big boofy blokes who said something along the lines of “You can’t tell us what to do”.
By five o’clock, the lockdown for Lismore, Ballina, Casino and Byron Bay (around surrounding towns) was official.
You’ve done us proud, Lismore. The first hint of COVID and there’s a toilet paper shortage.
“Do you need me to pick up anything”, I asked Pat when I told her the news. “Just as well we don’t need toilet paper”, I joked, adding that the aisle at the local Woolworths was already empty.
Amongst family on Messenger, we joked about the need for toilet paper. “I’ve checked and we’ve got enough newspapers to get through it all”, Jack said. I don’t think any of the younger family members recall this, but I vividly remember using a newspaper to wipe my bum as a child. It wasn’t uncommon in the country during the 1960s.
Newspapers and catalogues in the event of a toilet paper shortage.
On Facebook, friends joked they thought it would put some Murdoch newspapers to good use. Our local paper, The Northern Star is owned by News Limited but stopped its print run about 12 months ago. We have only a weekly independent now. And lots of catalogues from Aldi.
It’s been three weeks since my below-the-knee right leg amputation, and for the first time, I’m starting to feel a “connection” with my slightly different than before right leg.
Initially, I was cautious and treated it delicately to avoid causing any harm. But yesterday, something changed—I began to feel like my leg was truly a part of me again, rather than something separate. I’m not doing anything crazy, just starting to feel like it’s still “me”.
Yesterday,I managed to take a shower and use the bathroom mostly on my own. I still needed some supervision to ensure safety, but it felt liberating to regain a bit of privacy in performing these daily functions.
Doing these regularly daily things has likely helped me adjust to my “new normal” of personal physicality, and it feels empowering.
Yesterday, Sue and I went for a walk/roll around the block and even made it up to Taylor Square, which is about 200-300 meters away. Despite the chill, being outside was wonderful and invigorating.
Another positive change is my transfer from the general hospital ward to the rehabilitation center across the road from St Vincent’s Hospital. Now, instead of a crowded four-bed dormitory-style room, I have a private room, offering more privacy and allowing for better sleep.
Throughout this process, I’ve been fortunate to have a steady stream of visitors, which has certainly helped with the psychological adjustment.
Many of my friends have noticed my amputation from social media posts but missed the part about diabetes, resulting in a generous supply of confectionery on my bedside table. While it’s not a major concern, I’ve been mindful of what I eat, following the dietary advice of enjoying a piece of chocolate but not consuming the entire block.
The road to recovery lies ahead, with an expected 6-8 weeks in rehab, focusing on readjusting to daily life. With the support of friends and medical professionals, I’m optimistic about making progress and adapting to this new chapter in my life.
The first funeral for a former Prime Minister I remember, was the funeral of Sir Robert Menzies. It was many years since he had been the Prime Minister, and I was only a young child. Since then, in adulthood, I’ve remembered the deaths of Malcolm Fraser and Gough Whitlam. I’m sure there have been others along the way, but Hawke was a “giant” in that he was the longest serving Labor PM, and, in the words of the current Prime Minister, he was a “father of modern Australia”.
Though I wasn’t old enough to vote in the election which brought the ALP to power (in March 1983), Bob Hawke was the PM for most of my early adulthood.
We scored excellent seats through the public ballot.
Through the public ballot, my friend Judy and I scored excellent seats for today’s State Memorial. We were close enough to the stage at the Opera House to be able to watch what happened there live, and to observe the more intimate moments through the big screens.
We were also able to peer down at all of the politicians below us. It was fascinating to see the wife of a well known politician physically recoil when she thought they might be sitting next to another politician. (My lips are sealed, though I might be inclined to tell you over a couple of Hawke’s Lagers).
Looking down on the politicians in the stalls below us.
From Linda Burney’s Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning, to Blanche’s thank-yous at the end, it was a really terrific experience to be part of. A bit of history.
Great speeches. Lots of emotion, and lots of laughs, too. Kim Beazley’s story about the Cabinet meeting on board a Navy ship was very funny. There were speeches acknowledging Hawke’s legacy (Medicare, Apartheid, Antarctica etc), but also acknowledging he wasn’t exactly Saint Bob either.
Here are some photographs from activities around Art Month, launched last night in Sydney. It was a busy night, as Kate and I attended a book launch at Kinokuniya Sydney, an exhibition launch at UNSW (will return on Saturday for a proper look at the videos), and then stuff at the National Art School. After three hours or so, we got exhausted and had to go home. But there’s lots more happening, so check this out http://www.artmonthsydney.com.au/
I saw a statue today of Governor Arthur Phillip I didn’t know existed.
I came into the Botanic Gardens via a different entrance – behind the Conservatorium – to which I normally use.
And there it was, a statue I’ve never seen before. And quite an attractive one too.
It’s hard to believe it’s May and still feeling this warm.
Although I’ve dragged out my track pants for wearing at home at night, I could actually do without them.
And there was one day this week with a slight chill in the air.
But it was only very slight.
Wandering through the gardens wearing shorts and polo shirt, I was surrounded by people similarly dressed, as well as those with light-pullovers and jeans.
Very, very nice.
I’d just spent a few hours in the State Library doing some family history research.
I love it that you can now take along a USB, scan the pages you need, and then come home and look in greater detail. A vast improvement from the days of sitting there squinting in front of microfiche readers.
That research, today and tonight, has taken up most of my day.
