When the pandemic hit Australia a few months ago, and I began working full-time from home, I still went out most days to buy a take-away coffee. Generally I have one coffee every day, and I thought it was a good thing to support local businesses. It was also nice to get out of the house, and to have a bit of a chat with those in the coffee shops.
But as the coffee shops began to close, and as they stopped accepting “keep cups”, I found the need to start looking around for other options. As one shop closed, I went to another, and then another still.
After a while the shops, began to re-open. Wonderfully, as I returned to one of my local coffee shops after their closure, they remembered they “owed” me a couple of coffees I’d ordered through their app in the gap between leaving my house, and arriving at their newly closed premises. “James, James, we owe you a couple of coffees”, they said to me when I walked in their store.
But by then, I’d begun to make my own coffee at home.
Though I toyed with the idea of buying one of those expensive coffee machines, the cost (sometimes hundreds of dollars), and the endless need to clean those machines made me reassess something from my past. Many years ago, I lived with an Italian guy, and he introduced me to a stovetop coffee maker. As I remembered, the coffee was pretty good, and it was quick and easy to make.
Stovetop coffee is THE BEST! This cost $30 at David Jones.
After that, I watched a few Youtube videos, and I read a few tips along the way about the best way to make coffee using one of these. There were some good tips, such as not letting the coffee get to a stage where it “boiled over”. I now have two: a smaller one and a larger one. Most days, I’ll use the larger one. A couple of minutes later and the coffee is ready.
Mostly I’d been heating milk to add to my coffee. But then last week, I read a suggestion about making “frothy milk” in a blender/whisker machine. It works to a treat. I froth the milk, and then heat it in the microwave, before adding the milk to the espresso.
The awesome thing about the Mini Whizz (about $60 from K-Mart) is you can also grind beans.
And of course, you need to buy good beans!
Though I’m sure there are snobs around the place who’ll suggest I return to one of my local coffee shops and get “the real experience”, I’m really happy with the quick and easy solution I’ve discovered for my daily coffee addiction.
Kate and I went to see the Margaret Preston retrospective at the Art Gallery of NSW this afternoon. Although I know more about Australian art than the average Australian and Kate knows a lot more than I do, we were both surprised by Preston’s later work.
Margaret Preston is best known for her still life work of Australian native flowers. The exhibition explains that, as a product of her time, she had strong feelings about Australian independance, evident in her earlier artwork’s emphasis on Australian fauna (banksias in particular).
Although I understand the historical context in which she was painting, there was not a lot to my modern eye, aside from the occasional beautiful work. Although I did really like her works around Mosman.
What really caught my eye was her later work, undertaken in the 1940s and 1950s, when she discovered Aboriginal art through her visits to Central Australia. Although the exhibition notes reflect on her interest in a colonialist kind of way, saying that she looked at the landscape as “unexplored territory” (implicit is the notion that she was just as exploitative as previous artists), I think her contact led to a genuine richness in her work not previously evident.
Although I thought the lines of her early landscape work were too strong to be truly reflective of the Australian landscape, you can see a dramatic learning cure in her later work. What surprised us both most was the similarity of some of her later work to that of Chris O’Doherty (aka Reg Mombassa), especially since Kate was at the National Art School at the same time as Reg. Although I had a camera on me, I thought it was wrong to even attempt to capture the moment when Reg, himself, viewing the exhibition, looked at the “Adam & Eve” works by Preston. The moment was an incredible one that I hope will remain in my memory for some time to come as “one of those magic moments”.
Neither Kate nor I had any knowledge of this aspect of Preston’s work. Nor had we any idea of the impact it clearly has had, intentionally or not, on one of the country’s most important contemporary artists.
So if you’re thinking Margaret Preston is just lovely flowers, think again. Although most of those attending the exhibition were, as Kate observed, “women of a particular age and a particular class”, there’s a lot more to Preston’s work than you might instantly imagine.
I noticed there was a lengthy queue outside Messina, on Crown Street, Surry Hills today.
I had just been to the post office and was looking for somewhere to grab a bite to eat. Despite my hunger, I stopped to take a photograph.
In Sydney, if there’s a queue, it must be good. On weekend evenings, you’ll often see a queue but never like this one. And never on a Wednesday, and never at lunchtime. I was intrigued.
80 people queuing for ice cream at lunchtime on Wednesday in Surry Hills
Later, when the queue disappeared, I called in and asked the people behind the counter. I was told a local employer regularly takes their staff out for ice cream on Wednesdays. 80 people in total. Obviously, a very generous employer.
Tempted, I grabbed an ice cream too.
It was a nice treat, having woken up this morning at stupid-o’clock.
Do you know how sometimes you wake in the middle of the night, due to a weird dream? My dream involved two unknown naked men in my house. As if. Make of it what you will.
It was enough of a surprise to wake me up, and make me decide, “OK, it’s 4.00 am, but I’m awake for the day”.
I watched a bit of the soccer – Spain v Morocco – and then decided I would head down for the sunrise at Circular Quay.
Though I’m not a fan of cruise ships, I like getting up early and looking at them.
“Thanks for opening the bar. This is a real vote of confidence in the town”, I said to the woman behind the counter at Lismore’s new “small bar”, appropriately named “The Levee”. They’ve only been open for a week or two, and I called in last night for the first time. I was impressed.
Earlier in the night, some family members and I had been to participate in some drag queen bingo at the Metropole Hotel. Last night’s show was very funny, featuring Candy Surprise from Brisbane’s “Balls Up Bingo”.
“My friend Lisa does Drag Bingo in Darwin”, I told Candy as we had our photograph taken. I messaged Lisa reassuring her Tuesday Night’s Deck Bar in Darwin is better :)
Candy asked if there were any lesbians in the audience and then pointed to our front-row table, saying “Of course there are”. She then asked if there were any homosexuals in the audience. “Looks like you’re the only one…”, Candy commented, later referring to me as “The only gay in the village”. Though I didn’t see who, someone up the back said he was bisexual :)
Drag queens seem to be quite in vogue in Lismore right now. There was another drag show at the Metropole tonight, and my nieces went to see a drag show about a month ago at Lismore Sports Club. I think there’s something in the joyousness and often brutally honest humour of drag queens that Lismore might need right now.
While my family left after the bingo, I stayed a little longer to watch the pub’s comedy night.
Of all the comedians who appeared, I was most pleased to see Scotty Brizzle. Over the last year, Scotty’s posts on Youtube and Instagram have kept me entertained and informed about Lismore’s flood recovery. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdMOivhIr4CpQY_5QOAkisQ
And then I called into The Levee for a glass of wine. With good decore, a Nina Simone soundtrack, and some seemingly good food options (including vegan), it was so great to see such a cool bar open, and hopefully, bring some new life into Lismore’s nightlife. Hey, I had a great time.
Bit by bit, shops in the CBD are re-opening, with old shops making a return, as well as some great new places like The Levee.
And then today, I spotted a new second-hand furniture place. Though closed today, I looked through the window and they also seem to have some pretty cool stuff. These chairs look like they come from a space-age hairdressing salon.
The words hung in the air, powerful and poignant. ‘My support worker is my pair of hands. They’re an extension of my body,’ Emily Dash, actor, writer, and disability advocate, told the ‘Driving Change’ symposium on its second day. I sat in the audience, reflecting on how those words resonated with my own experience.
For a few months following my lower right leg amputation last year, I relied on NDIS support workers for basic tasks like tidying up and grocery shopping. While my needs were temporary and less extensive than Emily’s, that period gave me a glimpse into the crucial role support workers play in enabling people with disabilities to live full and independent lives. It also highlighted the importance of recognizing these individuals not just as caregivers, but as integral partners in navigating the world.
That’s Emily on the far right of this panel
Emily’s powerful statement underscored the need for greater accessibility and inclusion within the film industry, a topic that was central to the symposium. The presence of support workers on set is crucial for providing personal care, but true inclusion requires a deeper understanding of access needs. This is where Access Coordinators come in. These professionals act as advocates for everyone on set, ensuring that the environment is welcoming and safe, regardless of an individual’s abilities. They assess physical accessibility, communication needs, and potential sensory sensitivities, making adjustments to create a truly inclusive space.
‘You don’t want to get a reputation as a difficult person,’ Emily shared, explaining why many with disabilities hesitate to speak up about their support needs. The emergence of Access Coordinators is a crucial step towards normalizing these conversations and fostering a culture where everyone feels comfortable voicing their requirements. By proactively addressing access needs, we can move away from the stigma often associated with requesting support and create a more equitable and inclusive industry. Hopefully, the growing presence of Access Coordinators, spearheaded by major film corporations, will lead to greater involvement of people with disabilities in all aspects of filmmaking and television production.
The small screen panel which include Nas (second from right) and Elly (far right(
This need for authentic representation was echoed by my ABC colleague, Nas Campanella, during a panel discussion on disability in the media. ‘Not all of us want to be Paralympians,’ she joked, emphasizing the limited and often stereotypical portrayal of people with disabilities on Australian television. While acknowledging the incredible achievements of fellow panelist and Paralympic champion Ellie Cole, Nas highlighted the importance of showcasing the diverse range of experiences and talents within the disability community.
Nas herself has been a trailblazer. As the first blind newsreader at Triple J, she challenged preconceptions and paved the way for others. Initially, listeners were unaware of her vision impairment. When she did share her story, the focus, she noted, was often on the assistive technology she used. She also referenced the late Elaine Harris, another vision-impaired announcer at the ABC, with whom I briefly worked in Canberra, highlighting the scarcity of such representation even within a public broadcaster. Since then, Nas has become a powerful advocate for disability news coverage and building internal support networks within the ABC.
Ellie Cole offered a fascinating perspective on the evolving public perception of Paralympic athletes. She described the limited media interest during her first Games in Beijing in 2008, the growing attention in London 2012, and the significant increase in subsequent years. This shift, she believes, stems from the ‘human, relatable stories’ that are often at the forefront of Paralympic coverage, providing a powerful counterpoint to the often-singular focus on athleticism in traditional Olympic coverage.
While acknowledging the progress made, the conference also confronted the stark reality of underrepresentation in advertising. Despite people with disabilities comprising up to 20% of the population, they appear in less than 1% of advertisements. This disparity reflects a fear of failure, a fear of ‘getting it wrong and being cancelled,’ as one panelist put it. This fear, while understandable, perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces exclusion.
Fortunately, there are resources and guidelines available to help advertisers create authentic and inclusive campaigns. Organizations like the Unstereotype Alliance, whose representative spoke at the conference, are actively working to promote diversity and inclusion in advertising. Their research demonstrates a clear link between diverse representation and increased sales, both short-term and long-term. Authenticity resonates with consumers, and advertisements that reflect the true diversity of our society are simply more effective.
Some of my ABC colleagues attending the conference, including Peter Tonagh (back row in the middle) who is Chair of Bus Stop Films (which organised the conference) and Deputy Chair of the ABC.
The key, another panelist emphasized, is to include people with disabilities in the decision-making and creative process. This ensures that their perspectives and experiences are genuinely reflected, minimizing the risk of misrepresentation and tokenism.
As the two-day conference drew to a close, my colleagues and I gathered, exhausted yet exhilarated. We were buzzing with ideas about how we, at the ABC, could contribute to a more inclusive media landscape. We left with a renewed commitment to increase the number of people with disabilities you see, hear, and read about on our platforms. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about reflecting the true face of Australia and ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Within a couple of days, I had the pleasure of seeing Mark Trevorrow embody his iconic character, Bob Downe, on two separate occasions. The first was at a recording of TGIF for ABC Radio, and the second was his solo show at the Enmore Theatre for the Sydney Comedy Festival.
Bob Downe performs at TGIF for ABC Radio Sydney
TGIF for ABC Radio Sydney
A touch of wistful sadness, mingled with happiness, came over me as I stood to the side during the TGIF rehearsal at Chatswood.
I remember when TGIF first began. I was the Content Director at ABC Radio Sydney at the time. Initially, under Mike Carlton, it was a Friday “funniest week in review” type of program. When Richard Glover took over the Drive slot, TGIF evolved, largely as a studio-based show, until we decided to try it in front of a live audience.
Richard has a fondness for that 1960s BBC comedy panel show style, and I suppose TGIF, in some ways, reflected that. While I can’t recall the exact details of our first live shows, we started doing them, I believe, once a month on a Friday at ABC Radio Sydney, eventually transitioning to a weekly event.
I joked with the current Content Director at ABC Radio Sydney yesterday that when I held that role over a decade ago (actually, even longer), I never anticipated stacking as many chairs as I did. Despite being in a management position, I often found myself arranging seating for outside broadcasts and similar events. I certainly have strong memories of the great things we achieved during my time as Content Director.
That was a different chapter in my career and life. Nevertheless, I attended the live recording of TGIF. Richard Glover has since moved on, and the show is now hosted by Charlie Pickering. It broadcasts on local radio in New South Wales and Victoria, as well as on Radio National.
Charlie Pickering hosts TGIF for ABC Radio Sydney
While it’s a different show now, it still retains some of those lovely original elements, like “The News From Nowhere” and a line-up of great comedians. For instance, at this week’s recording, we had Michael Hing (currently presenting afternoons on ABC Radio Sydney while James Valentine has been on leave), Jackie Loeb (who has been living in America for a long time and, to be honest, I had almost forgotten about), Tommy Dean (a regular on TGIF with Richard), and Rebecca De Unamuno. It was wonderful to be there and see these talented individuals, many of whom I’ve watched perform over the years.
Also performing was Mark Trevorrow as Bob Downe. It was unmistakably Mark, as I’ve known him for some time. In fact, during my tenure as Content Director at ABC Radio Sydney, I regularly featured Mark on air, mostly on evenings and late-night programming. He was terrific to work with. We also share a connection to Northern New South Wales, as he spends a fair bit of time there. He seemed to think I had actually moved up there, but I clarified that I’m still living in Sydney. It was lovely to see Mark perform on stage again.
Enmore Theatre
A few days later, the show at The Enmore was tremendous fun. Even though Bob Downe has been gracing stages for four decades, and I’ve caught many of his performances over that time, the act still felt remarkably fresh and enjoyable.
I have vivid memories from early in Bob’s career when I’d attend his shows. He often singled me out for audience interaction, which, I confess, used to make me a little flustered. Years later, having met Mark through work, I asked him about this. He explained, “You were probably wearing a white shirt or something. When you’re on stage with lights in your eyes, you instinctively look for something bright to focus on, to connect with.”
This particular Enmore show was heavily focused on great pop songs from the last 40 years, interspersed with Mark’s own experiences performing the character.
We were also introduced to some new faces, including a younger version of Bob, portrayed by actor Rupert Noffs, and Mark’s partner, Stephen Elliott, who also made an appearance. Mark was careful to clarify that this Stephen Elliott was NOT the director of “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”
Mark was very amusing when discussing the show, joking that he continues to perform as Bob because his superannuation isn’t sufficient. Indeed, there was a significant merchandise push towards the end of the performance, and people seemed happy to purchase items as we left the theatre.
Seeing Bob with friends.
This prompted a discussion among my friends and me: Is this the last we’ll see of Bob Downe, or does the character have plenty of life left in him? Mark, now in his mid to late 60s, could certainly continue, but who knows?
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Must admit I have given up on coffee shops I love chai latte and they are a hit or a miss when you buy them discovered Woolworths own brand of sachets and really enjoy them less than 40 cents a cup and one satisfies me
The stovetop percolators do work a treat, James, but it’s the ambiance of the café I miss the most. The atmospheric ‘flavour’ of my favourite coffeeshops in Melbourne—which is as particular as the way they make a brew—is what completes the perfect caffeine injection.
I miss going to ‘my office’ in Centre place each morning and putting the right fuel in the writing tank. To my eternal shame, I too have had to go the much-maligned takeaway route (who on earth wants to drink coffee out of a paper cup with one of those dinky, useless lids?!), retiring quick-smart to the lockdown cell to write. I’ve probably been more productive, but it’s not as pleasant, either flavour- or ambiance-wise.
It’s obviously been much more difficult for you in Melbourne than it’s been here in Sydney (fingers crossed). Though restaurants and cafes have remained open, it’s still several months since I’ve sat in a cafe and enjoyed a coffee, while thinking about the world around me.
Must admit I have given up on coffee shops I love chai latte and they are a hit or a miss when you buy them discovered Woolworths own brand of sachets and really enjoy them less than 40 cents a cup and one satisfies me
Chai latte! Yum!
The stovetop percolators do work a treat, James, but it’s the ambiance of the café I miss the most. The atmospheric ‘flavour’ of my favourite coffeeshops in Melbourne—which is as particular as the way they make a brew—is what completes the perfect caffeine injection.
I miss going to ‘my office’ in Centre place each morning and putting the right fuel in the writing tank. To my eternal shame, I too have had to go the much-maligned takeaway route (who on earth wants to drink coffee out of a paper cup with one of those dinky, useless lids?!), retiring quick-smart to the lockdown cell to write. I’ve probably been more productive, but it’s not as pleasant, either flavour- or ambiance-wise.
It’s obviously been much more difficult for you in Melbourne than it’s been here in Sydney (fingers crossed). Though restaurants and cafes have remained open, it’s still several months since I’ve sat in a cafe and enjoyed a coffee, while thinking about the world around me.