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a-man-for-hire-and-his-archives · 3 months ago

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I seriously think it's more likely the UK will become a Republic before Australia!

Exclusive: Chris Hammer, the new master of 'rural noir, on exploring Australia's remote heartlands in his bestselling thrillers, being a ‘pantser, not a plotter'... and why there's no danger Down Under of Aussies ditching the Crown

by Matt Nixson

Luke Arnold, centre, as Martin Scarsden in hit BBC adaptation of Chris Hammer’s Scrublands against b (Image: BBC / Easy Tiger / Getty / AP)

Being a political consultant is a high-risk job. Careers can be short and brutal. But former journalist Chris Hammer might just hold the record for the speediest exit, having spent just three weeks as a special adviser to an upcoming Australian politician.

Happily, a lucrative book and TV contract rather than scandal triggered his departure.

“I quit because I got this wonderful deal and realised it was now or never,” he chuckles. “It was a bit risky but I figured I could make a go of it. My former boss is a reasonably senior minister now and he’s got half the cabinet reading my books!”

Drawing on his experiences as a reporter, Hammer’s debut novel Scrublands – set in a dying, drought-hit town where journalist Martin Scarsden arrives to write about the fatal shooting of five people by their charismatic local priest – subsequently came out in 2018 to critical and commercial acclaim.

It has since been adapted as a four-part drama, currently streaming on BBC iPlayer.

The Aussie crime writer has published six further bestsellers, including his latest, The Broken River, becoming the master of setting.

His multi-layered, inter-generational plots take readers into the heart of rural Australia, exploring the loss of traditional industries like logging and mining, natural calamities such as drought and fire, and, with his political hat, tensions between ‘haves’ – sometimes known as the “squatocracy” because of their historic land holdings – and ‘have-nots’.

It’s all been a bit of a rollercoaster, albeit one he’s happy to ride.

Prior to Scrublands, Hammer had written two non-fiction books about the Australian landscape: The River (2011), exploring the remote heartlands of Australia, and The Coast (2013). While both were well-received (and are now being republished) they didn’t make any money. But after three decades as a leading news reporter and foreign correspondent, as well as time working in politics, they set the stage for his latter career.

And The River, as he explains during a visit to London during the cold-snap, braving freezing UK temperatures and an 11-hour time difference after flying in from his home in the Australian capital Canberra, is providing endless inspiration.

“There were nine chapters on different places and I’ve used about six so far,” he admits. “Both those non-fiction books showed me what I realised I love doing. It’s not because the clock’s ticking or I need the money or anything that I’m now writing a book a year. Really I’m just kind of addicted to it. It’s like you’ve got to have a cup of coffee in the morning, or go to the gym or go jogging. If I don’t do a little bit of writing, I don’t feel quite right.”

He adds: “It’s such a joyful thing to do, especially when a book comes together at the end after all the problems.” By “problems”, Hammer, 64, means tying together his many plot twists.

He describes himself tongue-in-cheek as a “pantser and a pounder, not a plotter” – a “seat-of-his pants” writer – rather than someone who spends a lot of time planning, remarkable given the gloriously engrossing complexity of his work with storylines maturing between books. “I’ve made a rod for my own back, because there’s multiple plot lines and multiple timelines and different points of view,” he shrugs.

“But I still find it impossible to plot the book out and then write it. As a journalist, I’m used to being edited. There’s an expression in Australia, ‘kill your darlings’, meaning if you’ve got a scene you really like but you’ve got to chuck it out in the interests of the book, out it goes.”

No wonder Hammer’s fast becoming one of Australia’s most exciting literary exports.

Having written three Martin Scarsden thrillers, The Broken River is the fourth book featuring New South Wales state detectives Nell Buchanan and Ivan Lucic.

Dispatched to The Valley to investigate the murder of the town’s deputy mayor, they are drawn into a mystery involving a flooded gold mine, anti-logging protests and an historic bullion robbery, in the case of Nell with dramatic personal consequences. It’s classic Hammer territory – dubbed “rural noir” by critics.

Initially, the author was worried that, as “Staties”, he wouldn’t be able to take Nell and Ivan out of New South Wales.

But with the state covering an area of approximately 310,000 square miles – more than three times the size of the UK – with outback, tropical forest and mountains, they’ve plenty to go at.

“I always have the setting first, the plot comes as I write the book,” he explains. “I’m casting a spell, ‘Set your daily stuff aside and come with me’. So the setting is the stage for the characters, it’s going to explain their motivations.

“Broken River is set in this verdant valley near the Pacific coast but the one I’m working on now is based on the Paroo River, way out in the desert, a real Outback sort of place.” Hanmer’s books give UK readers a fascinating glimpse of a country many of us feel historically linked and warmly disposed towards. But for city-based Aussies like Hammer, the country’s vast interior is equally alien.

“Most people live in cities and towns and something like 90% of people live within about 50km of the coast. Everyone knows about rural Australia, and they feel this very strong connection to it, but they don’t spend a lot of time there,” he says.

“Right now it’s January and everyone’s at the beach. They’re not going to be in the Outback because it’s too bloody hot.

“If you want to go to the Outback, you go in winter to places like Alice Springs and Uluru [formerly Ayers Rock].

“So even for Australians, it’s exotic, and these small country towns are a closed environment. My books typically have two or three plotlines so the reader is guessing, ‘Are they connected? How are they connected?’

“It’s a lot easier to do in a small town. I guess it goes back to Agatha Christie and those grand country house murders.”

Water, either too little or too much, flows like a common theme through many of Hammer’s books, as do tensions between “greenies” and developers. “Drought is a hugely contentious issue,” he admits. “And, of course, there are fears that climate change is going to accelerate that. That said, in recent years we’ve had flooding in Queensland and New South Wales.

But that’s the story of Australia – either droughts and bushfires or floods, and seldom nicely in the middle.”

We’re talking as California wildfires have devastated huge swathes of LA and Michael Connelly, whose iconic Harry Bosch novels are set in the city, pondered on social media earlier this week: “Will we need to face the possibility of nature turning against us again and again in these extreme ways?

“Are we now to pay the price for building a city in a desert so long ago?”

It’s a concern Hammer relates to as an Aussie. “What’s driving this is two systems called El Niño and La Niña based in the Pacific,” he tells me.

“It’s like a pendulum so, when we’re in drought, California and South America are getting rain. But for the last three or four years, we’ve had rain and they’ve had drought. The scary thing is that these fires in LA are in winter. We share assets and normally those big aircraft that drop the fire retardant would be in Australia helping fight our bush fires. Equally, we can’t send our own because we need them at home.”

I’ve got to ask Hammer about the recent controversy over celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s children’s book, Billy and the Big Escape, which was withdrawn from sale Down Under amid a furore because it featured an Aboriginal girl with spiritual powers abducted from her foster home.

Oliver’s publisher claimed consultation with Indigenous Australians – known as First Nations people – had not happened due to an “editorial oversight”.

Hammer shakes his head: “Everyone in publishing in Australia would have gone, ‘What the f***?, why weren’t they told that? Why don’t they know this? You can’t do that?’” Even for local writers, indigenous issues remain sensitive. “The topsoil of Australian history is very shallow, just 200-250 years and then you hit a bedrock of 60-80,000 years of indigenous history,” he explains.

“When you start doing point-of-view indigenous characters there’s an issue.

His own previous book, Cover the Bones, featured an Indigenous character which he admits was “pushing the envelope”. “If you write several rural-set books like me, you have to have Indigenous characters but they are there for a reason, not just diversity,” he continues. “I thought I might get some blowback but there’s been nothing.”

With his previous career as a political observer and operator in mind, I wonder if he feels ongoing grumbles over the country’s status as a constitutional monarchy, with King Charles as a head of state, will ever explode into full-blown republicanism?

The state visit in October saw a headline-grabbing protest by an Indigenous Australian Senator who heckled the King after he had addressed Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra. Is that a sign of a looming republic? Hammer thinks not.

“No one’s gonna propose a referendum on republicanism,” he says. “I seriously think it’s more likely that Britain becomes a republic before Australia. That story clearly played bigger in the UK than it did in Australia.”

Some Aussies had predicted the end of Queen Elizabeth’s reign might see a sea change because, while Her Majesty was “highly respected”, other royals were less popular.

But as Hammer explains: “Then she died kind of suddenly and everyone’s moved on.”

He points to the decisive defeat, also in October, of a national referendum to amend the country’s constitution to give greater political rights to Indigenous people.

All six states voted against recognising First Nations people and creating a body for them to advise ministers. Hammer adds: “The government burned through all its political capital on that vote and lost badly. There’s no chance of another referendum now.”

With the first series of Scrublands having been a hit, the second Martin Scarsden book, Silver, has been adapted for TV and there are plans for an Ivan and Nell series in the works.

“What streaming services judge is not overall ratings but completion rate,” Hammer explains. “Scrublands had a really high completion rate so they’re very happy.”

Despite the darkness his books explore, I wonder if Hammer feels optimistic for the future of his relatively young country?

“Yeah, I do, it’s got a lot going for it,” he adds.

“The natural environment is very good here – clean air, clean water – and it’s a very inclusive society in many ways, very much a migrant country. Essentially, if you’re not Indigenous, you’re a migrant of some sort.

“So I am optimistic, especially if you look at a place like, say the US, and see the advantages they have but what a mess it is.”

Source: Express UK

#luke arnold #scrublands #chris hammer #interview

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bushcapitalguide · 2 months ago

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Top 5 Best Tourist Attractions in Canberra

Top 5 Best Tourist Attractions in Canberra — Canberra, the capital city of Australia, is a hub of culture, history, and natural beauty. While often overlooked in favor of larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra has a charm of its own.

The city offers a mix of outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and artistic experiences that make it an ideal destination for travelers. If you are planning a visit, here are the top 5 best tourist attractions in Canberra that you must explore.

Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is not just a museum but a tribute to the brave men and women who served in the country’s armed forces. Located at the northern end of Anzac Parade, this iconic site combines a museum, a shrine, and an extensive archive of military history.

Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase Australia’s involvement in major conflicts, from World War I to modern-day peacekeeping missions. The Roll of Honour lists the names of fallen soldiers, while the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier offers a solemn place for reflection. The Last Post Ceremony, held daily at 4:55 PM, is a moving experience that honors a different service member each day.

If you are fascinated by history, this is an unmissable stop. And here’s a tip — visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best experience.

Parliament House

As the heart of Australian politics, Parliament House is one of the most significant landmarks in Canberra. Opened in 1988, this architectural marvel is built into Capital Hill, blending seamlessly with its surroundings.

If you’re lucky, you might even catch a live parliamentary session in action! The Great Hall, featuring a stunning tapestry based on an Arthur Boyd painting, and the Marble Foyer are particularly noteworthy. Don’t forget to head to the rooftop for breathtaking panoramic views of Canberra — it’s a great spot for photos, especially at sunset.

A visit to Parliament House is a must when exploring the best tourist attractions in Canberra. Pro tip: If you visit during Question Time, you can witness fiery political debates live!

National Gallery of Australia

Art lovers will find a haven in the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), home to over 166,000 works of art, making it one of the largest art museums in the country. Located near Lake Burley Griffin, the gallery boasts an extensive collection, including Australian, Indigenous, Asian, and European art.

One of the most famous exhibits is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collection, showcasing ancient and contemporary Indigenous artworks. The Sculpture Garden, featuring works by renowned artists like Auguste Rodin, is a great place for a leisurely walk.

The NGA also houses Jackson Pollock’s iconic painting, Blue Poles. If you appreciate creativity, the National Gallery of Australia is an essential stop among the top tourist attractions in Canberra. Looking for something different? Check out their rotating exhibitions, which often include international masterpieces.

#attractions #canberra #tourist #travel destinations

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qnewsau · 2 months ago

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Pia Miranda had a blast playing a villain in Invisible Boys

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/pia-miranda-had-a-blast-playing-a-villain-in-invisible-boys/

Pia Miranda had a blast playing a villain in Invisible Boys

Actress Pia Miranda says she had a blast playing her first villain, homophobic mum Anna, in Stan’s queer drama series Invisible Boys, declaring the project “one of the best” she’s ever done.

The series, which arrived on the streaming service last week, is based on the novel by Holden Sheppard. Director Nicholas Verso adapted the book for TV, setting the story during the 2017 marriage equality survey.

Charlie (Joseph Zada) is a teenage punk in the beautiful but rugged coastal town of Geraldton in Western Australia.

He hides his sexuality while secretly cruising for anonymous hook-ups.

When a one-off encounter with a married man is exposed, Charlie is outed. Everyone in his small, conservative town knows his secret.

Pia Miranda plays Anna, a judgmental and homophobic mother who refuses to accept her son, Zeke (Aydan Calafiore), is gay.

“Aren’t I awful?” Pia Miranda joked to the Canberra Times.

“But aren’t these young boys incredible? It’s inspiring to be around that kind of energy, especially at the age of 51.

“A lot of it was really deep and dark material and they all dealt with it so well.

“Aydan is incredible. You can create a character on paper, but it’s the energy on set that elevates everything. He came in with so much enthusiasm and was willing to try new things.

“When I was starting out, I had older actors who supported me. It was nice to be in that role for Aydan, to pump him up and remind him he was doing a great job.”

Pia Miranda says she’s so proud of Invisible Boys

Pia Miranda said she was so excited to join Invisible Boys and she’s so proud of the finished series.

“I finished the last episode and went ‘Wow, this is so good,'” she said.

“I’m not always excited about these things, but this is a great show.

“People have asked me if this story still needs to be told, are people still struggling with their sexuality, and I’m like ‘Absolutely!’

“Growing up in the arts, I saw friends being told to stay in the closet because ‘no one would believe them as a romantic lead.’

“Some actors even left the industry because of it. That was just fifteen years ago.

“We’ve come a long way, but telling these complicated, real queer stories is still so important.”

Pia said in 2025, for example, America is “spreading this negative narrative about inclusivity.”

“I know I feel it as a child of a migrant. There’s little messages you pick up on and all of a sudden they hit home,” she said.

“You think, ‘If my dad was in America he’d probably be deported’. It’s really intense.”

‘You can be super brave and go deep’

Playing the homophobic Anna, Pia Miranda said she’s glad people watching Invisible Boys are left wondering if her character is about to soften.

“I wanted that to be a possibility, I didn’t want her to be one-dimensional,” she said.

“I really wanted viewers to have hope. Everyone is human and everyone has the possibility to grow and change.

“I love playing complicated characters – you can be super brave and you can really go deep – and there was so much to work with there.

“I had to find a reason, to find out why she was who she was. Then I could dive into her and experience the world through her eyes. Her eyes are very different from mine.

“Also I popped in a little element of comedy to make her more enjoyable to watch.

“With a character like Anna, you don’t want to go too big and make her a caricature.

“But you also want to find the emotional highs and lows. [Nicholas Verso] helped me strike that balance perfectly.”

Invisible Boys is streaming on Stan.

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

#Queer TV

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news365timesindia · 3 months ago

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[ad_1] Sam Konstas and Virat Kohli with Rohit Sharma at the MCG (PC: Debasis Sen) Subhayan Chakraborty at the Melbourne Cricket Ground It was an evenly fought opening day of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Sam Konstas, the 19-year-old debutant, made an eye-catching introduction. He played a scintillating knock to take the Indian pacers to the cleaners. All of Australia’s top four also scored fifties, guiding the hosts to 311/6 at stumps. Konstas sprinted to the middle for the start of play, but not before smiling his way through the national anthem. His decision to take a strike for Jasprit Bumrah’s first ball of the day was brave, particularly because the young man had yet to showcase his character on the international stage. Facing his 11th delivery from Jasprit Bumrah, arguably the best modern-day bowler, Konstas attempted a reverse ramp but missed completely. At that point, he was on two runs, with Bumrah testing him with some probing deliveries in the channel. The next over, Bumrah bowled a maiden, and in the first 18 deliveries Konstas faced from Bumrah, he managed just two runs. However, off the next two balls against India’s ace pacer, the cricketing world saw why Konstas is one of the most talked-about youngsters in the Australian cricket scene. For the Latest Sports News: Click Here Sam Konstas after fifty at the MCG (PC: Debasis Sen) Bumrah delivered a full ball, and Konstas played a traditional ramp for four. The most audacious stroke, perhaps the shot of the day, came on the following delivery when Bumrah again bowled full, and Konstas reverse-ramped it for a six. He had done the same to Prasidh Krishna in the warm-up match in Canberra, but to execute it against Bumrah, armed with a new ball, showed significant courage. It was after 4,484 deliveries that Bumrah had been hit for a six in the longest format. “That’s definitely pre-meditated, especially with the pace,” Konstas said with a smile at the press conference after the close of play. “I try to keep my head still and watch the ball till the last moment. Today, I got a few ways to make them change the field, which was good, then tried to make them bowl to my zones.” “However, one of the biggest talking points of the game so far came after the 10th over when Virat Kohli took a slight diversion to bump into Konstas, leading to an exchange of words. This incident resulted in a 20 percent match-fee fine and a demerit point for Kohli. “I was just adjusting my gloves when Kohli accidentally bumped into me,” Konstas explained. Sam Konstas in action at the MCG (PC: Debasis Sen) Konstas didn’t succumb to Kohli’s intimidation tactics, charging the Indian pacers to reach his maiden Test half-century in a scintillating fashion. More than just his strokeplay, it was his demeanour. When Mohammed Siraj had his moment and was promptly hit for a boundary, Konstas jogged down the pitch, glaring at the bowler. He tapped the Australian crest on his bat after reaching his 50, then pointed to his name on the back of his shirt. “For me, I was just trying to get into the contest, to bring out the best version of myself,” he said. “I feel that brings the best out of me. ”Although Ravindra Jadeja eventually dismissed Konstas for 60, the 19-year-old showed tremendous promise for the future. India’s bowlers seemed somewhat flat after Bumrah’s initial overs, as all four of the Australian top four scored half-centuries. Marnus Labuschagne scored 72. However, post-tea, India’s vice-captain had other plans, dismissing Travis Head for a duck with a delivery that hit the top of off stump before sending Mitchell Marsh back for 4. Steve Smith and Alex Carey frustrated the Indians further with a 53-run stand until Akash Deep took Carey’s wicket with the second new ball. Also Read: Pat Cummins and Australia team in transition hope to avoid Tim Paine-like fate The post Kohli accidentally bumped me: Sam Konstas on intimidation tactics by India appeared first on Sports News Portal | Latest Sports Articles | Revsports.

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news365times · 3 months ago

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laurenfoxmakesthings · 11 months ago

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"Trans voices and experiences should be centred in all discussions about our lives and health care. Yet last Monday the peak body for psychiatry, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), platformed an anti-trans lobby group at their annual conference. During their session the group promoted discredited studies and called on attendees to support their campaign to restrict access to gender-affirming care in Australia. This is outrageous and a clear violation of RANZCP’s own commitments in support of the trans community and our access to gender-affirming care. That’s why we are launching a campaign to demand that RANZCP explain why the session was allowed to go ahead, and make a public commitment to ban anti-trans lobby groups from any future events.

But to put real pressure on RANZCP we need your support. We need to raise $100,000 by June 30th to fund our work for the next year, so we can run urgent campaigns to fight for trans justice.

Over the coming weeks we will be mobilising and supporting members of the College, medical students, and community members to call on RANZCP to live up to their own values.

Together, we will protect trans health care from the influence of the anti-trans lobby.

The organisation that RANZCP platformed was the Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine (SEGM). SEGM supports pathologising theories about trans people that are not recognised by any major Australian medical organisation, do not have collaborative relationships with any major LGBTSBQIA+ representative body in Australia, and have been critical of protecting trans people under bans on conversion practices.

A number of SEGM members served as advisors on the UK’s flawed Cass Review, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis even appointed a past SEGM member, Patrick Hunter, to the Florida Board of Medicine - a state that has since banned gender-affirming care for minors and adults. This is their game plan.

If we allow anti-trans organisations to build their power and influence they could weaponise health organisations like RANZCP against our community, banning our access to care and stripping away our right to bodily autonomy. We can’t let that happen.

Psychiatry has always had a tense relationship with the LGBTSBQIA+ community because of the ways in which sexual and gender diversity has been pathologised.

However, RANZCP has worked hard to rebuild trust. They have made statements in support of the trans community, supported non-discriminatory treatment of the LGBTSBQIA+ community, and even made a submission to the Australian Human Rights Commission about the emerging threats to trans and gender diverse people.

That'ts why the choice to platform SEGM is so shockingly hypocritical.

Together, we will show RANZCP leadership that platforming groups like SEGM puts the credibility, integrity, and reputation of the College at risk.

We already have a lot of support. On the morning of the conference we organised a snap rally. Braving the -1ºc Canberra temperatures we handed out more than 400 flyers to attendees and had many great conversations. A number of RANZCP’s senior members also came out to talk with us and support the protests.

Prior to the conference a number of community groups, medical organisations, and experts raised grave concerns about SEGM’s involvement in the conference. This included a letter signed by 50 psychiatrists and registrars.

Now we are now preparing to turn up the heat. We will be putting pressure on RANZCP from both within the College and outside it, to get them to publicly commit to not platform anti-trans lobby groups at future events. But to make these plans a reality we need your support.

Help stop the anti-trans lobby by chipping in to support our work.

We know that times are tough so whatever you can contribute is much appreciated. Every little bit helps.

We will keep you updated as we push forward with this campaign.

Trans health belongs in trans hands and we will fight for our right to have power over the decisions that affect our lives and health care.

In solidarity for trans justice."

Quoting Jackie Turner Director, Trans Justice Project (she/her)

#australia #trans #lgbtqia #queer #trans rights

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joshuawithers · 1 year ago

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In 2115 will we still commemorate Anzac Day like we do today?

Anzac Day 1916 was a very different ANZAC Day compared to that I experienced in Canberra this morning. Martin Crotty, a historian at the University of Queensland, said that Anzac Day commemorations have “suited political purposes right from 1916 when the first Anzac Day march was held in London and Australia, which were very much about trying to recruit more people to join the war during 1916-1918.”

As war efforts changed over the last 109 years, and eventually subsided, the Anzac Day commemorations have taken on a more solemn and meaningful practice. After attending the 2024 Dawn Service at the Australian War Memorial this morning–my first in Canberra, and possibly my fifth as an adult–I have some thoughts.

I’m not going to discuss how I thought arriving half an hour early for a 5:30 am service would be “early enough” to secure a good viewpoint–it was not, and I’m pretty sure that most of the 30,000 attendees beat me to the Sculpture Garden this morning. Nor will I mention how the lacklustre audio and video production at the memorial left me feeling blind and deaf, yet my hearing was sharp enough at 5:30 am to hear someone vomiting behind me and a staff member using one of those hand-held clickers commonly used by bouncers, walking through the crowd in the dark, clicking away.

I won’t wax lyrical about how the male performers were named and the master of ceremonies asked the crowd to applaud them, yet the female performers were neither named nor acknowledged.

Where my mind is at, here in the Canberra Qantas Lounge at 4pm on the twenty-fifth of April, is the book I’m currently seven percent through on my Kobo e-reader, “Van Diemen’s Land” by James Boyce, and a PhD candidate from Turkey who was ahead of me in line for a bacon and egg roll after the service.

The PhD candidate studying tourism in Turkey has come to Australia for a few weeks to complete his study on why Australians aren’t visiting Gallipoli for Anzac Day anymore. Apparently, for the centenary in 2015, over 40,000 Australians and New Zealanders made the pilgrimage, but numbers have significantly dropped, to about 1,500 last year.

I can’t shake the feeling that Anzac Day needs to continue to evolve.

In 2115, are we expecting our great-grandchildren to be trekking to Gallipoli, or even to the Australian War Memorial, to remember the events of April 1915?

Or can the spirit of Anzac Day start to embody more of the Australian spirit, leading me to James Boyce’s “Van Diemen’s Land”?

The thorough rewriting and retelling of Tasmania’s history should be a must-read for all Australians–not for the interest in the Apple Isle–but for a thorough understanding of the relationship between the first Australians, the early whalers and sealers, the French, the Dutch, and the British.

I was sold a narrative as a child that there was nothing here on Terra Australis except for some savages until the Brits arrived, and then some things happened, then we got Channel V. My little brother was born in 1988, so he got a cool birth certificate because the country was 200 years old, and I got a trip to Expo ‘88. Simpler times.

Modern brave and valiant efforts to flesh out that story with truth, to include First Australians, their sovereignty, and their story, have undoubtedly helped me understand more about the brutality inflicted by the early settlers and the sudden change to the Aboriginal way of life– one day they’re living their hashtag bestlife, and the next, some guy is waving a metal rod of murder towards them, killing some of their friends and family.

James Boyce’s nuanced approach to the 18th and 19th-century tension has led me to a greater understanding of the times. An understanding that softens the often poisonous narrative about the early explorers and convicts, acknowledging that they were strangers in a new and foreign land, and also that the locals were being impacted by strangers in their homeland.

One simple story that greatly impacted me was about how back-burning was misunderstood. We now know that Australian Aborigines are experts in land and bushfire management, and we also have evidence that being caught in a bushfire isn’t exactly conducive to survival. In what would be one of the earliest misunderstandings between local Aboriginals and settlers, the Aboriginals were back-burning on their land, as was their right and responsibility, but the British were terrified and believed they were under attack from the Aboriginals.

There are countless other stories from that time of the early explorers, soldiers, and convicts having extremely positive relationships with the First Australians.

But the scarlet thread through it all are tensions between the nations and their people.

The path of reconciliation made its way into the twentieth century where the First Nations people of Australia fought alongside the first immigrants of Australia in World War I, albeit paid dismally and treated worse, and still today our people struggle with that tension between our peoples, working feverishly to close that gap and heal the wounds.

I was reminded of that as one of the speakers at the War Memorial dawn service this morning recounted the 1944 story of the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines, where HMAS Australia was attacked by the Japanese.

In 2024, Japan is the number one nation Australians are visiting–willingly, for leisure and fun–only 80 years after we lost thirty Australians to a Japanese kamikaze aircraft attack.

The story I see being told on Anzac Day 2115 is a story of principles being held and fought for, and tensions being identified and resolved, a story of reconciliation.

Perhaps today we can start sharing that beautiful, rich, and rare story of resolved tension, principles of treaty between the First Australian nations and those of us who come across the seas for the boundless plains to share. May we advance Australia fair.

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horrorstorieswithlaxmi · 2 years ago

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Haunted Cities: Discover the World's Most Spine-Chilling Destinations

Are you a thrill-seeker with a fascination for the supernatural? If so, you're in for a treat! We've compiled a list of the most haunted cities across the globe, where ancient folklore, ghost stories, and unanswered questions come together to create an eerie atmosphere. From the dark streets of Prague to the abandoned corridors of Poveglia Island, these spine-chilling destinations are sure to send shivers down your spine. So, grab your ghost-hunting gear and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

1. Prague, Czech Republic: Where Ghosts Roam the Historic Streets

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is a treasure trove of haunted spots. As you wander through the historic streets, you might encounter the Headless Templar on Liliova Street or hear the strangled screams of demons in Houska Castle, famously known as the "Gates of Hell." These spine-chilling encounters will transport you to a world beyond the living.

2. Changi Beach, Singapore: Unveiling the Dark Secrets of Old Changi Hospital

Adjacent to the picturesque Changi Beach lies the hauntingly sinister Old Changi Hospital. During World War II, this place served as a prison for 50,000 Allied prisoners who reportedly endured unimaginable torture. Visitors claim to hear echoes of screams that resonate through the area, a chilling reminder of the past.

3. Sighisoara, Romania: Delve into the Birthplace of Dracula

For fans of Bram Stoker's legendary novel, Dracula, Sighisoara is a must-visit. This historic Transylvanian city is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the brutal Prince of Wallachia who inspired the iconic vampire. Explore his childhood home, which now houses a tiny torture museum, or venture into the eerie, creaky stairwell of Holy Trinity Church after dark.

4. London, U.K.: Royal Spirits and Ghosts of Monks

London, a city steeped in history, harbors its fair share of paranormal activity. The Tower of London, infamous for its gruesome past, is haunted by the spirits of royalty. Meanwhile, Westminster Abbey is said to be frequented by ghostly monks. If you're brave enough, venture into Highgate Cemetery, but beware of the vampire lurking on Swain's Lane.

5. Edinburgh, U.K.: Unearth the Ghostly Secrets of Scotland's Capital

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, offers a dark and haunting experience. Edinburgh Castle, perched atop a hill, conceals ghost-ridden dungeons and a chilling past. For a spine-chilling encounter, dare to explore Real Mary King's Close, an underground network of streets where victims of the Black Plague were quarantined and left to die.

6. Baguio, Philippines: Unveiling the Dark History of Diplomat Hotel and Laperal White House

In the scenic city of Baguio, two haunted locations stand as testaments to a violent past. The abandoned Diplomat Hotel bears witness to the atrocities of World War II, with the spirits of war crimes victims lingering in its halls. Another chilling spot is the Laperal White House, known for its violent history of torture and murder.

7. New Orleans, Louisiana: A Tapestry of Ghostly Tales

New Orleans, with its rich and tragic history, is a hotbed of ghostly activity. Yellow fever epidemics and devastating fires have left their mark, fueling the city's ghost lore. In Jackson Square, located in the French Quarter, the sounds of the dead are said to reverberate. Don't miss the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, home to Madame LaLaurie, one of the world's most notorious serial killers.

8. Poveglia Island, Venice, Italy: The Epitome of Haunted Destinations

Venice, known for its masks and gondolas, also boasts Poveglia Island, often hailed as "the most haunted place in the world." This abandoned island was once home to an exiled colony of plague victims and later served as a sinister asylum. Ghost hunters flock to this eerie island in search of paranormal encounters.

9. Canberra, Australia: Haunted Halls and Mysterious Figures

The Old Parliament House in Canberra is not only a symbol of political history but also a hotspot for ghostly encounters. Visitors have reported sightings of former prime ministers wandering the halls, adding an eerie twist to this iconic landmark. Hotel Kurrajong, where Prime Minister Ben Chifley suffered a heart attack in 1951, is also rumored to be haunted.

10. San Antonio, Texas: Supernatural Tales in the Home of the Alamo

San Antonio, Texas, known as the home of the Alamo, has its fair share of supernatural stories. The grounds of San Fernando Cathedral come alive after sundown, with shadowy figures and spirits making their presence felt. Visitors often report sightings of hooded monks and men dressed in black, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this historic city.

Conclusion: Embark on a Haunting Adventure

If you're a horror enthusiast or simply seeking an adrenaline rush, these haunted cities offer the perfect vacation destinations. From encountering the Headless Templar in Prague to exploring the ghostly dungeons of Edinburgh Castle, each city has its own unique blend of history, folklore, and spine-chilling encounters. So, pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and embark on an unforgettable journey into the world's most haunted cities. Just remember, you might not be alone...

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