Michael Burge's Blog, page 8
May 10, 2018
Two camps at Australia’s Picnic
I RECENTLY came across a first edition of Joan Lindsay’s iconic novel Picnic at Hanging Rock at a local country market, and an early print-run of the book’s last chapter which was published posthumously at Lindsay’s request. “Was there ever such a telling oversight in the history of Australian publishing?” With the new television adaptation out … Continue reading Two camps at Australia’s Picnic →
March 21, 2018
From this day backwards: the long journey to Australia’s first lesbian marriage
WHEN Australian same-sex couples were finally granted equal access to the Marriage Act in December 2017, the widespread expression of relief was tempered by a growing awareness of a legal minefield. “Here we were on the other side of the world not being able to have clarified which of our relationships was valid.” Brisbane couple … Continue reading From this day backwards: the long journey to Australia’s first lesbian marriage →
February 18, 2018
February 15, 2018
Barnaby Joyce does not own New England
AS I approached the polling station at the Tenterfield Memorial Hall on by-election day in December 2017, I suspected Barnaby Joyce would put in an early appearance. “The man who once had a home base at Tamworth, but now seems to belong nowhere.” If Mr Joyce was going to cover New England glad-handing and holding … Continue reading Barnaby Joyce does not own New England →
February 8, 2018
Searching for signatures in the dark
IF YOU’VE ever been caving, even one of those walk-in-walk-out tours where you don’t have to get your feet too dirty, you’ll know the experience does something to the soul. “I was about to turn back as my light passed over a patch of stone higher up when I thought I spotted a cursive ‘F’.” … Continue reading Searching for signatures in the dark →
January 29, 2018
Capturing the colours of Ngarabal country
“It was the myriad of colours of semi-rural landscapes that captured my imagination.” THIS writer and artist has been neglecting his blog. I’ve got a decent excuse, however: I’ve moved. After five years living on Coochiemudlo Island in South East Queensland, my husband and I have returned to live in the NSW Northern Tablelands. This … Continue reading Capturing the colours of Ngarabal country →
January 18, 2018
Barnaby Joyce does not own New England
AS I approached the polling station at the Tenterfield Memorial Hall on by-election day in December 2017, I suspected Barnaby Joyce would put in an early appearance. If Mr Joyce was going to cover New England glad-handing and holding babies, finishing in triumph at Tamworth, he’d have to start early in this town at the far … Continue reading Barnaby Joyce does not own New England →
December 13, 2017
“I noticed your profession, so I know you’re scum”
“I was privy to the final gasp of the great newsmakers.” A Writer introduces his latest book. AFTER a career in publishing, marketing and other creative dalliances that was more like the verb (‘move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way’), I arrived relatively late to journalism. A decade in, I received the comment in the … Continue reading “I noticed your profession, so I know you’re scum” →
November 15, 2017
Bad fairy at the wedding: the curse of marriage equality activism
I’D like to briefly hold your attention in this short period before marriage equality is legislated in Australia, because nobody will ever give a second thought to the years of struggle that led to this week’s resounding public vote for same-sex dignity. The concept of marriage equality first hit me like a bullet in 2004, … Continue reading Bad fairy at the wedding: the curse of marriage equality activism →
