JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021

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Mel Buttle Life lessons OFF from school

Heroin bust Secret jungle operation THE BLOCK

He’s been honing his axe skills since he could walk, now fifth-generation woodchopper Archie Head is eyeing Ekka glory

JILL POULSEN FEEDBACK

Upfront 28 William McInnes 3 Mel Buttle 3 Ordinary Person 15 You & Me 16

Features Class of their own 4 EDITOR’S NOTE Rock star return 8 Flight of fancy 12 There is plenty of anticipation 18 surrounding this year’s Ekka after it Life&Style became one of the many events of last year that were cancelled or reduced to Culture Club 19 small online affairs. The Cut 19 To welcome the country heroes back into the city, Jill Poulsen meets a few of Fashion 20 those hopeful of victory in three of the 44 Cafe 21 competition sections. Cover star Archie Recipe 22 Head, 9, will compete alongside his parents and two siblings. Reigning Ekka Dining 23 champions, the Iseppi family reveal their Travel 24 preparations ahead of the cattle exhibit, and cake decorator Malcolm Pratt, 73, Books 26 will celebrate his 50th year entering the Weddings 28 cookery section. Big Quiz 30 In these uncertain times, the return of the Ekka is something worth cheering. 21 My Life 31

Cover Archie Head Photography Lachie Millard Editor Natalie Gregg Deputy Editor Alison Walsh Arts Editor Phil Brown Design Sean Thomas

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02 QWEEKEND.COM.AU JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 V0 - BCME01Z01QW MEL WILLIAM BUTTLE McINNES

“The centre of any tuckshop pie, sausage roll In love with or lasagne will be lava. Do not bite directly in” the nuke box

The things people do to or try to do with man’s best friend can sometimes beggar igh school was a long time belief. The fact that I have been ago – the Spice Girls were complicit in such activity is not a source topping the charts, Blue of pride, but I am coming to terms with Heelers was my favourite my failings. Man’s best friend. Gender show and I had a massive specific perhaps, so we can update to Hcrush on Jesse Spencer from Neighbours. human being’s best friend if you like, Despite the rich cultural backdrop, I was although it strikes me that men, in still able to retain some core pieces of particular men like me, treat man’s best knowledge from school, so here they are: friend very shabbily at times. Relax, I’m not talking about dogs. I’m I remember the full choreography to the referring to another man’s best friend, following dances: Agadoo, the Nutbush the microwave oven. and the Heel and Toe Polka. They’ve Some say they don’t heat evenly and not yet come in handy, but I don’t kill off all bacteria from old meals remain optimistic. but I’ll take a punt on the radioactive roulette wheel of stodge. They never let Objects in motion stay in motion, you down until they do. Which means objects at rest stay at rest. This was from the operator is trying to perform a task a video to see if we should enrol in they were never designed for. physics in Years 11 and 12. Seeing as Microwaves used to be a thing of the that’s all I remember from physics, I’d future. A mum of a high school friend say I made the right call to end up in all said: “The really good ones are only ever the humanities subjects instead. on Sale of The Century as a prize; no way we could ever afford a good one.” The periodic table of elements does not Sale of the Century was a game show include earth, wind and fire – that’s a band tempting the viewers with unimaginable that mum plays on a Sunday afternoon prizes, like a “good microwave”. while doing the ironing. I first came into contact with microwaves at petrol stations on the A simile is saying something is like way home from a night out, hulking something else, however, a metaphor is boxes that would create a meal out of saying something is something else. some bread roll with a bit of chook and “Poetry is like the most boring thing gravy. I was an instant convert. I think ever”, however, is not a simile. “Poetry is my problem was I always maintained a boring” isn’t a metaphor either. neatly print their name on a piece of art? home to when dinner is ready is about belief in the miraculous capabilities of Nope, it’s always a nondescript squiggle. 9.6 hours most afternoons. microwaves, which a friend described as A monotreme is a mammal that lays eggs. “very Redcliffe of you”. Echidnas and platypuses are monotremes. You can eat a cream bun and a sausage Whatever subject is first or last in the day From cooking boiled, poached and This sometimes comes in handy at trivia roll for lunch five days a week and never may be subject to a slightly lighter scrambled eggs and giving new life to nights, lock it away. put on any weight. Also, these two items attendance due to late buses, early buses, stale bread, to heating cold coffee and will give you quite some change out of a orthodontist appointments, car soup to scorched lips and blistered gum The teacher will ask your group to go $5 note. Enough for a bag of lollies on breakdowns, or whatever else the school levels, I’ve maintained the faith. first in drama if you all look either at the the way home. will buy without a note from home. Perhaps too much. I’ve tried to dry teacher or at the floor, so a mix of both is clothes in them and thought I could encouraged to buy your group time. Any sandwich featuring tomato will be a The centre of any tuckshop pie, sausage reanimate a mobile that’d gone through soggy mess by lunchtime. No ifs or buts roll or lasagne will be lava. Those things the wash by blasting it in the nuke box. When a teacher says to you, “look at this about it, if your sandwich has tomato on it have been in the pie warmer on high No Lazarus from the grave, just an handwriting, I can barely read this”, it just you’re going to sog town. Pulling it off since 7am. Do not bite directly into them explosion and some explaining to do to means you’re really creative, and not does little, the damage has been done. if you value the roof of your mouth. Give the concierge. When I told him what I’d headed for a future as a paper shuffler or a those hot savouries at least 10 minutes to done he said, “fair enough”. The bean counter. Take it as the compliment You will be starving when you get home cool down to an edible temperature. brotherhood of the microwave at work. it’s intended to be. Ever seen an artist from school. The wait time from getting Mel Buttle is a Brisbane comedian William McInnes is an actor and author

V1 - BCME01Z01QW JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 QWEEKEND.COM.AU 03 It’s the sheer love of the show that is passed through the generations

04 QWEEKEND.COM.AU JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 V1 - BCME01Z01QW COVER STORY CLASS OF THEIR OWN From showing cattle and woodchopping to cake decorating, it’s a labour of love for those seeking success at this year’s Ekka

JILL POULSEN

hen the Ekka springs throughout the state and have made a life to- back to life next gether breeding and showing cattle. week after a year’s The pair runs Ellendale Simmentals, which hiatus it signifies specialises in breeding high-performance red more than just a re- and black Simmentals, and are taking 12 cattle turn of the country and two calves to this year’s Ekka, preparations to the city – it’s a for which started months ago. continuation of the stories that bind us together. Simmental cattle in Australia are used pre- WIt’s the absolute best of Queensland on show dominantly for beef production, although the for all to celebrate and a chance for skills to be breed, which originated in Switzerland, is used passed on to another generation. for dairy and beef in Europe. For those who never miss a year visiting their Feeding the cattle to get them in the right beloved Royal Queensland Show, 2021 brings condition started about two months ago and with it a chance to continue the tradition. now the family is hard at work breaking the cat- Ask a senior Queenslander what they love tle in so they’re ready for when they hit the about the Ekka and it’s simple: “It’s just always bright lights of Brisbane. been there.” “We teach the cattle to lead, get them used to So after the spread of Covid-19 saw the can- all of the things we’re going to do to them – so cellation of the show last year for only the third washing them, drying them, combing them – and time in its 143-year history, the anticipation for then all of the noise they will encounter, getting the return of an institution – that despite the them used to that gently at home so when we get changing times has never abandoned its agricul- to the show they’re not completely freaked out,” tural roots – has never been so high. Julie says. The show is expecting about 20,000 entries The girls have started being involved in help- across 44 competition sections with some cate- ing break the animals in and while it might seem gories seeing a boom in numbers. learn from your elders and be part of something TALENT IN BLOOD: dangerous to have a child working with an 800- (Main picture) Travis Digital photography is up 500 per cent on bigger; and the sheer love of the show that is Iseppi and his wife Julie odd kilo cow, it’s important to remember these 2019 with 1077 entries, all of the stalls are full for passed through the generations,” Christou says. Pocock with their kids have been learning how to safely work with stud beef cattle, horse and show jumping num- daughters Macie, 7, and cattle from the moment they could walk. bers are up on 2019 and cookery entries are up Wyatt, 4, with Ausline The couple says heading to the Ekka is like cows Vitulus Perfection 10 per cent. CATTLE CLAN A RARE BREED and Licourice, and (above) their “grand final”. RNA chief executive Brendan Christou says Little Wyatt Iseppi was not even two when, with Wyatt showing the family’s “There is normally about 1300 head of cattle families are the lifeblood of the Royal Queens- a dummy in her mouth and a steely determi- cattle when she was 21 at the Brisbane show and two Ekkas ago our cow land Show, not just those who come along for all nation, she bravely stepped into the arena at months old. won supreme exhibit of the whole show – that Main picture: Mark the fun, but those who compete, and those who Laidley ready to show off her family’s cattle. Cranitch was pretty cool,” Travis says. volunteer to manage and steward the many “At 21 months old she beat all of us into the “You’re putting yourself against all of the big- competitions and exhibits ring,” mum Julie Pocock says of her now four- gest and best guys in the industry and seeing how “The Ekka has seen economic downturns, re- year-old girl from the family’s property in you measure up.” cessions, war and now the Covid-19 pandemic. Thornton, in the Lockyer Valley. In 2018, Ellendale won the Champion of It’s a tradition, a constant in our changing lives, a For the Iseppi family, showing cattle is in the Champions female in the interbreed competit- great event that can be shared with others, and it blood. ion, so they know exactly what it takes to be vic- highlights what we all value most – family and Julie started showing cattle at the age of three, torious at the Ekka. friendship,” he says. as did her husband Travis Iseppi. Their eldest The judges are looking for structure – how the For almost 150 years, generations of people daughter Macie, 7, also made her debut at three. beast’s feet and legs look as well as how it walks, have enjoyed amazing experiences, forged The couple of 23 years say they can’t remem- its growth rate, fitness and muscle to fat ratio. friendships and made special memories at the ber how they met. It’s late nights and early starts while camping Ekka. “We’ve just always known each other,” Julie, at the showgrounds during Ekka but it’s a labour “The reason the Ekka has remained a beloved who grew up in the Lockyer Valley, says. of love for the family, who say the friends they’ve Queensland institution for years is family. It’s Travis grew up on the Darling Downs and the made along the way is one the best parts. the passing of knowledge and skill; the chance to pair competed in the same cattle competitions “It is great to see they love it as much as we do

V1 - BCME01Z01QW JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 QWEEKEND.COM.AU 05 COVER STORY

FAMILY TIME: Champion woodchoppers Jamie and Katrina Head of Burpengary East, who will be competing at this year’s Ekka with their children Darcy 6, Archie 9, and Anabelle 11, and (above) Archie training at home. Pictures: Lachie Millard

hard work goes into being an Ekka champion, with just the right amount of good luck. A very modest Archie says he doesn’t know if he’ll get a place in the Ekka this year but he still loves to compete. “It’s my only sport,” he says. All three of the kids say they are proud to fol- low in the footsteps of their accomplished par- ents. Katrina, who was on the first Australian women’s woodchop team, started chopping aged 16. Her late father Steve Cook started the wood- chop event at the Bell Show in the Western Downs, while Jamie, the Champion of Champi- ons in Queensland for seven years running, started competing around age six. “Just like my kids, as soon as I could walk I had an axe,” Jamie, who has competed at the Ekka for as long as he can remember, says. “It’s wonderful that kids enjoy doing what we and I think we’ll be doing it for a lot longer yet,” Jamie, 35, and Katrina, 36, met competing on enjoy doing. It gives us a great interest together Julie says. “It’s a bit of a family thing. the wood chop at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and we get to spend plenty of time together. It’s a “The girls are getting a bit competitive now – their shared passion for the sport providing the pretty unique sport in that everyone can com- especially with Mum and Dad!” first glimmer that they’d found their person. pete on the same day in the same arena.” Just like my Seventeen years later and the couple has It obviously a dangerous sport but the Heads three children – fifth-generation woodchoppers have taught their children how to chop safely COOL HEADS A CUT ABOVE kids, as soon Anabelle, 11, Archie, 9, and Darcy 6. and they all wear chain-mail socks under their The Head kids weren’t even out of nappies when The kids’ great-great-grandfather Leonard Dunlop Volleys. they first picked up an axe. as I could Head was a competitive woodchopper in the All of the axes the family uses are vastly dif- Their axes were made of wood back then but walk I had 1960s and ’70s and competed in shows all over ferent, depending on the chopping discipline, the it wasn’t long before the talented trio traded the Queensland, including the Ekka. wood and the event. The kids have both hard safety of timber for a real blade. It might seem an axe Most afternoons you can find the Head clan wood and soft wood axes that are designed to strange to give such a young child a dangerous out the back of their Burpengary East home suit each of them individually. weapon but when your mum and dad are both practising for the main event – the Ekka. All five Katrina’s axes are usually a bit smaller than champion woodchoppers, it stands to reason are entered into various events with the kids Jamie’s but all weigh three to four kilos. that you’re going to be pretty handy with an axe. going up against each other. A lot of training and Jamie grinds and maintains all of the family’s

06 QWEEKEND.COM.AU JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 V1 - BCME01Z01QW People say ‘why do you still compete?’ and I say ‘because I can, and because I like it’. I still get a kick out of it

blades. His axes cost upwards of $600, while the “My grandparents on my father’s side had crosscut saws are on average $3500. one of the first pie businesses in Brisbane,” he While burly men might be the usual stereo- says. type for a competitive woodchopper, intensive “It was something I could just always do. My care nurse Katrina and her daughter Anabelle mum was a good cook. She entered her cooking are proof it’s a sport for everyone. in the show for a while. “It’s a lot like every other sport these days “Mum would cook and I would decorate. I’ve where women are becoming so much more com- never had a lesson in cake decorating, I just petitive and woodchop is no different,” she says. taught myself … Mum’s idea of decorating was “When I first competed in the Ekka I think I icing and covering it in hundreds and thou- was about 17 or 18. I was only one of a handful of sands,” he laughs. women who chopped there. Over the years Malcolm’s entries in the show “Women’s presence is definitely increasing, have diversified; he enters some baking and also which is really good to see.” the preserves and even won best lamingtons for 13 years in a row. “These are the old-style lamingtons too – not COOKING CONTEST TAKES THE CAKE like these things you see in the shop now where Some people like going on holidays, others never you bite into it and the chocolate all cracks off miss a home game for their footy team, but Mal- and it’s as hard as a rock,” he says. SWEET SUCCESS: brought us back sample bags so we didn’t Malcolm Pratt has been colm Pratt just loves the Ekka. “A proper lamington is when the chocolate entering the Ekka cookery miss out.” This year marks the 73-year-old’s 50th year of actually soaks in a bit to the cake.” competition for 50 years. Asked what his secret to success is, Malcolm entering the Ekka cookery competition and he It’s not just showcasing his wares at the Ekka Picture: Mark Cranitch puts it bluntly: “There is no secret.” says he has no plans of retiring anytime soon. that Malcolm loves, it’s a part of his family’s his- “People who carry on about secret recipes “People say ‘why do you still compete?’ and I tory. “It’s just the thing that has always been need to get over themselves,” he says. “Of course say ‘because I can, and because I like it’,” the for- there, ever since I was born,” he says. a recipe has always come from somewhere.” mer pastry chef says. “I still get a kick out of it.” “My parents always took us to the show, the When he does finally hang up his apron, Mal- He’s entered 48 items in this year’s show after only time we missed it was when we were up on colm, who sponsors multiple prizes in the cook- started off in his 20s only entering the cake deco- the farm and my grandfather died and we stayed ery competition, says he might just turn the rating. up there for 12 months. But Mum and Dad still tables and become a judge. ■

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V1 - BCME01Z01QW JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 QWEEKEND.COM.AU 07 ROCK STAR RETURN An epic journey has delivered an important Aboriginal artefact to its traditional owners after it was kept in a Brisbane backyard for decades

FRANCES WHITING

08 QWEEKEND.COM.AU JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 V1 - BCME01Z01QW FEATURE

t sat nestled in a bed of succulents at the REASON TO SMILE: Johnny bottom of a Brisbane backyard for more Danalis with than 40 years. Taroom elder Aunty A large sandstone rock, a star etched Heather Tobane, deeply into its face, its straight lines fill- and (below) The ing like rivers when it rained, reflective Star of Taroom. lightsI dancing from the tiny pools of water. Back then, the boy would trace his fingers along its grooves. Back then, the boy thought the star had fallen from the sky. Back then, he thought the rock had magic in it. Today, more than four decades later, Johnny Danalis knows that he was right. “There is magic in this stone,” Danalis, now 55, says. “I knew it as a kid, and I certainly know it now, and part of that magic is in the way it is bringing people together wherever it goes.” Danalis’s voice is a little laboured, his breath coming in short, sharp puffs down the phone line. It’s not easy to walk and talk when you are hauling a 160kg piece of sandstone behind you, bearing both the weight of its mass and its his- tory. Because Danalis, a Brisbane author and illustrator, along with a group of friends, family and volunteers, is taking the rock that once nes- tled at the bottom of his childhood Enoggera garden on a 500km odyssey, all the way home. Now known as “The Star of Taroom”, the sandstone rock’s route takes in Fernvale in Bris- bane’s north, Esk, Toogoolawah, Linville and Blackbutt, heading through Yarraman, Kinga- roy, Wooroolin and Wondai and on to Allies Creek and Auburn River, then to its final desti- nation and birthplace of Taroom, in Queens- land’s Western Downs, 380km north-west of Brisbane. And every step of the 22-day journey is part of righting a wrong that happened many years ago. Qweekend catches up with Danalis midway through the trek, just as he approaches Wondai; the writer and temporary rock custodian – hot dusty and with blistered feet and shin splints – For a long time, it was thought that the Iman very much looking forward to unrolling his swag (pronounced yee-man) people of the Upper under the stars later in the evening. Dawson River region near Taroom had been all At the time of going to press, he is on the cusp but wiped out. Theirs was a particularly grue- of completing the journey. And as he walks, some story; their territory – from Wandoan Danalis tells the story of his late father, Jimmy north to Taroom and along the Upper Dawson Danalis, a former veterinarian and well-known River – taken by white settlers, and their lan- Brisbane northside resident, a bushie at heart guage all but silenced. and, his son says, “a bowerbird”. In 1857, two years of escalating and simmer- “My dad and his brother were both vets. They ing tensions between the Iman and the white set- had a practice in Mitchelton for many years, but tlers exploded, with the Iman, along with some they also used to go out west a lot. neighbouring Gubbi Gubbi and Wakka Wakka “They grew up in Texas (the Queensland bor- clans, attacking and killing 11 white settlers. der town, not America’s Lone Star State) and Retribution for what became known as the they would take turns doing contract work in the “Hornet Bank massacre” near Taroom was swift bush, mostly working on quarantine stations and brutal. It’s estimated up to 1000 Iman, Gubbi where they would inspect the cattle before they Gubbi and Wakka Wakka were killed in response were sent overseas. in the weeks, months and years that followed, “Dad just loved those trips because he loved ioned buggy that needed to be reassembled. and any survivors scattered to the wind. getting out there in the bush, and he used to go to “One day in the late ’70s he was working on But, as Danalis found out when he began re- this one station, called Bethany, between Wan- Bethany and he saw this beautiful rock with a searching the stone’s heritage, the Iman had not doan and Taroom, and he became mates with star carved into it, and the next thing, the owner There is disappeared from history’s view, and were in- the bloke who owned it.” of the property had wrapped a chain around it stead slowly but surely making their way back to Danalis pauses, catching his breath. and pulled it with a tractor to Dad’s ute, and they magic in country. “My dad just loved collecting things he stum- loaded it in. “You know, as time goes on, you learn and bled across on his trips out west. It drove Mum “It came all the way to Brisbane in the back of this stone. you grow and it became very apparent to Dad (Judy Danalis, now 80) mad. Our house was like the ute, and when I woke up one morning there that the stone did not belong to us, because it was a pioneer museum. It was like the pool room in it was, in the backyard, and as a kid I remember I knew it as very clearly an Indigenous artefact,” he says. The Castle, but there wasn’t any room for a pool thinking it was just so beautiful.” a kid, and I “One day he said to me: ‘You know, I wouldn’t table. He had horseshoes, anvils, branding irons, But, as the years went by, both father and son mind taking that stone back to where I got it’. ginger beer bottles, tobacco tins, ploughs, shears had a growing awareness that the sandstone’s know it now And I said: ‘That’s great Dad, let’s take it togeth- … once he came home with a complete old-fash- beauty was not theirs to keep. er. I’ll start researching so we know exactly what

V1 - BCME01Z01QW JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 QWEEKEND.COM.AU 09 FEATURE

RIGHTING WRONG: The that he and all our people are really pleased the Star of Taroom and some of its temporary stone is returning. custodians on its epic “When we think about all the people walking journey home (left); and that rock home, we feel loved and respected. (above) the special slab “It’s hard to believe that after 50 years it’s of sandstone affected all who touched it, says coming home. That stone was meant to find us.” Johnny Danalis (right), Danalis also contacted the family from the pictured with his mum Bethany property where his father had been Judy with the rock in the given the stone. family’s Brisbane backyard before the trek. “Glenys also put me in touch with the son of it is we are returning and the best place to put it.” “This is about healing and our community the original cattleman who had loaded the stone Danalis rang the Taroom museum and spoke coming together as one – all of us. into Dad’s ute, Errol Harris. So I rang Errol’s son to Glenys Shearer, who asked for some pictures “We know that John’s intention with this re- Alan and told him about the rock, and he said he of the stone. turn is very sincere and from his heart. He didn’t was so pleased the stone was being returned. He “She was pretty excited when I described it to just throw it in a car and drop it off, no, he’s walk- said his dad had a lot of respect for the Iman, and her, and she sent the photos off to the Iman ing it home and that means a lot to us.” he would have been really pleased to know what elders in the area. She also told me the Iman had Aunty Heather calls the Star’s return “over- was happening,” Danalis says. been granted native title in Taroom in 2016.” whelming”. “That’s been the reaction wherever we go. Danalis’s photos were sent to Uncle Stewart “We have about 1000 Iman arriving from all People in Taroom, I have discovered, are very White and Aunty Heather Tobane, who told him over Queensland to see it come home. They are aware of what happened there and they are real- the significance of the star-faced stone that had coming from Rockhampton and Townsville, ly open to doing whatever they can to achieve lain for so long in his garden. from the Gold Coast, from out west further; they reconciliation. Alan told me that he and a bunch “It was used as a grinding stone, but it’s also a have rented buses to be here to see it return. If it When we of other cattle people formed a committee to boundary stone,” Danalis says. “The elders told wasn’t for Covid, we would have had about support the Iman’s native title claim. me it comes from the south of their country and 2000-2500 coming from Western Australia, the think about “And when I started to walk towards Taroom, it was used to mark the boundary into Iman Centre, Melbourne, Sydney,” she says. all the it became clear that this is a town really trying to country. It’s like one of those gates you might see “We will welcome it home with two smoking reconcile with its First Nations people.” into old European cities, letting travellers know ceremonies. One at the cemetery about 30km people But Danalis is walking the Star of Taroom they are entering a certain locality, a certain cul- out of town as it enters Taroom, and another at home without his father by his side, cancer hav- ture, a certain place. It’s also a way marker, the the museum when we put it in what we call its walking ing claimed Jim Danalis in November 2019. lines you see on it giving directions – this way to keeping place. On the same day, we are going to “It just swept over him so quickly,” Danalis the Bunya Mountains, this way to a bora ring.” have a naming ceremony for all the little girls that rock says, “and when Dad died, I knew I had to make Uncle Stewart says the Star’s return to Tar- who come. This is where we give them their Ab- home, we this trip for him.” oom will go a long way towards healing the hurts original name. We will have these ceremonies in Danalis also knew that just “chucking it in the of the past. our language. It will be a really wonderful cele- feel loved back of a ute again” was not the way to transport “My father used to say to me ‘we have no bration and everyone is welcome. the Star. roots until we know where we come from’. I be- “My father comes to me in dreams, and the and “I felt it needed to be carried carefully, re- lieve the Star is showing us where we all come last few nights he comes to me and he is smiling, spectfully, and that perhaps by walking it home, from,” Uncle Stewart says. really smiling, and I know that he is telling me respected we might meet people along the way who might

10 QWEEKEND.COM.AU JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 V1 - BCME01Z01QW it, there is most definitely an emotional and spiri- tual burden that is felt by hanging on to these things.” It will act as a way And so Danalis walks. Along the journey he has been joined by various individuals and marker again ... it will groups, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. show all the Iman the The Star of Taroom has been welcomed by school communities, by farmers and families, way home each walking part of the journey, taking turns to pull or push the cart that holds it. There have been speeches, songs, prayers and moments of quiet reflection. “We have people who come for a day, or a half day, or a couple of days; we have some regulars ask what we were doing, and it might encourage who pop up along the route,” Danalis says. others who are holding on to artefacts to do the Danalis says the Star of Taroom’s journey has same thing, to return them to their rightful own- proven to be an emotional one, this deeply etch- ers,” he says. ed slab of sandstone affecting all who see and Beside him are Brisbane’s Alan Hamilton, touch it. Its story, reaching out along its star’s Tony and Christine Everett and Rob Saunders, straight lines, has once again been heard, and its who signed on for most of, or all, of the journey. light, out from the shady recesses of a suburban “I think people are increasingly aware of the garden, has been shining beneath a blazing importance of repatriation. Queensland sun. There are literally thousands of Australians When it reaches Taroom, it will be met by the with all sorts of artefacts in their sheds and gara- Iman’s elders, and it will nestle in a special place ges that they know belong somewhere else and in the museum, where it will once again do what to someone else. it has always done. A lot of those people actually want to return “The elders say that when the Star of Taroom them, but they don’t know how to, they don’t is returned,” Danalis says, “it will act as a way know if they will get punished or they feel scared marker again. about doing it, and they shouldn’t. It will show all the Iman – the ones who now My experience, and the experience of others, live in Rockhampton and Western Australia and has been that they will be welcomed with open Melbourne, many who are coming to country for arms. And I can tell you they will feel lighter for the first time in their lives – the way home.” ■

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V1 - BCME01Z01QW JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 QWEEKEND.COM.AU 11 FLIGHT OF FANCY An incredible operation by officers in the narcotics bureau blew apart a drug smuggling ring and unexpectedly revealed enemies in their own organisation

JOHN SHOBBROOK

n September 10, 1979, my and suddenly I was standing face to face with dence. The impression I had was that this was partner from the Federal Bu- John Edward Milligan. simply a comfortable place where he could lie reau of Narcotics, Noel Cas- The first thing that was clear was that Milli- low for a few days. well, and I landed at Sydney gan wasn’t doing it tough. The apartment he was As I placed Milligan under arrest, my airport and drove to 3 Dar- staying in had breathtaking views across Sydney thoughts turned to his impressions of me. This ling Point Rd, Edgecliff. It Harbour. You could see the Opera House, the long-term criminal, a man who had associated was nine months after the Harbour Bridge and all the way to the Heads. with some of Australia’s worst, including serial Operation Jungle investigation had commenced I produced my identification and introduced killers, was perhaps expecting to be arrested by Oin Brisbane, and a week short of two years since myself. somebody who looked tougher and more hard- approximately 2kg of heroin had been covertly Most people involved in crime show a degree bitten than me. It must have been a blow to his imported into North Queensland. of concern when a member of the Federal Bu- ego to have some skinny bloke, four years his When we took the lift to the 22nd floor, my reau of Narcotics knocks on their door, but Milli- junior, placing him in handcuffs. Perhaps he re- heart was pounding. People might not think gan didn’t appear nervous at all; it was as though I started to alised at that moment that this was going to be a police get nervous, but we’re human, and this he’d been waiting for us to drop by. little different from the times when he’d been ar- was the culmination of many months of work. We entered, I told Milligan in general terms worry. rested by state police officers. What’s more, we did not know what we would why we were there, and we began searching the Milligan was I told Milligan I was arresting him in relation encounter when we confronted our suspect as apartment. Milligan was alone and made no ob- to the importation of a quantity of heroin into we hadn’t had time to conduct surveillance on jections. He asked no questions, and didn’t want too calm. Queensland in September 1977, and that we the premises. The suspect didn’t have a repu- to contact a solicitor. He just stood by, appar- would be taking him to the Narcotics Bureau of- tation for violence, but what if he were being visi- ently uninterested, as we went about our work. What did he fices at Circular Quay. I gave him a formal cau- ted by – or roughed up by – one of his The search turned up nothing out of the ordi- know that I tion: “You are not obliged to say anything unless accomplices? Or what if one of his hangers-on nary. There were few personal effects, and we you wish to do so, as anything that you do say was armed? didn’t locate a single document. The apartment didn’t? will be taken down and may be used in evidence.” I knocked on the door of unit 22B. It opened, did not appear to be Milligan’s long-term resi- He remained silent.

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The fact that he knew he was under investigation didn’t surprise me. The fact that he knew the name of our operation did. But a greater shock was still to come

We took the elevator down to the ground appeared in court the next morning. Now Milli- he looked anything but healthy. His addiction to floor, walked outside to our waiting car and gan became agitated and protested his inno- heroin had brought him to the meeting, but he drove the short distance into the CBD. As we cence, claiming that if he had been involved in and Milligan were partners in more than just the made our way through the traffic, I started to any way, he would have fled. business sense: Bridge adored Milligan and worry. Milligan was too calm. What did he know “I know all about your silly little Operation would do anything for him. that I didn’t? Jungle,” he said dismissively. Bryan Parker was a year younger than Bridge, At Customs House, we crossed the fylfot-em- Given that we’d spent nine months making but nowhere near as starry-eyed, or as en- bossed tiled floor, took the lift up to the second inquiries into the movements of Milligan and his amoured with Milligan. He was a pragmatist. He floor and arrived at an interview room furnished associates, the fact that he knew he was under in- was willing to do much for Milligan, but mainly with a table and two wooden chairs. I removed vestigation didn’t surprise me. The fact that he to keep his own supply of heroin trickling in Milligan’s handcuffs, then asked another agent knew the name of our operation did. But a great- from the bulk quantities that Milligan was im- to keep an eye on him while I debriefed a couple er shock was still to come. porting. Parker was also slim – a side-effect of his of the senior Narcotics Bureau staff, who hadn’t “How do you know about our investigation?” heroin use – but was not as frail-looking as been expecting us. I asked. Smugly, Milligan replied, “Max told me.” Bridge. He was also more tidily groomed, with a When I returned to the interview room, Milli- full head of wavy, near-shoulder-length dark gan was seated at the table. I confirmed that he It all began in January 1977, when John hair, a moustache and a neatly trimmed beard. had been arrested due to his involvement in an Milligan arranged a meeting at the Chevron Ian Barron was a reasonably well-off business importation of heroin into North Queensland by Hotel in Macleay Street, Potts Point, in the inner executive, the Assistant National Service Man- light aircraft in September 1977. Milligan denied eastern suburbs of Sydney. There, in what Milli- ager for the Japanese electronics giant Sharp. knowledge of any heroin importation into North gan would later describe as “the upstairs exclus- Aged 46, he was tall, of solid build, and had Queensland and declined to participate in an in- CRIME BUSTER: Author ive bar”, he met Graham Bridge, Bryan Parker close-cut, thinning black hair and a goatee beard. John Shobbrook, above; in terview. I informed him that he would be locked 1979 as a narcotics agent; and Ian Barron. With his deep voice and pleasant manner, he up at the Phillip Street Police Station for the and pictures from his Graham Bridge was just 24. Thin, pasty-faced, had an air of authority about him. night, and that I would be opposing bail when he book Operation Jungle. balding and with a wispy beard and moustache, Barron had no interest in heroin. Alongside

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ed contacts with heroin suppliers in Bangkok. He had never purchased heroin in such large quanti- ties previously, but his suppliers assured him that they could supply up to 2kg with no problems. Parker would also perform the required “quality assurance” tests when the drugs were handed over. He would then courier the drugs out of Thailand and into Papua New Guinea. Graham Bridge had no special role to fulfil on his own, but he would support Parker and – more importantly – Milligan. As Milligan’s lover, he would stay close and offer the emotional support that the high-strung Milligan would need. In broad terms, the agreed plan was that Parker would fly to Bangkok, purchase the her- oin, conceal it in a false-bottomed suitcase and fly it to Port Moresby. He would then leave the suitcase in the hotel’s luggage storage room and fly back to Australia. Ian Barron would obtain a twin-en- gine light aircraft in Cairns and (supposedly on behalf of Sharp Electronics) “test-fly” it to New Guinea. After departing Cairns, Barron would make an unscheduled stop at the isolated Mount Carbine airstrip to pick up Bryan Parker. In New Guinea, Parker would collect the suitcase con- taining the heroin and return with it to Barron’s light aircraft. They would then fly back together to North Queensland, where Parker and the heroin would exit the aircraft during another unscheduled stop at Mount Carbine. Parker would be met by Milligan and Bridge, who would eventually his business career, he was an experienced pilot transport the heroin by road to Sydney. Barron and held a multi-engine aircraft endorsement. would conclude his “test flight” and return the He loved flying and adventure, but he also loved aircraft to Cairns. The Customs department the buzz he got when socialising with Milligan could search the aircraft but it would be clean. and listening to his outlandish stories at the It seemed a good plan, but Milligan knew male-only clubs the pair frequented together. planning wouldn’t be enough. Milligan himself was in his early 30s. As a They resolved to test the plan by conducting a younger man he had spent three years at the dummy run shortly before the actual heroin im- University of Queensland studying law. His first portation. Then, if the first importation was suc- flirtation with crime led to him being dismissed cessful, more runs with greater quantities of from his position as a judge’s associate at the dis- heroin were envisaged – but $1.5m worth trict court; he’d been caught stealing law books wouldn’t be bad to start with. from the court and selling them to fellow stu- In legal terms, an offence had been commit- dents. By the mid-1970s he had acquired a repu- ted before Milligan, Barron, Parker and Bridge tation among law-enforcement agencies as a left the Chevron Hotel that morning, and well drug dealer, although there weren’t many arrests before the light aircraft had lifted from the run- or convictions associated with his name. way in Cairns. The offence was Conspiracy to This appeared to be due to Milligan’s ability to Import a Prohibited Import. Once Milligan, Bar- get almost any charge against him eventually ron, Parker and Bridge had agreed to put their dismissed, including a charge of selling heroin in his bidding. Each man at the Chevron Hotel JUNGLE LAW: Criminal plan into effect, they had broken the law. mastermind John Milligan’s 1972, and a later charge of armed robbery. meeting had specific skills that he would contrib- mug shot from his arrest; But there was a fifth conspirator who didn’t The word was that Milligan had “contacts”. In- ute to the group’s overall objective, which was to John Shobbrook working attend the Chevron Hotel meeting that morning deed, he kept a comprehensive card-file system import a staggering $1.5m worth of heroin into at the Federal Bureau of – the man who would supply the funds to hire recording the details of every person he had met Australia by light aircraft. Narcotics in the 1970s. the aircraft, pay for the various travel and ac- who might prove “worthwhile” at some time in Milligan was the mastermind of the plan. commodation expenses, and purchase the her- the future. He’d successfully imported heroin more than oin. This man would also ensure that neither the Milligan certainly wasn’t a “rough crim”, and once previously, but never by light aircraft, police nor the Customs department stumbled he didn’t use heroin. He was in it partly for the and his previous schemes had never had the po- upon the plan. Indeed, the reason he couldn’t at- lifestyle that the ill-gotten money provided, but tential to grow into ongoing multimillion-dollar tend the Chevron perhaps more influential was his desire to prove importations. Hotel meeting was his superior intellect, and the thrill of the high Barron’s role was to pilot the light aircraft that he was too busy that he received from a successful importation. they would use to import the drugs. Barron had socialising with the He was a well-spoken man of average size told Milligan that he loved flying and had a crav- This man commissioner and a and weight, slim, and with sandy, thinning hair, ing for adventure, and that if Milligan’s plan would ensure superintendent of the and was well educated and almost always neatly didn’t fulfil both desires, then nothing would. But Queensland Police dressed. He was flamboyant and hyperactive, Barron also supplied the perfect cover story for a that neither Force, friends he’d and apparently had an IQ approaching genius flight from North Queensland to Papua New known since the level. He had bravado and a manipulative per- Guinea and back. It was entirely plausible that a the police 1960s. ■ sonality, and he used his sharp mind to ingratiate senior executive from Sharp Electronics would nor Customs himself with major criminals and police officers be looking into the feasibility of establishing a This is an edited ex- with dubious reputations. sales office in New Guinea, and the use of a light stumbled on tract from Operation It didn’t take long for Milligan to acquire aircraft to ferry staff back and forth as required. Jungle by John Shobb- his own band of petty criminals willing to do Bryan Parker had long-established and trust- the plan rook, UQP, $33

14 QWEEKEND.COM.AU JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 V1 - BCME01Z01QW ORDINARY PEOPLE Steve Coghill

Indigenous business SENSE OF PLACE: Steve consultant, Acacia Coghill. Picture: Ridge, 65 Steve Pohlner

LEISA SCOTT

hings have improved a lot for Indigenous people since I was a kid. But there’s a whole lot of Troom for improvement. I started doing Welcome to Country about three years ago and I enjoy it immensely. It’s an old, established protocol and it gives me an opportunity to let people know there was a living, functioning society here that had a political, economic and social aspect to it. We weren’t running around willy-nilly. There was a civilisation. Back when I went to primary school in Inala, the social studies books were very derogatory to Aboriginal people. Those books taught that Aboriginies were just nomads; just a cut above the animal life. I’d put my hand up and say to the teacher, “That’s wrong.” Because my grandfather had told me this and that and what’s in the book isn’t right. So I’d get into strife. Mum (Mabel) was Indigenous; she was born on North Stradbroke Island (some people call it Minjerribah but my mob call it Terangeri) on the old Myora Mission and my dad (Benjamin) was a whitefella. We left Straddie when I was a toddler and headed to I got Wynnum and then we moved to Inala when I was put into about eight because Dad boys’ homes for got transferred. He worked for the Postmaster a year. But it was General, or PMG. We’d be back and forward to one of the best Straddie. My grandparents periods in were at One Mile; no piped water, no electricity but some my life I worked as a painter, on social justice. I worked at Centrelink in I ended up working for Santos in coal of the happiest days of our lives. the railways, did a whole lot of Inala as an Aboriginal and Islander counter seam gas because of my background with We learned how to track and fish and labouring jobs. assessor. I used to go there to get the dole cultural heritage, native title and working hunt from uncles and cousins. When I was about 33, I went to the and it used to freak me out. I just thought with the mobs out Roma way. We’d do Around Grade 8, I got into strife for Kangaroo Point TAFE. I did the bridging how good it was that I went away and now cultural heritage clearances. wagging school and drinking down the course for high school and then I got an I’m employed in the joint. Then I advanced to negotiation of back of the bush. So I got put into boys’ associate diploma in business When we had an Indigenous client that cultural heritage management plans and homes for a year. But it was one of the best administration in 1991. There was a lot of might be acting up, they’d trot me out to Indigenous land use agreements. periods in my life. I learned so much. Indigenous education stuff going around calm them down, which I did, because I We talked about economic benefits, There were a lot of Indigenous fellows at that time. knew most of the Aboriginal people in traineeships, scholarships, business in there and there was no more racist, It wasn’t a slapped-together thing, it Inala and we could work it out. Just sit opportunities, cultural heritage prejudice stuff. Everyone was the same. was two years, significant education. down and work it out. management. We were able to make I worked in a variety of jobs after that. They made it so accessible; the teachers After native title legislation hit the inroads which hadn’t been done before. I got a job at Salisbury at an engineering were awesome, there were Indigenous ground I worked for the Goolburri I’ve been doing consultancy work for shop at 14, earning about $12 a week but all teachers and I’d never met an Indigenous Aboriginal Land Council and got a bit 10 or 15 years, mainly with native title, my mates were at the Hutton’s meatworks teacher before. handy on native title and cultural heritage cultural heritage and community and they were getting $12 a day. I got a job at the Foundation for legislation. Then I got married to Paula just engagement. I’m ready to retire soon but So I left the engineering shop much to Aboriginal and Islander Research Action, after the turn of the century, bought a I’d like to keep doing Welcome to Country. my dad’s disappointment and went to a social justice organisation. My career house in Brisbane and had kids (Tempest I approach it passionately; I like telling the meatworks. took off from there and my passion for Grace, 18, Dandrubah, 16, Adonai-Rain, 13). people about our mob.

V1 - BCME01Z01QW JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 QWEEKEND.COM.AU 15 RELATIONSHIPS

Their relationship grew slowly after they met at a service station. Now, a quarter of a century later, this loved-up couple You & Me is running a florist business together in the Scenic Rim

Jude Hepehi, 55 Florist and owner Dear Agnes the Flower Merchant, Boonah Where did you meet Phill? He walked four At my local Matilda service station in North Ipswich. He was a garage attendant. blocks to a Not my usual type … he had a mullet and a beard! However, one night, seeing that he telephone box had a shave and haircut, I thought to to call me myself: “He’s scrubbed up all right!” We started chatting and found that we had a again to say lot in common and I discovered that he good night had a heart of gold and was a gentle giant.

When did you know he was a keeper? When we were talking on the phone one night, at midnight, and his battery ran flat prior to saying good night. He then walked four blocks to a telephone box to call me again to say good night and tell me he loved me. This was 25 years ago when Phill moved to Mackay for six months.

Has moving to Boonah in 2018 to a “rustic fixer upper” brought you closer? We have always been extremely close. The separation from Phill when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2000, due to his long stays in hospital, was totally unbearable. When he went into the Mater Hospital for his stem cell transplant in 2002, I couldn’t bear to leave him, so I slept beside the bed so that I could be there for him for the first six weeks. So moving into our little fixer upper, which is only 63sq m, didn’t make us feel any closer, just more nested and like our own little escape. We are each other’s How did your interest in sheep and support, love and floristry come about? We often used to visit a sheep farm in Deepwater, near that little nudge to Tenterfield in northern NSW, and on one get back up and stay Phill helped to deliver twin lambs. One of them passed away and the farmer keep on going allowed us to take the survivor home. We

named her Lucy Darling and she is now PICTURE: JODIE DORT four. My love for florals began when I was little, picking the beautiful pink roses at my Phill Hepehi, 44 sheep baaing and the sounds of the compassion for all our little rescue poddy grandmother’s and making little posies. Co-owner Dear Agnes the Flower neighbouring cattle makes you realise that lambs. Jude is my friend, wife and my Also my mum used to grow pretty Merchant, Boonah you’re out of suburbia. We enjoy strength. We have faced many adversities geraniums. My beautiful friend, Annabelle interacting with our animals and seeing together and have come out stronger and Hickson, has also been a huge inspiration. I What did you think of Jude when you their happy little faces when I come down wiser. We are each other’s support, love have attended a few of her floral first met her? to let them out of their stables and feed and that little nudge to get back up and workshops and she inspired me to live my What struck me most about Jude was her them in the mornings. They bring us both keep on going. dream. So then began our business, Dear long, dark hair and her cheeky sense of so much joy and make us feel good, even if Agnes the Flower Merchant, named after humour, and the jovial banter between us. we are having an off day. How is working and living together? my dear mum. Jude is very kind and loving, and during We love working together. We play to our our lengthy discussions, whilst I was And what are the challenges of country strengths; mine is as an assistant (the What’s it like working together? working at the service station, this side of life? much-needed second set of hands) and We enjoy working together so much. I her came through. I asked her back to my The biggest challenge was when we were in organising the business side, Jude’s is couldn’t do it without Phill. We especially place after work. She came back and we sat the midst of the drought. We are lucky that designing the florals and making it all love doing wedding florals. Phill is great at up all night talking. we are still on town water, but the beautiful. We get along so well and have so taking care of the business side of things scarceness of decent feed, the dryness and much fun together. From playing ’80s pop but can also make a beautiful bouquet. Our What do you like about country life? lack of grass presented a few issues. music to making stupid jokes over a few customers love seeing a big, burly 6 foot 3 I love the peace and quiet and not living gins in the early hours of the morning (190cm) man wearing a floral apron arrive close to your neighbours. When we first What do you most admire about Jude? whilst making wedding bouquets, we enjoy at their door holding a beautiful bouquet, moved out to Boonah we got ourselves a I admire her tenacity, her drive and each other’s company and that makes sometimes with a little rescue lamb in tow. rooster. Hearing the crow of a rooster, our commitment to our little business, and her working and living together fun.

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MAGNETIC NORTH A fine line-up flocks to Call of the Cairns festival the wild Page 18 WHAT’S IN NAME? In sunshine or shrouded in cloud, Cradle A new surname Mountain is a Tasmanian highlight for newlyweds Page 28 Page 24 PICTURE:

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Helping nurture a greater understanding of First Nations peoples, place and cultures are Talent key imperatives on tap in Cairns Whether it’s fine art, theatre, dance or song, there’s a host of cultural riches on show at this popular Indigenous festival

ON SONG: Cairns Indigenous Art Fair ambassador Naomi Wenitong, and (below) model Benita Williams and CIAF artistic director Janina Harding. Pictures: Stewart Mclean, Brendan Radke

Story PHIL BROWN when they asked me. It’s this unique celebration of the First Nations fact that one of the most anticipated nice to know that people cultures of Queensland is special. She says theatrical events of the year, Queensland actually believe in you. millions of people across the world are now Theatre’s production of William ou don’t have to go I’ll be debuting my aware of it after its online success last year. Shakespeare’s classic Othello, starring far to find talent in new EP at CIAF too “Congratulations to CIAF for leveraging Torres Strait Islander Jimi Bani in the lead, Cairns, so the and I’m so excited the successes of last year’s virtual festival to is having its world premiere at CIAF. This YCairns Indigenous and terrified at the create an exciting 2021 fusion festival unique trilingual production (in Kala Art Fair (CIAF) can weather same time.” combining live events with digital Lagaw Ya, Yumpla Tok and English) is the slings and arrows of Wenitong is well- programming spanning visual arts, theatre, directed by Shakespeare expert Jason lockdowns and border known, having made a fashion and providing an ethical Klarwein, who has helped reimagine restrictions easily. name for herself as a platform for economic the play to connect with the Last year the event pivoted member of pop duo opportunity and unique and little-known story beautifully and presented a hybrid Shakaya, and more recently experiences,” Enoch says. of the Torres Strait Light festival that garnered a huge online performing alongside her brother “Australia is home to Infantry Battalion. audience. Joel in hip-hop group The Last Kinection. the longest continuous There are art This year we’re back to normal (fingers She’s just one of the talented locals who living cultures in the exhibitions, the Art Fair crossed) but CIAF, which is on from will be strutting their stuff at CIAF. world. Telling the and Art Market, and a August 17 to 22, will still present plenty of Far North Queensland punches above stories of country and fashion event entitled Of online events too. its weight when it comes to cultural riches helping nurture a Spirit & Story in which Typical of the deep pool of local talent and CIAF shows that off. The festival greater understanding of Queensland’s Indigenous in the region is singer Naomi Wenitong, started out as a largely visual arts affair but First Nations peoples, fashion designers and 38, who sang at the closing event last year. it has broadened its horizons over the years place and cultures are key models will convey cultural This year she’ll be starring in a couple of and is now a comprehensive cultural imperatives for CIAF.” and historical stories about their events, including CIAF’s new music festival showcase with art, dance, music, fashion CIAF artistic director Janina land and the responsibility of caring at Munro Martin Parklands in Cairns on and more. Harding says people can completely for country through wearable art, design, Saturday, August 21. This is the twelfth iteration of this immerse themselves in First Nations music and performance. And she’ll be proudly spruiking CIAF to annual event and this year it stages a culture at CIAF. And to wind things up there is CIAF all and sundry between now and then physical event again with a new hub – the “It’s a one-stop shop,” Harding says, Music in the Park featuring Wenitong, because she has been chosen as CIAF’s impressive Cairns Convention Centre, “When I came in 2015 it was Frank Yamma and Miiesha with special official ambassador for this year. which has recently been refurbished. predominantly based on visual art but I’ve guests the Lockhart River Dance Group. She’s chuffed about that. The state government has been a big opened it up and now we have fashion and What a party it will be. Touch wood. “What an honour,” Wenitong says. “I supporter of CIAF since its inception and theatre and comedy.” Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, August 17-22, actually thought they were joking though Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch says An example of the variety on offer is the ciaf.com.au

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Phil Brown CULTURE CLUB

Listen Happy Families with Dr Justin Coulsen Apple Podcasts, Spotify Brisbane parenting expert Justin Coulsen shares his practical tips on screen time, connecting with your child, bedtime blues, body image and more.

Read Pachinko Min Jin Lee HarperCollins, $23 An epic tale of a family of Korean immigrants in Japan, beginning in 1911 and spanning 80 years and four generations. Transfixing in scope and drama, this is a tribute to resilience and the trauma of being an outsider.

Watch Luxe Listings Sydney THE GREATEST: Poet T.S. Eliot, left, who Owen Wilson, centre, meets in Midnight in Paris, and Ralph Fiennes, right, quotes in his new show. Amazon Prime This is the ultimate in real estate porn – that is a modernist masterpiece. Maybe going inside some of “You could spend a whole we can lure Fiennes to Australia to Sydney’s most lavish homes following perform it after the pandemic? the agents trying to sell them and the lifetime studying and trying The reviews of his show, which has buyer’s advocates attempting to been a huge hit on the West End, have purchase them for ultra rich clients. been glowing. Writing in The Observer, Most houses featured are selling for to fathom Eliot” Clare Brennan, gushed: “What an in excess of $10m. achievement! Simply to recite TS Eliot’s 1943 poem, almost 1000 lines long, from memory would be impressive. Ralph Watch y son asked me recently to There’s a very funny scene in Fiennes goes further. He delivers it as West Side Story recommend a book of Midnight in Paris, that brilliant Woody performance and the result is QPAC poetry. Better than being Allen film starring Owen Wilson as a astounding.” Go on YouTube and you Inspired by the Masked for a loan I guess. writer visiting Paris. He somehow can hear him reading from Four story of Romeo and Being a poet myself (I have published a manages to time travel back to the Quartets. He is brilliant. Juliet, this is one of couple of slim volumes) I was happy he French capital in the 1920s where he Of course reading about that sent me the classics in musical was asking and even happier to oblige. meets Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude back to Four Quartets, which is both theatre terms with music by Leonard We were at Avid Reader Bookshop at Stein and all the leading literary and magisterial and metaphysical in equal Bernstein and lyrics by the great West End at the time and went straight to artistic lights of the day including Eliot. measure. It has some almost Biblical lines Stephen Sondheim. This Opera the poetry section where I selected, for When he meets the poet he gushes that at times, like the opening of the section Australia production is a ripper and is him, a book of poems by T.S. Eliot. “Prufrock is like my mantra”. entitled East Coker, which has a bit of a on until August 22. Eliot would always be my first I feel the same. I’m usually dipping Jeffrey Smart twist at the end: “In my recommendation, to everyone. into some Eliot at some stage on a weekly beginning is my end. In succession I first read Eliot when I was at DDIAE, basis and when I was in London in 2017 I Houses rise and fall, crumble and are Cook now USQ, under the tutelage of the late, carried around a copy of The Waste Land extended, Are removed, destroyed, or in Ombra great poet Bruce Dawe who was our and constantly referred to it. There’s lots their place Is an open field, or a factory, Carlo Grossi lecturer for literature. That was an of London imagery in it, of course, or a by-pass.” I can see a Jeffrey Smart Penguin Random amazing experience and under Bruce, because Eliot, who was American-born, painting when I read that last bit. House, $40 who became a friend and mentor, I learnt lived in the city most of his life. You could spend a whole lifetime With recipes for ox to love what I consider the greatest poem I recently discovered that one of studying and trying to fathom Eliot. I cheek braised in red of the 20th century, The Love Song of J. Eliot’s biggest fans is the British actor intend to do that until the end of my wine, slow-cooked pork tail with Alfred Prufrock which begins in Ralph Fiennes whom I happen to admire. days. And if I’m ever downcast, I often chickpeas, pizzas, and goat with unforgettable fashion … “Let us go then, Fiennes has been wowing them in the UK utter that classic couplet from Prufrock: chestnut honey, this book by the you and I, When the evening is spread with his show Four Quartets which is “I should have been a pair of ragged owner of the Melbourne salumi bar is out against the sky Like a patient basically him reading T.S. Eliot’s Four claws Scuttling across the floors of silent filled with plenty of winter ideas. etherised upon a table;.” Quartets, a suite of transcendental poems seas.” Ha!

V1 - BCME01Z01QW JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 QWEEKEND.COM.AU 19 FASHION Bright colour

Stylist ANNABEL FALCO

t’s a fashion conundrum many of us face: how do I wear/style colour into my existing wardrobe? Never fear, I Ihave you sorted with an array of colourful options for every budget and 1 boldness. The key is to start with accessories such as a bag, shoes or belt and work your way up. Take note from our Scanlan Theodore model showcasing a classic tonal dress styled with bold accessories. Once you’ve conquered statement adornments, 2 start investing in bright fashion pieces such as a musk pink suit, green cardigan or saturated orange top. Keep textures, prints and make-up to a minimum and you’re officially nailing the art of colourful styling.

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8 12

6

1. Sandro Paris, Lucien cardigan, $555, davidjones.com; 2. Alighieri L’Incognito gold-plated necklace, $295, net-a-porter.com; 3. Concert Lurex panelled skirt, $695, zimmermannwear.com; 4. Concert coat in raspberry check, $2500, zimmermannwear.com; 5. Halter blouse, $330, zimmermannwear.com; 6. Laura Lombardi rope gold-plated necklace, $139.34, net-a- porter.com; 7. Loewe Flamenco mini leather clutch in green, $2550, net-a-porter.com; 8. Panelled tonal boot in camel, $950, zimmermannwear.com; 9. Mikaela oversized shirt in blue multi, $199, saba.com.au; 10. Meshki Tara button-down cardigan, $59, meshki.com.au; 11. Wide-leg pants, $450, zimmermannwear.com; 12. Camilla and Marc Julia square-toe pump, $500, davidjones.com

20 QWEEKEND.COM.AU JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 V1 - BCME01Z01QW CAFE Mums little helper A cosy cafe in inner-western Auchenflower is a favourite with mothers and their babies

Review ANOOSKA TUCKER-EVANS

s it a creche we’ve walked into or a cafe? On a Friday morning, Peach Cafe in Auchenflower, in Brisbane’s inner west, Ihas seemingly become the ultimate hangout for mums and bubs – with all but two tables seating a tiny human. Driving its appeal with mothers is perhaps the small but well-equipped park right next a ball of vanilla ice cream with a mini jar of door, or maybe it’s the soothing, white and dairy-free caramel sauce to pour over the top peach-hued, Scandi-inspired interiors of the adding extra moisture and sweetness. quaint, tight timber cottage with footpath Or for those who can’t decide between dining. But more likely, I suspect, it’s the warm something healthy or not, there’s the “Yum and welcoming staff, who readily help lift prams yum popcorn chicken poke bowl” ($19). The up the two front steps and arrange high chairs; Peach Cafe nutritional elements come in the form of plain plus the fact that a small coffee is the size of a brown rice, edamame, grated raw carrot, Food large and a large is as big as a bucket for all those hhhjj pickled ginger and a poached egg, while sleep-deprived new parents. crunchy coated (if somewhat dry) fried chicken That coffee – made with the eatery’s own Ambience and sriracha-spiked spicy kewpie mayonnaise signature blend – is also as smooth as one hhhkj mean you’ll want a little extra stretch in of those baby’s bums when served on full- Service your activewear. cream milk. hhhhj A cabinet where diners order at the counter As for the menu at Peach, it, too, is seemingly offers easy on-the-go options like bacon and egg targeted towards the ladies with plenty of Value burgers, gluten-free banana bread, croissants hhhhj gluten-free, vegan and healthy options available FRUITFUL: Peach Cafe in Auchenflower; In the and some interesting-looking open pies. Orchard hot cake, above. including a veg-loaded winter greens bowl, corn Overall Surprisingly, however, given the cafe’s and carrot fritters and a cacao, almond and hhhkj popularity with parents, there are just two buckwheat porridge. children’s options on the menu, alongside four But for those looking to treat themselves, Despite being made without eggs, the domed kids’ milkshakes. there’s the loaded eggs Benedict croissant with 97 Haig Rd, pancake arrives fluffy and moist with a crisp Not that it seems to bother the guests on my pulled pork, poached eggs and a chipotle Auchenflower crust like a buttercake fresh out of the oven. It’s two visits, with queues out the door for tables. hollandaise, a haloumi hash brown burger or Open daily 6am-2pm topped with a dice of cinnamon-spiced apple, Peach Cafe has clearly found its niche and for vegan-friendly “In the Orchard hot cake” ($17). peachcafe.com.au sweet and tart apple “chips”, an oat crumble and Auchenflower locals it’s a winning recipe.

WHAT’S NEW

STONE AGE ALE BE RIGHT CELEBRATION Wedgwood Gio 12cm stone bowl, Alcohol-free Athletic The first English $24.95, wedgwood.com.au Brewing Co Upside sparkling wine by a Dawn Golden Ale and major champagne the Run Wild IPA, $20 house, Louis for six, Pommery England, woolworths.com.au $99, vrankenpommery .com.au POUR IT OUT Large Rock resin jug, $255, dinosaurdesigns.com.au

V1 - BCME01Z01QW JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 QWEEKEND.COM.AU 21 RECIPE CHARCOAL SARDINES IN SAFFRON VINEGAR AND ALMOND OIL Quaff From Take One Fish Recipe JOSH NILAND DES HOUGHTON

Serves 4 as a starter or 2 as a main

Ingredients Sparklings l 8 sardines, gutted, head and tail on hit heights l 80ml grapeseed oil l Sea salt flakes and freshly Australian wine sage Tyson Stelzer raised cracked black pepper eyebrows recently when he said the l 1 tbsp almond oil quality of some Australian sparkling wine l Garum or fish sauce, to was approaching that of champagne. taste The judges at the world’s largest wine l Slivered almonds, to competition have backed him up, garnish (optional) awarding 97 points to two House of Arras l Saffron vinegar sparkling wines from Tasmania – the l Small pinch of saffron same score awarded to entries from two threads major champagne houses. l 1 litre (4 cups) The 97 at the Decanter World Wine chardonnay vinegar Awards saw House of Arras leap above the gold standard into the platinum class. House of Arras EJ Carr 2006 Late Disgorged sparkling wine ($186) was described as “effortlessly complex, incredibly long, rich and just lovely”. House of Arras Rose Extra Brut 2008 ($79) also went platinum with judges praising its “ethereal, restrained and complex nose (and) mouth-filling layers of balanced flavours: white chocolate, raspberry, coffee and toast”. The wines made by Ed Carr were on This simple combination of par with Charles Heidsieck Blanc de saffron, almond and Blancs NV ($169) and Taittinger Prélude sardines is a wonderful way Brut Grands Crus NV ($137) “seductive” to kick off this book. The and “glorious”. saffron vinegar brings an However, even these bubbles were elegant floral sweetness An edited extract trumped by Piper-Heidsieck Brut 2014 that perfectly from Take One Fish (98 points) “superb!” and Palmer & Co complements the savoury by Josh Niland, 2012 Brut (98), “exceptional length”. minerality of the grilled Hardie Grant This year’s awards attracted 18,094 sardines and the subtle Books, $55 wines from 56 countries. There were 170 almond oil. These flavours Picture: expert wine judges. also work with plenty of Rob Palmer Another platinum honour went to a other small, richly fortified wine made by Charles “Mick” flavoured fish, such as Morris, 94, and his son David Morris, 63, anchovies or mackerel. It is the vinegar in a sterile charcoal grill with evenly that the sardines are still a in Victoria’s Rutherglen. important that the whole mason (kilner) jar or clean burnt-down embers. Thread little underdone. The Morris Old Premium Rare sardines are rested for a airtight container. Stir to the sardines onto metal or saffron vinegar will finish off Topaque ($85) got 98 points. couple of minutes after combine and store at room soaked bamboo skewers. the ‘cooking’ process. Made from sweet muscadelle grilling to ensure the flesh temperature for a minimum Brush with the grapeseed oil Leave the fish to rest for grapes, it is treacly with smoky comes away from the bone of 24 hours. and season with salt flakes. 2 minutes. caramel, orange peel and nicely. Obviously, the longer you Grill for approximately 1 Brush the sardines with strawberry yoghurt notes. Enjoy the sardines on can leave this vinegar to minute on each side, or until almond oil and season with Another Rutherglen fortified, their own like this to start a develop flavour the better – evenly coloured and the a little more salt and a touch Campbells Merchant Prince meal, or serve with glazed it can be made well in flesh is warm to the touch. of pepper, then place them Rare Muscat NV ($140), scored fennel and new potatoes advance and will keep Carefully tip the grill rack to in the centre of a plate. 97 points. for something more indefinitely in the pantry, free the fish onto a clean Dress with a liberal [email protected] substantial. gradually becoming more surface. Alternatively, use spoonful of saffron vinegar, flavourful. Use it in salad an offset spatula to free the garum or fish sauce to taste, Method: dressings. sardines from the grill. and a few drops of almond House of Arras EJ Carr To make the saffron Either preheat a chargrill While you want the skin to oil, and top with a few 2006 Late Disgorged vinegar, add the saffron to pan over a high heat or a be well coloured, it is critical slivered almonds, if you like. “effortlessly complex”

22 QWEEKEND.COM.AU JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 V1 - BCME01Z01QW DINING

SMOOTH OPERATORS: Elementi’s interior is pared back. Arancini, above, and margherita pizza. Pictures: Mark Cranitch

by Arrosto on Given Terrace in a section of the street that seems to have a fresh lease of life, with the latest addition being new wine bar Catching a Noir, on the site previously that of fashion boutique Maiocchi. When we pop in on our way to dinner every seat is taken in the minimalist space. Elementi Elementi is also pared back, with polished pizza the action concrete floors, bare tables, a brick feature wall Food hhhkj and roomy bar space providing a rather too A Paddington newcomer is serving up an array of Italian food muted backdrop to the action. Ambience The wait staff ratio is high so we’re given but it’s the pizza that demands attention hhhjj plenty of attention and the not overly extensive wine list nevertheless offers a Service ALISON WALSH hhhkj generous 17 wines by the glass from an Italian- strong selection. The menu is similarly Value straightforward. Beyond the pizza oven, starters e tried other items on the menu chewiness and a bubbled crust with distinctive hhhkj include arancini ($12) three globes of molten but a visit to Elementi in inner- charred leopard spots. We opt for the tomato- mozzarella-centred rice accessorised with Overall Brisbane’s Paddington turns out based salamino ($23) draped with thin slices hhhkj porcini and tomato sugo, truffle-stuffed olives, Wto be all about the pizza. On a of salami and a scattering of mushroom and a board of cured meats, eggplant parmigiana, cold winter’s night with the front of the mozzarella, which is elegantly spare and beef carpaccio and grilled prawns. restaurant open to elements we choose to sit at very satisfying. Must try From four pastas we opt for the Twistie-like Pizza the bench in front of the gaping maw of the Other tomato-based choices are the slim twirls of imported trofie ($25.50) mixed pizza oven, where coals glow quietly readying margherita; tiger prawns and one with pork with the chopped stalk and leaves of a winter for a night of serious activity. The chef, from sausage and olive. And options for the four green (cime di rapa which translates as turnip 257 Given Terrace, Sicily he says, picks up shining domes of dough, bianca bases run to a pancetta, potato and tops), stracciatella, chilli, anchovies, garlic, Paddington and is soon vigorously spinning one in the air rosemary; mushroom and artichoke; tuna and breadcrumbs. It’s simple and punchy. before placing it on the bench, assembling the semi-sundried tomatoes; and air-dried beef Secondi comes in the form of a changing Open Mon, Wed, Thur toppings and shovelling it into the oven’s and goats cheese. The oven also is put to use meat and fish of the day, and this night it’s rib from 5-9pm; Fri 5pm- hungry mouth. making other savoury indulgences such as fillet with potatoes and mackerel with caponata. late; Sat 12pm-late; Theatre is often part of the creation of this bulging calzone, filled flat focaccia and filled Wheels of a nutty chocolate log with a Sun 12-9pm, closed Tue Italian staple which, despite its ubiquity, is pizza panini. creamy berry ice cream ($11) is an unremarkable delivered in such a wide and varying manner. Elementi has been open a few months, a sweet conclusion, with the other choices carrot elementirestaurant. Here, rooted in the traditions of the Italian partnership between a trio who met while cake or deconstructed cannoli in three flavours. com.au south, the base is slightly softer in the middle working at Teneriffe powerhouse Beccofino: Elementi’s pizza is a standout in a smooth yet is strong enough to hold its shape. Made Mauricio Zarate, front of house, sous chef Pedro operation that seems destined to make its with the help of the chef’s long-time sourdough Sanson and pizza chef Stefano Spataro. mark in a suburb that has been crying out for starter, it delivers an appealing lightness and It’s taken over the space formerly occupied more dining options.

V1 - BCME01Z01QW JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 QWEEKEND.COM.AU 23 TRAVEL

WILD TIME: Wombat Cradle Mountain on a clear day in the Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair spotting National Park, where wombats dot the landscape. A wet and windy Cradle Mountain walk Pictures: Tourism ends with a marsupial bonanza Tasmania, Alison Walsh

ALISON WALSH

e were drenched from rain driven into us by high winds that conspired to find any Wweak point in our clothing and inveigle its way in. I was on a mission to find wombats in the wild and, with my indulgent companions, had trudged up to Wombat Pool in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, as that sounded a likely location. But there were none that we could see, possibly mainly because we could barely see anything; my glasses were in sore need of wipers and a demister and we were having trouble standing upright in the gale. Two members of our group continued up in the tempest and two of us went down, down, down, the ferocity of the elements diminishing as we made our way ever lower. By the time we were below the rocky of the nonchalant animal, which totally at various points and keep cars out of the where we’d stayed three nights in a cabin, outcrop, on the valley floor, and tramping ignored us, fixated as it was on consuming national park. a cosy fit for four but with loads of hot the wire-coated duckboards across the the button grass tussocks, I looked up and The next day we wandered further water and a roaring gas fireplace. Then it moorland, it was getting towards 4pm. realised there were wombats dotted afield on various tracks that crisscross the was back to Launceston, about 2.5 hours And that, I was to learn, in this part of the around the plateau, stout brown bundles alpine wilderness, having to stay low away, for our evening flight home to world in late autumn means one thing – grazing and sauntering, out at their because of the conditions and never once Brisbane, mission accomplished. wombat o’clock. favourite time of the day. seeing Cradle Mountain because of the As we approached Ronny Creek, cubes It was such a heart-lifting sight that, cloud, but passing by waterfalls, grasslands BOOK IT NOW of wombat scat started to appear on the despite being wet and cold, my right hand and eucalypt forest and circumnavigating path and then, around a curve, a large snap frozen from taking photos, we stayed the lapping loveliness of Dove Lake. Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain, furry bundle of marsupial magnificence until the day’s last shuttle bus came We made sure to stop off for a final campsites and cabins, for prices see was vigorously chowing down right next trundling down the access road, a system wombat viewing before returning to our discoveryholidayparks.com.au to the path. After taking about 500 images developed to drop off and pick up walkers digs at Cradle Mountain Discovery Park,

24 QWEEKEND.COM.AU JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 V1 - BCME01Z01QW TRAVEL

Rustic retreat It was once a working dairy but this restored gem in the Currumbin Valley offers a wonderful country escape

SOPHIE CHIRGWIN PICTURES: HANNAH SUGERMAN @SUGERMANCREATIVE AND SOPHIE CHIRGWIN

rom the second you arrive at There are treats, water, food bowls and Tallebudgera Creek and Rainbow Bay. Hillview Dairy, nestled in the dog beds ready for your furry friend’s It’s just a 10-minute drive to Cougal heart of Currumbin Valley, you getaway. We brought our two pooches, National Park for a bush walk and the Fwon’t want to leave. Charlie and Poppi, and were regularly Burleigh Beach headland walk is only 20 Just a 10-minute drive from the beach, greeted by Williams’ gorgeous dog minutes away. this 100-year-old dairy – a hidden gem – Smudge, who is very friendly and We ventured to The Ecovillage, a has been restored by owner Simone entertaining to watch when she interacts sustainable community in Currumbin, and Williams into a rustic two-bedroom with the horses and cows. had a delicious breakfast at Pasture & Co, retreat with a postcard-worthy view of Take a dip in a wine barrel-style plunge which is well worth a visit. Mt Tallebudgera. pool and drink hot chocolate by the indoor We felt instantly relaxed as soon as the fireplace or a glass of red wine around the barn doors opened. outdoor fire pit; this dairy is perfect for a BOOK IT NOW Expansive views of the entire farm winter getaway or summer staycation. captivate your attention from the moment The space is rich in history, and you can you arrive. read all about it during your stay. Hillview Dairy While the pastoral panorama is enough In 1887, Hillview Homestead became Currumbin Valley to keep you amazed, your attention is the first working dairy farm in Currumbin Airbnb from $515 per night quickly drawn to the rustic styling of the Valley, and was constructed by one of the interior – it’s no wonder the dairy attracts country’s pioneering families, the Boyds. TO DO IN CURRUMBIN VALLEY droves of social media influencers and is The old dairy was sitting on the ● Harvest markets (a five-minute walk regularly the site for photo shoots. rather than bustling city life. Don’t expect property for 120 years. Williams and her from the dairy) There is thought and care behind each to have perfect phone reception during husband, Bruce, decided to pull it apart, ● Tweed Regional Art Gallery, detail of the dairy, from the wall art to your stay, but that’s part of the dairy’s put all of the timber into a pile and put Murwillumbah classic novels, a fully equipped kitchen and beauty and appeal. everything back together to make the ● Beach day at Tallebudgera Creek an outdoor shelf stacked with firewood. There is, however, working Wi-Fi for gorgeous Airbnb. ● Lunch at Burleigh Pavilion – The Williams has spared no expense to those who need it. A lot of the timber is hand cut from the Tropic make the dairy luxe and liveable for an It’s a time to reconnect with yourself surrounding forest, and the family is proud ● The Sanctuary Night Markets – Friday extended period of time, with Smeg and with nature. Williams will even stock it retains its original character. night international street food kitchen appliances, a coffee machine and a up the fridge with carrots for you to feed While you won’t want to leave the ● Rock pools just a 15-minute walk stocked pantry with all the essentials. the horses. stunning accommodation, there is plenty from the dairy The destination is perfect for a couple It’s clear to see why Hillview Dairy was to do in the area. ● Cougal Cascades and Springbrook or small group looking to go off the grid rated in Urban List’s best pet-friendly The best local beaches are The Alley at National Park and wake up to the sound of cows mooing Airbnb’s – it is a dog lover’s haven. Currumbin Beach, Burleigh Beach,

V1 - BCME01Z01QW JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 QWEEKEND.COM.AU 25 BOOKS

wanted to do. But it’s not so much a career summary, although there’s plenty of detail of the struggle to make it to the top, but rather a raw exploration of his life away from the spotlight. About what it feels like to be brought up where life was football, he is the son of rugby league legend Garry Jack and brother of former Sydney Swans captain Kieren Jack, and knowing you didn’t quite fit the Non-fiction mould. Thinking maybe you should be 28 doing something else but having no idea Brandon Jack what, until making music and writing

Allen & Unwin, $33 start to seep into his consciousness. PICTURE: EVAN MORGAN To live with the mountain peak in the On his search for meaning and feeling, rearview mirror at a relatively young age Jack, 27, is open and intense as he frames life in a backwards way that few scratches at his psyche for answers, talks Q+A people experience, writes Brandon Jack of numbing himself with binge drinking, of his years as an AFL player. His and reveals he drove away from his memoir, 28, named for the number of childhood home on Christmas Day 2014 senior games he played with the Sydney and has never been back. Much more BARBARA HANNAY Swans, is a rugged dive into the world of than a sports book, it’s an intense search professional sport, after being swept for an understanding of how to live The Townsville author who’s sold 12 million books towards a life as a footballer without outside the boundary lines. has set her new novel in Brisbane ever really deciding it was what he ALISON WALSH

What inspired you to set your A book that had a pivotal impact new book in Brisbane? I’m a on your life? At the very beginning Queenslander and I wanted to write of 2020, before we understood we about a rooftop garden in an were on the brink of a pandemic, I apartment block. This seemed more read Lost Connections by Johann likely to happen in Brisbane. Also I Hari. It helped to cement the theme I grew up in Brisbane, studied at UQ wanted to develop in The Garden of and now have two daughters living Hopes and Dreams, but it was only there. It’s a city I love and visit often. later I realised how timely this was. What’s it about, in a nutshell? It’s The book you couldn’t finish? about the residents in an apartment Half a World Away by Mike Gayle. Fiction Fiction block who hide the usual range of Perhaps I’ll go back to this, because I The Shut Ins Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhury private hurts and lost dreams behind was really enjoying it until a character Katherine Brabon Anita Heiss superficial politeness. Somewhat I really liked was hit by a life- Allen & Unwin, $30 Simon and Schuster, $33 hesitantly, they become involved in threatening illness. developing their rooftop garden and A book you wish you had read but Set in contemporary Japan and told If I were in charge of such things, I would a sense of connection and haven’t got to? Memoirs of a Geisha through four interconnected people, this place Anita Heiss’s Bila community blossoms, along with a by Arthur Golden. is an insightful, engaging and, for many, Yarrudhanggalangdhury in the hands of sprinkling of romance. The book you are most proud to an entirely relatable work that will linger Australia’s secondary history and/or What are you reading now? have written? I suspect this would in your thoughts long after the pages are English students as part of the curriculum. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. be The Secret Years. My editor loved read. Brabon explores the solitude and Far more relevant than a library bulging Is there a book that made you it and it was released with a loneliness within the Japanese social with Greenes and Hemingways, Heiss’s love writing? I’ve loved writing for “Guaranteed Good Read” sticker and phenomenon of hikikomori – where book is as pulsing as the river that runs as long as I can remember. I joined my readers seemed to love it too. people withdraw from society and hide through it. At its core is the true story of the Brownies and my first proficiency What book do you re-read? away in their rooms, sometimes for years. the 1852 Gundagai flood, where 89 lives badge was the writer’s badge. I was Winter Solstice by Rosamunde She also paints an intriguing portrait of were lost and more would have been if not influenced by the wonderful Pilcher. It’s set in Scotland and “achiragawa’’ – a yearning for another side for two Wiradyuri men, Jacky Jacky and descriptions and characterisation in somehow it’s incredibly comforting. or “over there’’, an unconscious world Yarri who rescued a third of a town in their Anne of Green Gables. What books are on your bedside that is in a place of “dreams, death and bark canoe. Heiss tells the tale of What’s the best book you’ve table? House Lessons – Renovating a possibility’’. In a country steeped in Wagadhanny, daughter of Yarri and proud read? This keeps changing. Perhaps Life by Erica Bauermeister, Intimacy societal and familial pressures and Wiradyuri woman forced to travel with the the book I’ve read as an adult that’s and Solitude by Stephanie Dowrick, traditions that must be upheld, we meet white settler family who has claimed her. left the most lasting memory would Harbour Street by Ann Cleeves and Mai Takeda who feels trapped, restless Separated from her kin and silenced from be War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. How to Find Love in a Book Shop by and swept along in the current of her life using her mother tongue, Wagadhanny’s The characterisation was amazing, Veronica Henry. and who wonders about a version of her mind is alive with her Wiradjuri language, the emotions so powerful, and it The Garden of Hopes and Dreams life that “could be’’. For anyone feeling as is Heiss’s book which is a romance, a gave such a depth of insight into by Barbara Hannay, Michael restlessness, unease or invisibility in their history lesson, a language study and a those times. Joseph, $33, out this week lives, this will likely entrance you. rollicking read all in one. ELISSA LAWRENCE FRANCES WHITING

26 QWEEKEND.COM.AU JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 V0 - BCME01Z01QW BOOKS

Inside Beatles records and other artists of the day get mentions … story that will make people of a certain age get all of Roy nostalgic Broadcaster and author John Doyle reveals the early life of his alter ego Rampaging Roy Slaven not sure which. The logic of some of the Brothers was unassailable. and perhaps some of his own When a certain Brother Connor, a real character (in that he actually existed), was talking to the boys about draft dodgers Story PHIL BROWN from Vietnam he used terminology the boys would understand. He explained it in rugby league terms. (There’s a lot of rugby m talking to John Doyle and the league in the book too because Doyle is a voice is very familiar. But of lifelong fan who played the game when he course I know him as Rampaging was young). I’Roy Slaven, partner in crime to He has Brother Connor saying, “It’s the H.G Nelson aka Greig Pickhaver. They are motive of the so-called conscientious the satirical sports commentators who objector that I would question. Imagine in have been making us laugh on radio and our rugby league team we have a cove with television since the mid 1980s. a philosophical objection to tackling. I’d They will also make us laugh during the call that cove a coward.” Tokyo Olympics as they have signed on as Brother Connor finished off adding that commentators for ABC radio. he would have “no further talk of I’m talking to Doyle, 68, about his conscientious objection in the classroom”. fictional memoir Blessed, which is factory where Slaven’s mum worked. and other artists of the day get mentions The descriptions of life in Lithgow are subtitled The Breakout Year of Growing up in what was a relative along with all sorts of other things that vivid, right down to the climate. Rampaging Roy Slaven. backwater by today’s standards was will make people of a certain age get “It could be an absolute furnace in This is where things get confusing actually fine by Doyle. all nostalgic. Did he mean it to be a summertime and the houses had no though. I’m talking to Doyle not Slaven “We loved Lithgow,” Doyle says. “We nostalgic book? insulation,” Doyle recalls. about a book written by Doyle about couldn’t understand why anyone would “Very much so,” Doyle says. “I look “In winter, you had to keep the fire Slaven when in fact they are one and the want to live in a city. We were connected to back through rose-coloured glasses.” going all the time to keep warm.” same bloke. But Doyle plays a straight bat the rest of the world by the arrival of So it’s a loving portrait of Lithgow Doyle is, of course, not just known for (there’s a lot of cricket in the book by the television and by the radio.” despite the privation and the strict Catholic being Rampaging Roy Slaven. way) and he tells me that the book is about The story is set in 1967, a significant schooling by the Christian Brothers that He is a successful writer for Roy not him although he and his mates are year. Doyle points out that it was the both Slaven and Doyle endured. Of course the stage and screen and this minor characters. Summer of Love (although it was a bloody Catholic education of that time has had a engaging fictional memoir is a But the book has a certain veracity. It cold winter in Lithgow during that lot of very bad publicity but Doyle writes fascinating insight into the rings true, so true that you can’t imagine northern hemisphere occurrence) and it sympathetically about the Brothers and persona for which we know that some of it is not really about Doyle was the year The Beatles put out Sgt seems to have remembered, or reimagined, him best. who, like Slaven, grew up in Lithgow, a Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. classroom conversations and various Blessed by John Doyle, NSW coal town that had a small arms That album and other Beatles records admonitions received by him or by Slaven, Hachette, $35

STEP UP AND DO YOUR PART RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY

ENTER NOW! DON’T MISS OUT! bridgetobrisbane.com.au hen this lovely pair decided to tie the knot, they came up with a unique plan for their new Wmarried name. Cassandra Lee Hall and Jason Lee Weidner before their nuptials, they made the decision to swap their shared middle names and their surnames and call themselves Mr and Mrs Lee. “This means we can share a last name, whilst both still keeping our family names as a middle name, and both making the change together as equal partners,’’ Cassandra says. Mr and Mrs Lee married on Friday May 14 at The Refinery in Newstead, in front of 40 guests. The couple – who have been together for four years – shared the day with their “fur baby”, Mila, a three-year-old boston terrier. The couple danced their first dance to You Make It Easy by Jason Aldean, and honeymooned in the Barossa and McLaren Vale in South Australia.

How did you meet? We met at the Crossfit Torian gym. After weeks of watching me in the class before his, Jason struck up a conversation. He started small talk about me sneaking into an alternative entrance to get changed in an office space before entering the gym. I found him instantly handsome and charismatic – and along with Zoe, my best woman, we did a wee Facebook stalk to see photos with his ex, who I thought was a current girlfriend and immediately wrote him off as a love interest, just a nice fellow gym goer. Luckily he didn’t let me off that easy. He started messaging me and after I cleared up that he was in fact single, we chatted constantly for a few weeks. We even had a three-hour phone call while he was in Sydney for a work trip. Now Jason’s a talker but me not so much. So having a three- hour phone call that I enjoyed was a unique and pleasant surprise! Jason may tell you that I swooned for his cowboy poetry but, in reality, it was not that. I just loved his enthusiasm for life, his laugh and ability to make me laugh and that we seemed so aligned with our values and views. I felt instantly comfortable with Jason, and that was an entirely new experience for me. We went on our first date soon after, and just didn’t really stop seeing each other.

How did he propose? Jason and I went for a long weekend away to Noosa. We did some of our favourite things – brunch on Noosa Main Beach, and walked along the Noosa National Park Coastal Walk. We decided to drive to Peregian Beach for the afternoon, reminiscing on how we had told each other we love one Sharing the another there for the first time, about three years prior. We were walking along the beach when Jason pulled out the ring, but he didn’t even get anything out before I tackled him. When I finally let go, and the laughter subsided, naming rights he had his moment. There was not a second of hesitation. And for us that was just perfect.

A new surname marks the beginning of married life Hen’s Night? House party.

for this couple who met at a crossfit gym Buck’s Night? Day trip to Noosa for surfing, barbecue and beers. Pictures BIRD AND BOY PHOTOGRAPHY What was the standout moment of the day? The ceremony. Anna Russell from Celebrant

28 QWEEKEND.COM.AU JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 V1 - BCME01Z01QW WEDDINGS

The Bride Cassandra Lee Hall, 30

Profession Social worker Parents Denise and Paul Hall Best woman Zoe Kowald Dress Archie by Made with Love Bridal Flowers Florals & Co Hair Bella Brides Make-up Michelle Wicklandt Engagement ring Family heirloom

The Groom Jason Lee Weidner, 40

think of anything, all the important things were Best advice for other couples planning a Profession Computer there, and it was just wonderful. wedding? It is about your relationship, not science about the “perfect day”. If you can keep focus on Parent Kathy Jones If you can keep focus What would you spend more or less on? It was what matters (and it’s not having every detail Best man Steve Brain a luxury with a small wedding to be able to perfect), the day will, in fact, be perfect. In short, Suit MJ Bale on what matters (and afford to focus on quality. We are so thankful we don’t sweat the small stuff, don’t put more time Cake Petal and Peach it’s not having every spent the money on quality vendors – it truly or stress into the planning than you have to, pick Bakery made all the difference! good vendors and then leave them to work their Caterer The Refinery/ detail perfect), the day magic. And mentally prepare that it may all fall Rogue Bistro One thing you wish people had told you apart last minute. This means you need to really Entertainment Reece will, in fact, be perfect about planning a wedding? I found that reflect and speak openly together about if you Freeman, guitarist planning a wedding brought on lots of advice would be OK should a lockdown or other DJ Cut a Rug (Aaron) from those who had been through the process. restriction occur the day of your wedding. Think Videographer Jarod Lady Love wrote up our love story following The best advice we received was to not get about what’s most important to you, and what Lucas extensive questions from the both of us. It was too caught up in the finer details, or let contingency you may have if the worst happens. so wonderful to have us relive our relationship anything derail the day. If this idea or these options upset you too much, and share it with everyone there on the day. We were encouraged and managed to not consider an advanced postponement so you’re If you’d like your And the dance floor! lose sight of the real focus, which was the not going to be stressing for months. Make your wedding featured in relationships, both Jason and mine, and ours decision about whether you can take the gamble QWeekend, email What would you do differently? I can’t really with everyone who attended. or not and then stick to it. [email protected]

V1 - BCME01Z01QW JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 QWEEKEND.COM.AU 29 [11] In the 1810s, Argentina gained [41] What fraction of a metre independence from which country? is a nanometre? [12] Who starred as Dr John Wade [42] Which former Australian prime Prentice in the classic 1967 movie, 35 minister has collaborated with Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? Jordan Shanks-Markovina, aka [13] Former Socceroos coach, Ange friendlyjordies, appearing in a Postecoglou, became the number of videos? manager of which Scottish [43] Cairns-born Miss Universe team in 2021? 2018, Catriona Gray, [14] Which star of the Harry Potter represented which country in movies series starred in the the pageant? 2013 movie, The Bling Ring? [44] What was the first movie to be [15] The Deepwater Horizon oil spill directed by Clint Eastwood? occurred during which year of [45] If you are having an Ishihara test, the 21st century? what are you being tested for? [1] Ashleigh Barty defeated which player [16] Which famous mother and daughter [46] The headquarters of the Stone & in the final of the 2021 Wimbledon co-wrote the 2019 book, The Book of Wood Brewing Co. is in which women’s singles tournament? Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of beachside town in New South Wales? [2] Brisbane-born singer-songwriter, Courage and Resilience? Sycco, won the 2021 Song of the Year [47] In 1984, who had a hit with the song, for which song? [17] The Sydney Riot of 1879 occurred as a Careless Whisper? result of a controversial decision in [3] Tee-Ball is a sport for children that [48] Tameka Yallop played for which which sport? Frank McEncroe, invented which was originally based on which two W-League team from 2008 to 2018 popular food item in the 1950s? sports? [18] Julian Assange has been imprisoned and again from 2019 to 2021? in which country since 2019? [34] The Kronosaurus Korner fossil [4] As at July 2021, who are the Premiers [49] Inner Mongolia is an autonomous museum is a popular tourist of Australia’s six states? [19] Which chemical element has the region of which country? symbol, Kr? attraction in which Queensland [5] Dave Evans was the original lead [50] Who was Elle Macpherson’s first [20] Who was the prime minister of town located on the Flinders husband? singer of which iconic Australian Highway? band? Australia when the September 11 attacks occurred? [35] Jack Thompson was the first person [6] Who were the two Queensland [21] The Latin phrase, carpe noctem, is to pose nude in which Australian contestants on the 2021 series of magazine? MasterChef Australia? most commonly translated as what? 43 [22] What is the closest Australian capital [36] Which Maryborough-born author [7] How many letters are in the Modern wrote the 1952 children’s book, Greek alphabet? city to the Great Otway National Park? Mr. Wigg’s Birthday Party? [8] Which two people were chosen to be [37] In the 1970s, the Trucial States the flag bearers for Australia for the [23] Which two people played the role of Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV in the became known as which opening ceremony at the 2020-21 country? Summer Olympics? 1980s and the 2010s TV series, Magnum, P.I.? [38] Which Gold Coast councillor [9] The McIntyre River flows through was one of the writers for the Queensland and which other state or [24] What is the official currency of Austria? TV series, Bananas in territory? Pyjamas? [25] The early 18th century opera, Almira, [10] Which Australian artist painted the [39] The Paniyiri Greek Festival is 1896 painting, On the wallaby track? is the first opera composed by which person? an annual event held in Musgrave Park, Brisbane, during [26] As at 2021, what is the world’s largest which month? cruise ship? [40] In October 2020, Tom Smith [27] The Limpopo River is located on became the Member of the 1 which continent? Queensland Legislative Assembly [28] Who won the Nellie Doherty for which electoral district? Medal for 2021 Women’s State of Origin? [29] What is the name of Paris This sequence of words should read the same backwards Hilton’s 2006 debut album? Palindromic puzzle [30] Which popular board game as forward e.g. Mad as Adam allows you to choose TheCLUE: sequence Unhappy, of words should myself read the same lay backward asphalt as they on do forward;some eg. Mad as Adam between “College” or Clue: Unhappy, myself lay asphalt on some ebbing wildebeest “Career”? ebbing wildebeest. [31] True or false? The Iditarod Sled Dog Race is held in Canada. U , [32] As at 2021, what are the world’s only two doubly landlocked countries? [33] Australian food manufacturer, t

australian word games 166

Unglad, I tar a tidal gnu tidal a tar I Unglad, solution: Palindromic Bensimon, Gilles 50. China 49. Roar Brisbane 48. Michael George 47. Bay Byron 46. blindness Colour 45. Me for Misty Play 44. Philippines

43. Rudd Kevin 42. Billionth 41. Bundaberg 40. May 39. Castra La Bob 38. Emirates Arab United 37. Travers L. P. 36. Cleo 35. Richmond . 34 Roll Chiko 33. Uzbekistan Liechtenstein, 32. False 31. Life of Game

The The 30. Paris 29. Gray Tazmin 28. Africa 27. Seas the of Symphony 26. Handel Frideric George 25. Euro 24. Hernandez Jay Selleck, Tom 23. Melbourne 22. night the Seize 21. Howard John 20. Krypton 19. Solution: Unglad, I tar a tidal gnu. Kingdom

United United 18. Cricket 17. Clinton Chelsea Clinton, Rodham Hillary 16. 2010 15. Watson Emma 14. Celtic 13. Poitier Sidney 12. Spain 11. McCubbin Frederick 10. Wales South New 9. Mills Patty Campbell, Cate 8. 24 7.

Scott Bagnell, Brent Draper Draper Brent Bagnell, Scott 6. AC/DC 5. Gutwein Peter Marshall, Steven McGowan, Mark Palaszczuk, Annastacia Andrews, Daniel Berejiklian, Gladys 4. softball Baseball, 3. Dribble 2. Plíšková Karolína 1. Answers: Quiz

30 QWEEKEND.COM.AU JULY 31-AUGUST 1, 2021 V1 - BCME01Z01QW MY LIFE Luke McGregor Comedian, 38, Melbourne

ALISON WALSH

Will it be hard to leave Daniel behind now started re-watching cartoons I really loved as a this is the last season of Rosehaven? kid, The Real Ghostbusters and Transformers. I think the hardest thing will be not having Kris McQuade as a mum anymore. Saying goodbye What’s the film you’ve most enjoyed in the to Daniel won’t be too hard, I see him in the past couple of years? mirror every day (when I’m clean shaven That’s a tough one … I really liked Love and anyway) but Kris/Barbara I will really miss. If Monsters, the special effects were amazing. my real mum is reading this, please know Palm Springs was great. This is too hard to that you’re still obviously my favourite narrow down sorry … mum – it was just really nice having two mums for a brief period. What are you reading? The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass – Stephen King. Why do you think the series resonated so much with people? You’ve got the degree but do you think you’ll I think because Rosehaven is a bit of an ever work as an economist? escape, it moves at a fairly gentle pace. I used to work as a business analyst prior to The best compliment I ever received for being a comedian. I still love spreadsheets. our show was someone telling us that it’s Maybe? To be honest this pandemic is making their go-to show when they’re hungover. it harder to predict the future. And you only indulge in the most comforting things when you’re hungover. What’s the most sentimental item you own? I’ve got a replica Ghostbusters Proton Pack. How has the pandemic affected you? It’s probably the first thing I’d grab if there was I feel lucky because I’m still able to write, but a fire – assuming my housemate had already yeah it’s been pretty hard on anyone in the made it to safety. arts industry – or any industry that involves being around people. Stand-up comedy What makes you laugh? Text messages from obviously took a massive hit. I have up and Celia Pacquola. down days, but I guess the down days hit a little harder because of everything that’s going What’s next? on in the world right now. I bought a $30 I’ve been asking myself the same thing. I’ve ukulele recently so my neighbours can look always wanted to write a movie – a horror forward to that during any lockdowns. movie, but one that makes you laugh when it’s not scaring you. They usually end up being my What did you binge-watch during lockdown? favourite films. In the immediate future – a lot I watched all the Marvel TV shows that came of video games. out recently – as well as The Expanse, Derry Girls, Brooklyn 99, Invincible, The Boys, Star Rosehaven airs from Wednesday August 4, Trek Discovery and a bunch more. I also at 9pm on ABC TV and ABC iview

have a large hole in my back yard. It is If it is really hot I can just go inside and Occasionally I will brush it or backwash it, filled with water. It’s called a swimming turn on the aircon. or scoop out some leaves but that’s about it. pool but not by me because I never go I do my laps elsewhere, at the Spring It’s attractive enough to look at but for Iswimming in it. And yet I maintain this Hill Baths. my purposes, entirely useless. I could fill it in facility, with the assistance of my local pool So why do we even have a pool? I suppose but that would be a drama. Or I shop and we have shelled out thousands of I never wanted one because I know what could seed it with some water lilies, build a dollars to keep it pristine. a drag it is. We had a pool at our house on little Japanese bridge across it and go all It’s not big enough for laps which is why the Gold Coast when I was a teenager and I arty. But we’re a long way from Claude I never swim in it. Frolicking or cavorting in looked after it as well as the lawns. It was a Monet’s garden at Giverny. a pool is not something I am interested in. lot of work. In the meantime it sits there, defying me. And certainly not in company. Swimming When we bought a house that we liked And when I see the pool man shaking his in company is always embarrassing because it had a pool attached and there was nothing head from time to time when he is doing his it means getting next to naked in front of much I could do about that. servicing I just know it’s going to cost me everyone. Which is why I don’t really A friend said to me, “Make sure you get money. Maybe I could charge people to Last Word encourage people to swim in our pool. someone else to look after it.” Sage advice if swim in it on hot summer days? I could get a My wife and son take dips in summer but ever I heard it. And as a big fan of little bum bag for change and set up a PHIL BROWN I can’t be bothered. outsourcing, I’m happy to do that. turnstile. Just a thought.

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