Author: Yves Rees Publisher: NSW Publishing, University of NSW Press Ltd Reviewer: Brian Morgan
The title of this book immediately appealed to me.
I entered the Law in the days of Elizabeth Evatt and Roma Mitchell, both of whom I am proud to say I met on a number of occasions. At law school, there was a young woman in our group who outshone everyone in the class, male or female, and went on to be a Professor of Law, a celebrated author of legal texts and a State Governor whilst remaining at home!
This book shines a light on the following women all of whom found fame and fortune by leaving Australia, at least for a while.
May Lahey (law), Rose Cumming (decorator), Isabel Letham (surf pioneer and swimming teacher), Dorothy Cottrell (novelist and story writer), Mary Cecil Allen (painter and decorator), Vera Bradford (concert pianist and music teacher), Persia Campbell (academic and consumer activist), Alice Caporn (nudist and health entrepreneur), Dorothy Waugh, (academic and feminist) and Cynthia Reed (nursing student and novelist).
I doubt that anyone reading Travelling to Tomorrow (“Travelling”) could avoid being affected by the various stories. In the 1920’s, it seems clear that the United States was far more liberated, in respecting women as the equal of men, than Australia. As an aside, when my sister was studying to become a specialist physician, she was actively treated by the males in that field as a second rate person, not suited to her specialty. She managed to show otherwise.
I will refer in a little detail to one of the subjects of Travelling, Isabel Letham. Letham was lifted onto what today we would call a long board at Sydney’s Freshwater Beach by a visiting Hawaiian Olympian. Surfing at that time was new to Australia. Soon she turned to the United States to further a career in surfing and swimming.
In time, she turned to swimming, alone, as a means of income as there was no money in surfing. Ultimately, she was employed by the University of Berkeley. She taught probably thousands to swim and made her home in San Francisco. But, in late 1926, she returned to Australia to be greeted by the Press but shunned by the surf lifesaving community as “we do not teach ladies the work”.
Obviously, Australia was still way behind the United States.
All the subjects of Travelling had complex, demanding and interesting lives and this book presents them in great detail. Just think, the first Australian woman judge was appointed in the United States.
Travelling refers to places the subject of the text by their Indigenous names. While educational, I found it a little distracting and led to an excessive dependence on my part upon Dr Wikipedia. While I appreciate the education I, thereby, received, an internal glossary of place names might also have been helpful.
Dr Rees refers to having low level terror of entering a Country that had passed 86 anti-trans bills that year alone.[1] While I was not sure that this statement added to the book, perhaps, it reflects how the tables have been turned over the last one hundred years between what was then an intolerant Australia compared to a then tolerant United States.
Travelling really captures the divide between Australian working women and, in particular, those in the United States, 100 years ago. To many, perhaps, the perfect dream was to travel to the United Kingdom but many of our most successful pioneers made their names, if not their fortunes, in America.
[1] See All About Yves: Notes from a Transition (Allen & Unwin, 2021) and Nothing to Hide: Voices of Trans and Gender Diverse Australia (Allen & Unwin, 2022).
Author: Geraldine Fela[1] Publisher: UNSW Press Reviewer: James McNab
The recent times of Covid 19 have shown us that not all heroes wear capes. At time, nurses and other health professionals went into unknown levels of danger to help others. They were brave, no medals, just the occasional thank you.
This, however, was not the first time in recent history where nurses and other health professionals went to work, putting aside their own fears of harm, to help others. A generation or so before the bravery of our nurses during Covid 19, there was the bravery and dedication of nurses who cared for people struck down during the height of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic of the 1980’s and 1990’s.
At that time, there was no effective treatment. Being diagnosed with the disease was a death sentence.
The book is written from oral history interviews undertaken between 2017 and 2021 with 33 nurses. The nurses who were interviewed worked in various areas during the height of the epidemic such as prisons, clinics and rural and large metropolitan hospitals. They share their lived experiences from that time.
The book traverses the emergence of the epidemic and the impacts that it had on all areas of society including patients, their families, politics and public health. It speaks to the challenges of the disease and its response in Indigenous communities and rural and regional areas. It interestingly discusses the role that unions also played in supporting nurses advocating and undertaking public health campaigns around the disease. These health campaigns were opposed by many in the medical profession.
This book catalogues the work nurses did, the care and compassion that was shown without judgment, when knowledge about the disease was limited, fear was extreme, and homophobia and prejudice was rife.
The book provides a great insight into the role nurses played caring for patients with HIV/AIDS during those very frightening and, indeed, sad times during the height of the AIDS epidemic. The book is somewhat strangely uplifting and provides faith in humanity. It really shows that nursing is indeed “the caring profession”.
In short, the book is great read.
[1] Geraldine Fela is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Macquarie
Author: Peter Yule Publisher: UNSW Press Reviewer: Dominic H Katter
On 29 February 1972, HMAS SYDNEY(III) sailed from Vũng Tàu on the last voyage from Vietnam, with D Company 4 RAR, an assault pioneer and mortar section, and a detachment of Armoured Personnel Carriers that had provided protection to the Task Force headquarters and 1 Australian Logistic Support Group until the final withdrawal of stores and equipment could be completed.
With the exception of a group of Army advisers, that was the withdrawal of Australian military personnel from Vietnam. HMAS SYDNEY(III) arrived in Sydney on 12 March 1972. The Long Shadow refers, with significant detail, to Australia’s Vietnam Veterans since 1972.
As stated by General The Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, CVO, MC in the Foreword, the book chronicles the “long years of struggle by the Veterans to urge for recognition of disabilities and the slow adjustment by the nation’s supporting systems”.
Initial chapters particularise the repatriation circumstances in Australia before the commitment of Australian personnel to the conflict in Vietnam. The chapters combine both ‘broad’ articulations and individual articulations by those who served.
For example: ‘South Vietnamese Government control had been reduced to the major towns, with the countryside totally dominated by the Viet Cong. Captain Adrian Roberts (1 APC Squadron 1966-1967, AATTV 1971-72), who served in Phuoc Tuy in 1966 and again in 1972, described the remarkable way the province quickly deteriorated … ” (page 43). (Colonel Roberts served as a troop commander at Long Tan on 18 August 1966 and later as a Captain adviser to the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam.)
The issues considered in the initial chapters are comprehensive, including: casualties, land mines, mortar fire, medical evacuation in the field and to repatriation hospitals in Australia, RAAF and US helicopter evacuation, helicopter winching of wounded, malaria, the Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps and 1 Australian Field Hospital, Vũng Tàu.
The subsequent chapters then traverse various issues, including: “Agent Orange”, the “Evatt Royal Commission”, “PTSD”, the “Official History”, “Mental Health” and “Physical Health”. For a lawyer reading this work, there is an interesting commentary on the “Evatt Royal Commission”, both as to personalia and process.
The author, Dr Peter Yule, is a Research Fellow at the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne. Dr Yule has also written a history of the Victorian Bar.
This is the story of those that served, often quoted in their own words. The book interfaces the conflict, with the technical, administrative, legal and practical consequences for those who served.
Author: John Levingston Publisher: The Federation Press Reviewer: Robert Quirk
When I was given the opportunity to review this book, I thought that it would be a fantastic addition to my library. Despite the book being focused on the Evidence Act 1995 (Cth), I still hold that view. It is a useful addition to a Queensland lawyer’s armoury of references, particularly, if they practise in the federal jurisdiction and, as a practical guide, as long as the reader is cognisant of the fact that the law might not be exactly as stated/referenced in the book if they are in a Queensland court or tribunal.
Ameliorating this issue, there are jurisdiction summaries for each of the federal courts and courts in each state, New Zealand and Singapore. The jurisdictional summaries are a ready reckoner for each jurisdiction and refer to the individual rules relating to affidavits, other relevant legislation, the ethical rules and then all the practical references, including for preparation and form, attendance, cross-examination and use, amongst other things.
The book has detailed sections for many common areas that, sometimes, are done poorly. One of these is the handling of direct speech and indirect words, as well as numerous specific issues relating to that type of evidence. The text includes an example of a commonly used formula for a conversation.
There are parts dealing with what should not be in an affidavit. These include sections relating to counsel’s advice and the loss of privilege.
I think that the precedents section is a good resource. It includes precedents as diverse as for business records, Calderbank offers, interpreters, notices of objection, notices of intention to call tendency and coincidence evidence and for different types of service.
Whatever I say in this review probably does not do the book justice because it is 383 pages long on all aspects of the law relating to affidavits. The topics in the table of contents are (excluding the usual introductory information):
1. Introduction 2. What is an affidavit? 3. Professional obligations 4. Preparation 5. The objectives – admissible, relevant and probative 6. Use of an affidavit 7. Form 8. The deponent and incapacity 9. Affirmations and oaths 10. Style 11. Content 12. Opinion 13. Attachments: annexures and exhibits 14. Filing 15. Service 16. Objections 17. Documentary evidence 18. Attendance of deponent 19. Use at the hearing 20. Irregularities and defects 21. Discretion 22. Cross-examination 23. False statements and contempt 24. Adverse consequences
Jurisdiction Summaries Precedents
This book is highly recommended, if you practise in litigation.
Since 1912 the Royal Horticultural Society has conducted in the month of May – in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, on an 11 acre site – the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It was formerly known as the ‘Great Spring Show’.
The show is attended by the British Royal Family and guests on the first day, by RHS members on the next two days and by the general public on the final two days. Usually more than 150,000 people attend over the duration of the show.
Highlights include the avant-garde show gardens designed by leading members of the horticultural community. The centre piece of the display is a huge floral marque.
The show also features smaller gardens such as the Artisan and Urban gardens. There is a series of stalls displaying garden and country wares.
The writer attended in May this year. While not a gardener by disposition, he was taken by the spectacular floral displays. So much is apparent from the photographs which accompany this piece.
This year a highlight was the unveiling of ‘The King’s Rose’ – 11 years in development by leading rose grower David Austin, and a tribute to his Majesty King Charles III – as seen here.
The reader – if visiting the United Kingdom in May – would do well to consider visiting. Booking in advance online is essential. A very pleasurable three or more hours can be spent enjoying the display.
It is probably fair to say that this review is the first of its type for Hearsay, but for those readers desperately looking to entertain – at weekends or during school holidays – young children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, it may well be the most important item they read in this Issue.
The ‘Bluey’s World’ experience is an interactive exhibition which allows single digit aged children to enjoy a hands on experience second to none.
The theme, of course – at least in broad terms – is the spectacularly successful ‘Bluey’ animation. Such animation series is written and produced in Brisbane, and distributed globally.
The website describes the experience as follows:
This For Real Life interactive experience immerses you in the playful and hilarious world of Bluey, where things don’t always go to plan, but with a little teamwork and a lot of games, every day is fun.
As soon as you arrive at Bluey’s beloved Queenslander home the excitement begins. With a bit of help from the mischievous Fairies, you’ll bring one of the Garden Gnomes to life and help them to have their bestest day ever by going inside the house to play with Bluey and Bingo!
But you’ll have to find Bluey and Bingo first… and Unicorse is determined to make that as hard as possible. With games, clues and surprises to discover around every corner you must find Bluey and Bingo before it’s too late and the Gnome must return to their gnome-home in the backyard. This is your gnoment!
Venture through the Heeler’s living room, the girls’ bedroom, playroom, kitchen, backyard and more in this original guided Bluey experience, where you will live and play like Bluey and the Heeler Family.
Finish your day in Bluey’s Brisbane neighbourhood complete with the Golden Crown takeaway, Alfie’s Gift Shop, indoor playground and more.
The writer attended with his spouse and three grandchildren aged 5, 7 and 9 years respectively. All children must attend with an adult over the age of 18 years. The admission price is paid for each attendee (adult and child). On Saturdays and Sundays that price is $64.90.
While not cheap by any means, the writer found “money’s worth” afforded. The experience lasts about two or more hours, including in the shop and play area after passing through the eight or so sections therein.
“Bluey” and his family, in fact, are not seen until the latter half of the experience, but that does not detract from the enjoyment entailed.
Visually, the experience is quite spectacular, even for the supervising adults.
My feeling was that the experience is too much for children under 5 years, and not sufficiently engaging for children much over 8 years. So much, of course, depends upon the child in question.
The experience venue is at Hamilton. There is ample (free) parking. The experience is conducted within a large airconditioned temporary structure. The food and drink on sale in the shop is of a high standard – both for adults and children – and surprisingly reasonably priced. A visiting family or group could spend at least an hour in the play area and shop afterwards, the same contained within the airconditioned structure (we spent about 45 minutes therein).
Best to book if proposing to attend.
The writer’s group attended in January. While the experience was expected to conclude mid-year and move interstate, the season has been extended to this Christmas. Having enjoyed the experience, the writer can understand why.
The link to the Bluey’s World website and ticketing is here.
This song was released on the album ‘Sable, Fable’, on 11 April 2025.
It was written by Bon Iver’s founder, and singer-songwriter, Justin Vernon.
Bon Iver is an American ‘indie folk’ band, founded in 2006. Its debut album ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’, was released in 2007. The name of the group derives from the French phrase ‘bon hiver’, meaning ‘good winter’.
In an article in the ‘Amplifier’ section of the New York Times on 30 April 2025, in reference to the new album and the song, it was written:
‘Sable, Fable’ is a pointed projection of the band’s sad-sack reputation, along with whatever had been going on in the life of singer-songwriter Justin Vernon that made it so … Unashamed of its throwback corniness, the bridge of ‘From’ gets me every time.
BPM released their debut album in 2011 – Happiness And Surrounding Suburbs – which includes It’s Nice to be Alive. Such song is featured in the link below.
BPM have released a further six albums and five have debuted in the ARIA top five albums.
It was recently announced that BPM will be supporting the stadium tour of Oasis in Australia kicking off in October 2025 – what a gig.
As to the video, I live in the neighbourhood of the seriously steep street that the skateboarder is riding down, and
I would not recommend doing the same; and
I would like to see how he goes on the lower section, including navigating the perpendicular road at the bottom.
‘Mayhem’ is a studio album by outstanding American singer-songwriter Lady Gaga. The album was released on 7 March 2025.
The album was preceded by the release of three singles therefrom, namely ‘Die with a Smile’ (16 August 2024), ‘Disease’ (25 October 2024) and ‘Abracadabra’ (3 February 2025).
‘Die with a Smile’ – a duet with Bruno Mars – won ‘Best Pop Duet/Group Performance’ at the 2025 Grammy Awards. ‘Abracadabra’, on its release day, recorded 4.92 million streams on Spotify, which marked Lady Gaga’s biggest debut on that platform with a solo song.
Released to critical acclaim, the album topped the album charts in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Germany. The critics characterise it as indicating Lady Gaga’s return to her pop roots – ‘The Fame’ (2008).
The album release will be followed by a world tour – including to Australia – going by the title ‘The Mayhem Ball’ Tour. Lady Gaga will perform on tour at Suncorp Stadium, in Brisbane, on 9 December 2025 (Melbourne on 5 December before, and Sydney on 12 December after). Given her artistic attributes – see the two videos below – the concert will be a tour de force.
Below the reader will find links to the official music video release of ‘Abracadabra’ and ‘Die with a Smile’ respectively:
[SPOILER ALERT]
This excellent 8 episode series bears the title of an early song in the repertoire of Leonard Cohen (1934-2016), the Canadian singer, songwriter and poet.
Opening in 1960 in Hydra in Greece, Marianne Ihlen (Thea Sophie Loch Naess) and Cohen (Alex Wolff) are two lonely young people coping with the slings and arrows of life. She is pregnant by her husband, who has abandoned her. He is depressed, struggling with his creativity.
They meet and fall in love and remain together for a decade, living also in Norway, Canada and United States. Their relationship falls apart as Cohen’s career blossoms, while Ihlen – who is Norwegian – pines to return to her home country.
They remained friends. Both died in 2016.
There is an Australian connection, as Cohen interacts, in Hydra, with George Johnston (Noah Taylor) and Charmain Clift (Anna Torv). Taylor and Torv – as always – are impressive.
The first episode begins, and the final episode closes, with Ihlen at the end of her life receiving a touching letter from Cohen. He then appears as a young man – in her imagination – bidding her goodbye.
Screened free on SBS, the series is well worth watching. The writer found the performances of the lead actors compelling. The scenes in Hydra, and across the world, are evocative.
Scott Roxborough of ‘The Hollywood Reporter’ reviewed the series favourably, remarking that it entailed:
… treating its subjects not as great artists in the making, but as ordinary messed-up 20-somethings … [Wolff] wears his Leonard like a crumpled raincoat. The series truly comes alive in the moments when Wolff sings, as Cohen, on camera.
The link to an early – easier listening – version of Cohen singing the title song is here.
