The August 16 Edition
Sport is woven through the tapestry of our weekends – whether it’s cheering on our favourite team, participating in Parkruns or park footy, or simply through being one of the army of parents pinballing around the suburbs to school matches. It seems we have inadvertently reinforced that association in this edition, with the topic a common thread through the pages. In Two of Us, we get a sense of the role that sport plays in relationships as Defence Minister Richard Marles’ son, Sam, shares how playing golf with his father from a young age was one of the things that kept them close. Sport’s function as a unifying focal point for communities is beautifully captured in Cory White’s photographs of country football clubs. And the way sport can be a mirror reflecting how nations navigate political and social issues is seen in Tracey Lee Holmes’ new memoir, an extract of which is our cover story today. – Melissa Stevens, editor.
From falling in love to a ‘rude awakening’: Tracey Holmes reflects on 25 years
In her long career covering sport, the broadcaster witnessed ugly episodes on and off the field – including when it affected those she loves most.
- by Tracey Holmes
‘I didn’t know how to unpack the pain’: Home and Away star on facing teenage trauma
When he was just 18, Mat Stevenson shot to fame as a major soapie pin-up boy. But a painful secret gradually tore him apart.
- by Michael Idato
From ‘delete anxiety’ to data breaches: The perils of all those photos on our phones
Swamped by the thousands of photos on your phone? In our drive to document every moment, treasure is getting lost among the trash.
- by By Fenella Souter
Alive and kicking: Capturing the colour and camaraderie of regional footy
From Queenstown to Cairns to Kalgoorlie, footy is the lifeblood of our regional communities, as photographer Cory White discovered.
Two of Us
For subscribers
‘There’s something confronting about your child telling you they’re going to do MMA’
On the night of this year’s federal election, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles had a very different fight on his mind.
- by Jane Cadzow
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
‘Pull the right lever and kids laugh like drains’: Andy Griffiths on his comedic formula
The acclaimed children’s author on surviving as a punk rocker, becoming sex-literate and why kids find bodily functions so hilarious.
- by Benjamin Law
Feel like crying at work? In Japan, they can help with that
Companies are paying for handsome men to tease out women’s tears. Don’t worry, it’s therapeutic.
- by Barry Divola
The new generation of real estate agents: Supercars, white teeth and designer loafers
In a competitive arena, ambitious property fortune-hunters work hard on their brand of showy chutzpah to close the deal.
- by Andrew Hornery
The red carpet-approved accessory that’s not just for superheroes
For those with questions about making a sartorial entrance, the cape offers an elegant answer.
- by Damien Woolnough
Modern Guru
For subscribers
Pre-movie protocols: Is it OK to talk while the cinema ads are playing?
Our Modern Guru has compiled the chit-chat rules to separate your sins from those of the chip-packet-crinkler, constant-phone-peeker and row-squisher-past-er.
- by Danny Katz
Perspective
One evening they took the dog for a stroll through the local cemetery, where native grasses shifted and swayed in the dying of the day. “Ah, no. Look, Chris,” said Jo, stopping him with a hand on his forearm: “In memory of our darling son, Salvatore, whom God called home, May 3rd, 1943. Aged 9 weeks.” The thoughts that conjured! Reading inscriptions and announcing names long since out of favour, they wandered among the graves and the lengthening shadows of the listing headstones. Then, zipping up their coats, they headed home, hands held, lungs brimming with cold night air. Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.
Bread and butter pudding with chocolate, pecans and bourbon caramel
Supermarket croissants work beautifully in this boozy winter dessert.
- by Helen Goh
Review
Nihao Kitchen
It’s impossible to go wrong at this hatted Chinese restaurant, but these are our go-tos
You could come to Nihao Kitchen every week for a year and still not plough your way through the menu.
- by Dani Valent
Review
Jangling Jack's
This overlooked spot is perfect for dates and mates – and a stonking-good Sunday roast
This backstreet venue is still going strong after 10 years, serving lots of things we love to eat: anchovy toast, cacio e pepe and a spot-on sticky-date pud.
- by Callan Boys
With just one dish on the menu, this Sydney restaurant is a cure for decision fatigue
No choice = no decisions = no stress. It’s liberating.
- by Terry Durack
