'The death of the Australian poet Les Murray at the age of 80 is a profound loss for his family and friends. It is also a great loss for literature. Whether one writes “world literature” or “Australian literature” here signifies not only Murray’s standing, but also a profound tension in his status as a poet. Murray has long been seen, not only as Australia’s pre-eminent living poet, but also as its national poet.' (Introduction)
'Australian literary giant and poet Les Murray has died at the age of 80.'
'With Indigenous youth suicide rates at record levels, poor living conditions and substance abuse crippling communities, there's never been a better time for Bran Nue Dae.'
'Caro Llewellyn has long trusted in her reading. As the director of Sydney Writers' Festival from 2002 to 2006 it was, after all, how she discovered and selected authors.'
In 2019, women will make up 47 per cent of playwrights and 58 per cent of directors on our mainstages — a radical turn around from just a decade ago.
'Actor Miranda Tapsell has revealed the deep emotional connection she felt while making the "joyous and happy" Australian film, Top End Wedding.'
'Years ago, at age 13, Sarah Harden wrote to Jana Wendt to express respect for the journalist's intelligence, humour and ability to handle Mick Jagger calling her "bossy boots".'
'In 2017, Yassmin Abdel-Magied described herself as "the most publicly hated Muslim in Australia".'
'When Gerald Murnane came into the ABC's Southbank centre for an interview and portrait session recently, he regaled photographer Zan Wimberley with a rendition of the Hungarian national anthem (he learned Hungarian late in life). He sang with gusto and a big grin. He certainly has a lot to be happy about.'
