The September 14 Edition
Popular culture is fascinating in the way it latches onto certain people at a particular moment in time. We loved Paul Hogan in the 1970s because he made us laugh at ourselves, and felt nationalistic pride the following decade when he exported our knockabout ways to the world with his “shrimp on the barbie” tourism ads. That Taylor Swift is the world’s most famous person today speaks to the global nature of, well, not just music but everything, including love and heartache, in 2024. And I think our fascination with Gina Chick, who survived more than nine weeks in the wild to win the inaugural Australian edition of the TV series Alone, also says something about the times. It speaks to how far so many of us now live from nature that we’re transfixed by someone so in tune with it. It reminds us how much we, too, want to strip away artifice in an era in which it’s everywhere. How we, also, might howl at the moon and sing and dance with abandon if we hadn’t so thoroughly buried such primal instincts. While working on today’s cover story, David Leser danced with Chick on an empty beach. I suspect it was one of the highlights of his time with her. Which pretty much says it all. – Editor, Katrina Strickland
‘Such a weird kid’: Alone winner Gina Chick never did fit in – and that’s her strength
She talked to a lake and apologised to a wallaby before eating it. Like her famous grandmother, survival-show star Chick does things her way.
- by David Leser
When two tradies in Antarctica had time off, they snapped pics like this
In an unexpected bonus, a chef and a carpenter at the country’s Antarctic stations turned out to be excellent photographers.
- by Tim Elliott
How Epstein wheedled his way into Bill Gates’ world – and why Melinda hated it
The billionaire Microsoft co-founder took a reputational hit from his association with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
- by Anupreeta Das
Two of Us
For subscribers
‘A bit jealous’: When mum and daughter go to uni at the same time
Titania Henderson was a stay-at-home mum until she returned to study in her 50s. Her daughter Amy checked her essays; now they share a Melbourne studio.
- by Susan Horsburgh
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
Belinda Carlisle: ‘We’ve gone backwards – and the industry is still run by men’
The former Go-Go’s lead singer and solo artist on the rise of the tawdry in music, how to stave off career death – and where to find heaven on earth.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
For subscribers
My mate charges his EV at my place. Should I charge him?
What if you pull the plug? Modern Guru ponders the alternative.
- by Danny Katz
Eggshells
Some days George was so jovial as to be almost silly, and they’d egg him on, delighting in his nonsense, his touch on their shoulders. Other days, they sniffed the air and just knew to stay out of his way. Failing that, they’d walk on eggshells lest they somehow set him off. On such occasions, after escaping to another room, they’d buckle from their efforts. “He just gets stressed. Work and stuff,” his wife, Jamila, told her daughters one such night. “He’s not a bad man.” They believed her but they excused themselves all the same, deciding on an early night. Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.
How grown-ups are embracing fashion’s ‘dainty’ footwear trend
Plus: get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.
- by Various
Here comes the sun: Spring fashion trends
The temperature’s rising and the days are growing longer: swap the puffer jacket and beanie with each-way bets.
- by Damien Woolnough and Melissa Singer
The award-winning makeover of a ‘higgledy-piggledy’ manor in the Snowies
It once had servants scuttling about. Now, after a thoroughly modern renovation, this grand villa is a home for four.
- by Luke Slattery
Celeste Barber’s beauty range – no anti-ageing propaganda in sight
New products and positive initiatives designed for looking – and feeling – better.
- by Frances Mocnik
While most watch designers remain gripped by nostalgia, some are dialling it up
In an industry fixated by heritage reissues and anniversary special editions, a few plucky brands are attempting to look to the future.
- by Luke Benedictus
Put a spring in your step: Nifty gardening ideas
Handy tools for that horticultural hero in your life.
- by Frances Mocnik
Chicken, pumpkin, chickpea and rice soup with spiced chilli oil
The spices in the chilli oil give this comforting whole-chicken soup a slightly different feel.
- by Danielle Alvarez
Sunday bake: Helen Goh’s double rhubarb, white chocolate and almond loaf cake
An unassuming cake full of rich texture and bursting with “little pockets of flavour”.
- by Helen Goh
Review
Sincero
Let’s give this sophisticated Italian restaurant a quiet clap for its lovely acoustics
Sincero is a charming high-street restaurant with high-concept dishes from the team behind Buono in Melbourne’s bayside.
- by Dani Valent
Review
Bar Superette
The regional wine bar with a menu so good, I should have booked an extra night
I was not expecting a full bistro menu with too many beaut-sounding things to try. Nice one, Bar Superette.
- by Callan Boys
Expand your drinking horizons with these wines from surprising locations
Japan, Bali, Denmark, Hungary … the world of wine is continually expanding. Here are some excellent (and unexpected) varieties to try.
- by Huon Hooke
