All posts tagged: Arts

A new hope for feminist future through extreme journeys

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What do a climate change activist, a writer and world solo sailor have in common? They are strong, intelligent and ambitious Australian women. At 4.00pm on Friday, the ABC3 Marquee began to fill with an audience, predominantly female, but not entirely. Young teens and students, mothers and elderly groups eagerly awaited the arrival of the speakers. Jessica Watson was the first to arrive. One particular fan had traveled across the country to Byron Bay and to listen first hand to Jessica share her story. She have the young man a hug and signed his copy of her book, True Spirit. He did not stop smiling the entire session. In 2010, at the age of 16, Jessica Watson had successfully completed her dream to become the youngest person to sail around the world solo. This voyage meant 210 days at sea, more than 22, 000 nautical miles with only her boat, Ella’s Pink Lady, for company. Since becoming the Young Australian of the Year in 2011, Watson has written a book and now spends time speaking …

Advance Australia for..?

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Australia is a unique place. We’re the only country that occupies an entire continent. We’re a diverse country, ethnically, religiously and culturally. What is it all for? Should a country have a higher purpose? Michael Kirby, Peter Doherty and Julianne Schultz have some differing ideas on what Australia is ultimately for, but all seemed to agree that our country has a long way to go if it is to fulfil any greater purpose. Peter Doherty, biologist and Nobel Prize winner, believes that the advancement of science is Australia’s purpose. Australia was in fact discovered for science, he said. Captain Cook was on a commissioned voyage to track the path of Venus and the ship was packed with scientists. A metaphor, Doherty thought. Australia has gone on to become the most advanced scientific community in the southern hemisphere with a unique take on scientific problems, thanks to our geographic isolation. Michael Kirby, retired High Court Judge respectfully disagreed (which is a nice way of insulting people, he tells us). In fact, he says it was the …