About Ross!
How wonderful it was to be there on May 13 to listen to disparate remembrances of community activist and SSH volunteer and supporter, the late Ross Smith. The occasion was the dedication of a plaque and bench in Ross’s memory outside the Waterloo Neighbourhood Centre (in Wellington Street, near the OzHarvest store). In another time and place, Ross would have been considered a polymath; a person with many interests and knowledge, using them to solve complex problems. His passion and commitment are sorely missed.
Blak Douglas and the 2022 Archibald Prize until August 28
You know I love to let you know about the “Archie’s” each year because I find them not elitist but a snapshot of our culture and its eccentricities. This is the year of the Indigenous artist, and not before time. Twenty-seven artists from our First Nations cultures were entered for the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes. And the big one, the Archibald, went to our own Blak Douglas, SSH and Orchard Gallery emeritus. Congratulations!
Refugee Week – Sunday June 19 to Saturday June 25
This year’s theme is Healing and the week includes World Refugee Day on June 20 and that theme is Seeking Safety is a Human Right. Unfortunately, not all countries agree with this, but with the change of government here in Australia, the Murugappan family will be able to return to Biloela in Queensland with bridging visas. Let’s hope there is more compassionate news in store for other refugees still in detention. If you are interested in participating in any events this year, please contact: https://www.refugeeweek.org.au/.
2022 National NAIDOC Week – Sunday July 3 to Sunday July 10
Get up! Stand up! Show up! is the theme this year and events include: National Indigenous Art Fair on Saturday 2 and Sunday July 3, 10am-5pm at the Overseas Passenger Terminal The Rocks; NAIDOC Family Fun Day – Tuesday July 5 at Steele Park, Illawarra Road, Marrickville.
More winter delights include:
Vivid Sydney – May 27 to June 18
Lights come on from 6-11pm nightly, and new features this year include light show at the Central Station Goods Line Tunnel, and Vivid Kids and live music at Tumbalong Park. A cornucopia of light, music and other eccentricities awaits you at www.vividsydney.com/. There will be disruptions to normal public transport routes, so check before you make your way to events.
69th Sydney Film Festival – June 8 to 19
Can you believe SFF is 69 years young? Films from Australia and around the world, and you can see them at SSF first at venues around the city and suburbs. For full program and special deals on parking and meals contact www.ssf.org.au/.
Until next time,
Pat Clarke
volunteers@ssh.com.au
