Welcome to autumn and it’s probably time to get out the jumpers, socks and coats, but also time to enjoy the beautiful colours of leaves and flowers in the gardens and parks around us.
And, as always, Sydney in May is full of things to do.
National Maritime Museum, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022 –
until October 30, 2023
Wonderful photos of wildlife, sea creatures, insects etc., from many countries. Some of them will break your heart at the degradation of habitats on land and sea for so many creatures. I was fascinated by one photo of a dog staring at a sloth which was on the ground clinging to a pole. There are dogs in Costa Rica which are trained to be sloth friendly to help protect that species.
The photographic exhibition is from the National History Museum, London, and is running in conjunction with Brickwrecks. These are models of famous shipwrecks in Lego and there are lots of interactive activities for children. Very popular on the day I was there. There are various ticketing options on the website: https://sea.museum/wildlife and https://sea.museum/brickworks
Sydney Writers’ Festival 2023 – May 22-28
Festival hubs this year are at Carriageworks and Sydney Town Hall and will feature writers such as Alexis Wright, Tim Winton, Jane Harper, Geraldine Brooks, Benjamin Law and Sam Neill, to name just a few. Other venues are at the State Library with the 2023 Premier’s Literary Awards on May 22, and Parramatta, Blacktown and Penrith. Some events are free, but still require booking ahead. Book tickets at https://ssf/org.au/planyourfestival/
Vivid Sydney 2023 – May 26 to June 17
Opening night on May 26 will be a unique Welcome to Country from 5.30-6pm at Campbell’s Cove. As always Circular Quay and surrounds will be awash with LIGHTS ON: Sydney Opera House sails will have Life Enlivened; a tribute to artist the late John Olsen, with his works animated and projected on the SOH sails; Barerreringer (“Country” in the Boonwurrung language) by Maree Clarke at the MCA façade; Harbour Life at the National Maritime Museum between 6 and 9pm nightly; Walsh Bay from 6-11pm and the Harbour Bridge Pylons from 6-11pm. Carriageworks Night Market will be on June 16, between 5 and 10pm.
70th Sydney Film Festival – June 7-18
Films will be shown at various cinemas over Sydney and will feature a retrospective of the films of Jane Campion. For tickets and information contact: https://ssf.org.au
FOR YOUR DIARY
Made in Redfern Festival until May 7
Whether it’s something for the family, for doing solo, or for getting the crew together, there are loads of brilliant inspiring, creative, fun and Redfern-centric things to do. Proudly supported by the City of Sydney. See the full program here: http://bitly.ws/DA6H
Locals art exhibition at the Orchard Gallery (56a Raglan St, Waterloo) – opens May 13, 5pm (celebrating Neighbourhood Centre Week)
National Sorry Day – Friday May 26
National Reconciliation Week until June 3 which is Mabo Day
(It would indeed be reconciliation if Peter Dutton and the Liberal and National parties would put their petty politics aside and wholeheartedly embrace the VOICE to Parliament.)
Until next time, don’t forget your flu shots and your next Covid jab.
Pat Clarke
