As I write this column on Anzac Day 2024, I reflect on the members of my own family who served in various theatres of war, including my uncle John, killed at the Battle of the Somme in 1917, and my maternal grandfather James, the Boer War and WWI.
Two other James’s, my paternal grandfather as a reservist WWI, and my father evacuated from Dunkirk and then sent to Burma until the end of WWII. My two brothers – one as a Vietnam conscript and the other as a long-serving member of the Royal Australian Navy. As a younger self I viewed Anzac Day as the glorification of war, but as an older and perhaps more reflective person, I now see it as a remembrance of the horrors and the sacrifice of nations and lives.
Art Gallery of NSW – new names NAALA BADU and NAALA NURA
The new gallery at the AGNSW, the Sydney Modern, has been given a new name, Naala Badu, which means “seeing waters” in traditional Sydney language. The main (and original sandstone) gallery has been given the name Naala Nura, “seeing Country”. We will probably still refer to the Art Gallery of NSW, but the new names are a fitting tribute to the traditional owners and their connection to the waters of Sydney Harbour and beyond. The new names will be prominently displayed on both buildings.
Sydney Writers’ Festival 2024 – Monday May 20 to Sunday May 26
The main venue this year is still at Carriageworks with a number of satellite venues throughout the City and suburbs. As usual the program is a mixture of paid sessions and free events which will be exclusively at Carriageworks from Thursday May 23 until Sunday May 26. Start the day with Coffee and the Monthly (not May 23). Bookings are essential even for free events. You can pick up a copy of the festival program at your local library or cinema. Book tickets at https://ssf/org.au/planyourfestival/
Vivid Sydney 2024 May 24 – June 15
The theme for this year’s program of Light, Music, Ideas and Food is “Vivid Sydney, Humanity”. More awe-inspiring installations, light projections, music and performances will take place in and around the City and Harbour. Now in its 14th year, Vivid Sydney is the winner of many international festival and events awards, and from the program available on the website, this year’s offerings are absolutely spectacular. For all information contact: https://vividsydney.com/info/about-vivid-sydney
For Your Diary
May 1-31: Domestic Violence Prevention Month
May 12: International Nurses Day
May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)
May 26: National Sorry Day
May 27 to June 3: National Reconciliation Week with the Theme NOW MORE THAN EVER
June 5 to 16: 71st Sydney Film Festival. For tickets and information contact: https://.ssf.org.au
One more thing – Happy Birthday to our assistant editor Louisa, who oversees story selection as well as distribution every month. We couldn’t do it without you!
Pat Clarke,
volunteers@ssh.com.au
