The July 20 edition
On a recent trip to Orange, Dubbo and Mudgee, we drove past fields full of solar panels, and others stacked with giant wind turbines. As a city slicker, I’m embarrassed to say I had no idea that this was a renewable energy zone, one of 43 touted to host wind and solar farms, hydro projects and batteries. But that’s the thing about the transition to renewable energy: we city folk can be for it without having to live it. That means sometimes failing to appreciate the scale of the infrastructure build – bigger than the post-war Snowy Mountains Scheme – and how it will affect the communities at the heart of the transition. For today’s cover story, James Button visited some of those communities. What he found was, yes, people who are for and against renewables being built in their backyard. But more fundamentally, he discovered anger on both sides at the lack of consultation about how the rollout is proceeding. In some cases, it all seemed a bit of a shemozzle. For the renewables transition to succeed, the communities at its heart have to be on board. There are good ideas being floated within them. As Button concludes, it’s time to start listening more closely to what they have to say – and dealing them in. Editor, Katrina Strickland
‘We’ll be living with these’: The renewable-energy blitz dividing regional towns
Australia’s renewable energy rollout is facing headwinds in the very communities it needs on board. For the switch to succeed, they need a bigger stake in it.
- by James Button
‘I’m too soft’: Serena Williams worries whether she can be a pushy tennis mum
Serena Williams misses tennis – but don’t take that as a comeback hint. Her only angst post-retirement, really, is whether she’s too easy on her kids.
- by David Marchese
‘Every serving of grief is a full serve’: The challenge of losing a twin in utero
It’s a loss that triggers contradictory emotions: how to square the happiness that one survived with an enduring sadness that the other didn’t?
- by Shelley Eves
Two of Us
For subscribers
George Gittoes and Hellen Rose on making art and love in war zones
It’s in the world’s danger zones that the artist and filmmaker, 74, and his wife, a performance artist and singer, 60, feel most connected and in love.
- by Nicole Abadee
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
‘My fear has increased’: Abbie Chatfield on when to bite her tongue
The reality-TV star and broadcaster on handling trolls, strengthening her friendships – and quieting her former response to catcallers.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
For subscribers
My son loves our neighbours’ dachshund. Can he offer free doggie daycare?
The short answer: it’s a win-win situation, writes our Modern Guru.
- by Danny Katz
No Insta, just nice buttons for texts and calls: The thrill of the ‘Boring’ phone
Plus: get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.
- by Jonathan Seidler, Nicole Abadee, Louise Rugendyke, Damien Woolnough and Frances Mocnik
Speedy chicken scaloppine with capers, lemon, rosemary and polenta
This Italian-style thinly sliced chicken dish takes a few minutes to cook.
- by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Sunday baking project: Helen Goh’s coffee layer cake with buttercream and brittle
This layer cake recipe is an update of an old-fashioned coffee and walnut cake.
- by Helen Goh
Review
Good Weekend
This 20-year-old restaurant showcases Tassie, but its riverside setting is pure Melbourne
Pure South has matured into a great Melbourne restaurant: committed, consistent, creative and, in the right light, prone to making a person emotional.
- by Dani Valent
Review
Good Weekend
Can’t get into Firedoor? Drive to this more affordable fire-driven Central Coast gem
Osteria il Coccia exclusively uses fire and coals, but unlike Firedoor, it happily accepts walk-ins and a $49 pork cutlet is big enough to share.
- by Callan Boys
Do you judge a wine bottle by its label? The origins of some Australian designs might surprise
Wine labels are like any other kind of label: they’re designed to sell the product. But what’s the story behind some of our popular brands?
- by Huon Hooke
Man’s man
It wasn’t just Gav’s rugged looks and laconic humour that attracted Tracey, but his stoic demeanour. But one evening, watching all these blokes emoting on a reality-TV show, she turned to him and assured him that he could be vulnerable in front of her. Without preamble, he told her his parents’ divorce when he was six had left him with abandonment issues, that he suffered from anxiety and self-doubt, that Saturday nights made him melancholic. Shocked by a sudden surge of repulsion, she said, “You’re joking, right?” “Yeah,” he said, wiping his glistening eyes. “Totally! Had you going!” Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.
