In 2014 I moved to Singapore; a decision made jointly with my wife who had taken up a position with a large corporation with regional headquarters in Singapore. We had reasoned that although I was going to be one of those so-called stay at home husbands because I spoke Indonesian, and was familiar with the … Continue reading The Importance of Bahasa Indonesia
Author: maximos62
The work of Jane Bennett Artist
Today is the Pyrmont Festival of Wine at Pirrama Park, formerly known as Pyrmont Park. Pirrama is the Gadigal name for the area. There were some excellent examples of work from local artists and craftspeople, two sound stages featuring music, and a choir, as well as a swathe of stalls selling various wines. What really … Continue reading The work of Jane Bennett Artist
From Militias to Mass Gun Deaths
My old friend from Maitland Bar, the place where I’d unsuccessfully gone rabbit shooting some 47 years ago, rang me while I was writing this post. When I mentioned the rabbit shooting incident he explained that the .22 calibre rifles belonged to his business partner, not him. Of course, I thought, He was from a … Continue reading From Militias to Mass Gun Deaths
Guns & violence: learning about bullets
For the first five years of my life my grandparents lived on a 3 acre block in Bargo, NSW. It was a treat to stay with them. I loved the trees and the freedom to roam around the prioperty. This is how I met the Edwards boys. They lived on an ajacent stretch of land … Continue reading Guns & violence: learning about bullets
The Resurrection – Anastasis
Many years ago, when I was working as a television camera operator with the University of Sydney, we produced several programs for a Sunday morning show on Channel 7. The show was called ‘Television Tutorial’. One show featured Barbara Thiering, a biblical scholar, who was producing some controversial theories on the life of Christ. Barbara … Continue reading The Resurrection – Anastasis
Sid Thompson and D Company: the Story
This story is an early first draft of the full story. The final version now published as part of Seen and Unseen: a century of stories from Asia and the Pacific, published by Glass House Books an imprint of IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd) has more detail and dialogue. Buy the book here I often thought about … Continue reading Sid Thompson and D Company: the Story
Educational disadvantage
On Monday 27 February I was invited to speak with the Advancement Team at the University of Sydney. This body is responsible for providing the direction, coordination and management of the fundraising programs for the university. Part of their role also involves connecting with University of Sydney's alumni to discuss their views on the direction … Continue reading Educational disadvantage
Replanting the forest
Ridwan was someone I met when I first visited Sungai Tohor in May, 2017. He and his community are engaged in reforestation As background, I had joined a Singapore based group PM.Haze which organised a trip across the Straits of Malacca to the peatlands of Riau, in Sumatra. As a child I had played on … Continue reading Replanting the forest
Beyond Borders: conversations across boundaries
I’m pleased to announce that the new version of my book ‘Beyond Borders: conversations across boundaries’ is available on Apple books. It comes with: * text, * audio file for of every story, * single images, * photo galleries & * video.
The Bali Bombings in context
Members of the AFP outside the ruins of the Sari Club. Photo: Australian Federal Police Museum. After the Bali bombings of 2002 I was left in a shocked state. At first I didn't realise I was suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Before this act of terrorism I had spent 18 years developing and … Continue reading The Bali Bombings in context