If you are reading this, you are in a similar plight my family and I have recently been in. It is likely you passed us, looking through a crowded rental property with 50 other people making a beeline to the viewing agent, waiting for the opportunity to introduce yourself and make a memorable impression. I see you and I feel your struggle.
Author Archives: jacquioleary
Applying for a rental became a full-time job application – what I wish I had known
If you are reading this, you are in a similar plight my family and I have recently been in. It is likely you passed us, looking through a crowded rental property with 50 other people making a beeline to the viewing agent, waiting for the opportunity to introduce yourself and make a memorable impression. I see you and I feel your struggle.
Sweeney Todd at the Opera
From the moment the floodlights cast their light on the stage, the mood darkened as the desolate emptiness set in – bleak and dreary as we were plunged into 18th century London, to hear the tragic story of Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The operatic production launched in London in theContinue reading “Sweeney Todd at the Opera”
Paul Henneberry – a maker of fine ukuleles
Paul Henneberry from Jarrahdale in Western Australia had an inspiration. After attending a ukulele workshop at the Fairbridge Music Festival in Western Australia, he decided to use his woodworking craft skills and his extensive workshop to make his first ukulele. That was in 2014. Upon joining a local ukulele community group, he was encouraged toContinue reading “Paul Henneberry – a maker of fine ukuleles”
31 years of silence, we stand – 31st Annual Silent Domestic Violence Memorial March
On Tuesday 7 December in Forrest Place, Perth, we marched for the 31st time, under a new wave of leadership and activism. We marched with the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing and 650 members of the public, domestic violence survivors, families, service providers and advocates as we told our stories loudly and evocatively, thenContinue reading “31 years of silence, we stand – 31st Annual Silent Domestic Violence Memorial March”
Raise your voice – Emma’s story
“Being an advocate is all about taking action. Some people take action out of passion and I’m very passionate about standing up for people’s rights,” Emma Vardy said as she clasped her hands together and rested back in her chair at the local coffee shop. We sat together on a Friday afternoon in the coolContinue reading “Raise your voice – Emma’s story”
We are gay, we are not broken – Gay Conversion Therapy
Today 10 December 2020 marks Human Rights Day and on this day, we examine the insidious act of gay conversion therapy. Administered by many respected religious organisations in first world countries like Australia, this type of therapy has lasting effects on young vulnerable members of the LGBTIQA+ community who are told they are ‘broken’, ‘sinners’,Continue reading “We are gay, we are not broken – Gay Conversion Therapy”
A Case for Voluntary Euthanasia
“When a person is diagnosed as terminal, they could be in a lot of pain for a big part of their life. They die gradually. It’ll get to a certain point where they can’t do anything, then they realise their life is not worth living.” John tells me, exchanging a meaningful look with his wifeContinue reading “A Case for Voluntary Euthanasia”
Living with Mental Illness
“When something bad happens to you, it gives you an arrow through your heart – if something bad happens to your child, you have a million arrows through your heart.” Fran quotes an important Italian philosopher that she does not recall the name of. She looks up thoughtfully, hands clasped together, as tears begin toContinue reading “Living with Mental Illness”
We March Through 30 Years of Silence and 30 Years of Solidarity – 30th Annual Silent Domestic Violence Memorial March
On Friday 27 November in Supreme Court Gardens, Perth, we marched for the 30th time, and this year despite a pandemic, we came together as 600-strong and marched for the women and children who have lost their lives to family and domestic violence, with our silence saying more than words ever could. 495 pairs ofContinue reading “We March Through 30 Years of Silence and 30 Years of Solidarity – 30th Annual Silent Domestic Violence Memorial March”
