Latest news with #Redfern
SBS Australia
4 days ago
- Health
- SBS Australia
The pioneering nurse behind one of our longest running medical services
Dulcie Flower's work in healthcare stretches back decades, when she established one of the longest-running Aboriginal healthcare centres in the country. In a reflective interview on Living Black with Karla Grant, the veteran nurse, activist and 2024 NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award winner reflected on her decades of advocacy - from the referendum campaign to helping establish the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern. A proud Meriam woman, Flower was the first Torres Strait Islander to receive the national honour. Dulcie Flower - Helping Our People 'I think it was the biggest compliment I've ever been [given],' she said. In the 1960s, Flower worked closely with leaders like Faith Bandler, Pastor Doug Nicholls and Joe McGinness as part of the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI). Their campaigning helped deliver the 1967 referendum — a landmark moment that saw over 90% of Australians vote to remove two discriminatory clauses from the Constitution. 'It meant that women could have child endowment, there could be a pension given to widows. It meant people could bank money,' she said. 'They could not control their own money. They could not leave wills. They were considered, uh, not having the capacity to make wills. So all this sort of restrictive legislation had to be done away with. And it was.' But despite that victory, she says the same systemic injustices remain today. 'We were working hard to ensure that their health was looked over,' she said. 'But they were being sent back into the same environment, which had not changed.' She described a system still failing to meet the needs of First Nations people - fragmented, underfunded, and not up to scratch. 'It's still piecemeal. It's a bit here and a bit there,' she said. Flower was also a founding member of the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern, alongside Mum Shirl, Gordon Briscoe and others. The clinic opened in the evenings, and she recalled those early nights when no one came. 'They'd poke their heads in the door, and we explained what we... Mum Shirl rounded up some people, mainly family... gradually people came. We had families and uh, and so on it went.' The service became a culturally safe haven — especially for people who had been rejected or mistreated elsewhere, including members of the queer community. 'I'll never forget the first lot of young men who decided they were going to change over to being female,' she said. 'There was nowhere else for them to go... but they were very welcome. They were made to be part of the family... Nobody judged them there. And they'd come and be treated in exactly the same way as other people.' She also played a key role in mentoring and training Aboriginal nurses and health workers, helping to build an Indigenous health workforce where none had existed. Now in her 80s, Auntie Dulcie says the future is still full of possibility — if the work continues. 'We're in a time of change,' she said. 'We'll lose a few battles, but we'll win too.' Living Black airs Mondays at 8.30pm on NITV, replays on Tuesday 10.35pm on SBS and is available on SBS On Demand. Interviews and feature reports from NITV. A mob-made podcast about all things Blak life. The Point: Referendum Road Trip Live weekly on Tuesday at 7.30pm Join Narelda Jacobs and John Paul Janke to get unique Indigenous perspectives and cutting-edge analysis on the road to the referendum. Watch now
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
$500m feeding frenzy as empire implodes
The $500m collapse of a hospitality giant is set to spark a feeding frenzy among Australia's richest pub barons. The collapse of Jon Adgemis' Public Hospitality Group (PHG), has happened slowly, then suddenly with the former KPMG partner now facing the break up of his beloved empire. The Sunday Telegraph reports PHG has a whopping $500m in debts. A Notice of Application for Winding up Order has been lodged with ASIC. Adgemis' empire included 20 pubs, with the opportunity for some savvy buyers to 'pick them up on the cheap'. The pubs and other ventures in that empire that have been put up for sale include boutique hotel Oxford House in Sydney's Paddington, The Norfolk in Redfern, Camelia Grove Hotel in Alexandria, Darlinghurst's Exchange Hotel, The Strand Hotel in the CBD, The Oxford Tavern in Petersham, the Exhange Hotel in Balmain and the Melbourne's Clifton Hotel and St George. According to reports, staff are still owed $6.7m that needs to be paid by July 31. And jobs could be at risk, depending on how the hospitality venues are carved up and sold. Some of these venues have already been snapped up by hospitality giants such as the Solotel Group, run by industry veteran Bruce Solomon, whose other venues include the Clock Hotel in Surry Hills and the Golden Sheaf in Double Bay. Given the huge interest from cashed up pub barons in adding to their asset base, the sell-off of PHG, could see Aussie pub barons enter another scrap. That could lead to a showdown of sorts between the likes of pub tsars Arthur Laundy and Justin Hemmes over the ruins of Adgemis' empire. Scott Didier, Group CEO of construction firm Johns Lyng Group, could be another interested party after he recently expanding his empire with the $140m headline grabbing buy of the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay. It was the second highest price ever paid for an Aussie pub, behind The Crossroads Hotel in Casula in Sydney's southwest which changed hands for $160m in 2022. The Crossroads was purchased by former Sydney Lord Mayor and philanthropist Nelson Meers, could he also been interested in an offload from PHG? One of the more interesting assets in PHG's empire is the old Town Hall hotel in Balmain, which was an inner-city icon before being turned into a gym and is now looking for a new existence. Adgemis is not alone, with some experts are warning the increasing cost of doing business is driving more publicans and owners to call time on their venues. Adgemis was also working on big build projects including 19-room boutique hotel the Flinders in Darlinghurst, and one on the site of the former Noah's Bondi backpackers on Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach. That was bought for $68m by Adgemis in 2022 and is now looks likely to be sold off to creditors. Adgemis has also had to move out of the waterside Bang & Olufsen House, a $130m+ mansion in Australia's most expensive suburb – Point Piper. It was so named because Elton John thought it looked like a stereo when he spotted it while sailing on Sydney Harbour and considered buying it as an Aussie pad.
Perth Now
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Man attempts a day out in Perth with a $50 budget
Perth locals and visitors alike will announce that we are an expensive city — especially during a cost-of-living crisis. However, British content creator George Redfern has put together a video on 'how to' enjoy Perth with only $50 for a full day of eating, activities and getting around. In the video, Redfern explores the city on a Sunday where, with a valid SmartRider, travel on trains, buses and ferries is currently free. He headed to Kings Park, commenting on the views and lush fauna, then made his way to the CBD to popular local toasted sandwich shop Toastface Grillah, spending $10 for his coffee and snack. George Refern Credit: YouTube Redfern then travelled to Herrison Island to see the kangaroos. His activities took him for a hit at the Wembley Golf Course driving range ($13) and then a takeaway alcoholic drink on Cottesloe beach ($5) — with the creator failing to realise drinking alcohol in public places is illegal in Western Australia and can attract up to a $2,000 fine. That could have put a serious dent in his budget. He finished the day in Subiaco, where he ate a plate of fish and chips for dinner. He added that he was surprised by the $18 price tag and the crispness of the chips, something he had not experienced in his native UK. He added a can of soft drink for $3. His total for the day was $49. Whether the creator has shown the best sides of Perth on a budget, or is just after hits and subscribers, is up to locals to decide. George Redfern has nearly five thousand YouTube subscribers and a moderate following on social media with his videos focusing on travelling on a budget — often staying at accommodation on the lower end of the market. After landing in Perth, Redfern put his content creation skills to good use showcasing his take on things sandgropers take for granted.
West Australian
05-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
WA dairy farmers remain reluctant to expand their business despite positive conditions in the upcoming season
WA dairy farmers remain reluctant to expand their business despite favourable weather conditions and forecasted higher farmgate prices and business profits for the upcoming season. Dairy Australia's 2025 national dairy farmer survey suggested improved seasonal conditions are contributing towards greater positivity about the future of the industry yet WA farmers remain cautious in the short-term. Similarly, Tasmania and Gippsland farmers remain positive but mindful, while in South Australia and Murray confidence in the industry's future and their own businesses have dropped significantly since 2024. New South Wales farmers are most optimistic about profitability, with many planning to make on-farm capital investments over the next two years and are more likely to make major investment decisions compared to other regions. Dairy Australia analysis and insights manager Eliza Redfern said extreme weather was the largest industry concern currently with 69 per cent of farmers affected by it. 'While the worst impacts have been in western Victoria and SA, at least half of all businesses in every dairy region have experienced some effects of extreme weather conditions,' she said. Industry is also facing higher operational costs and global headwinds that continue to impact profitability and decrease producer sentiment. With most WA milk going to the domestic market, the state is least likely to be impacted by trade and economic uncertainty. However, Rabobank's 2025/26 Australian dairy market outlook — released on May 28 — has noted an uncertain global backdrop could lead to a dampening of dairy demand locally and in Australia's export markets. Senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey said recent tariff measures introduced by the US administration have unsettled many international markets. 'While this is likely to see minimal direct disruption for Australia's dairy sector – given the local industry's product mix and market exposure – from a broader perspective, several key dairy trade flows remain under scrutiny,' he said. In terms of the domestic retail market, Dairy Australia's situation and outlook report — also released on May 28 — indicates dairy continues to perform well, supported by behaviour linked to inflation and emerging consumer trends. Ms Redfern said year-on-year milk was up 0.7 per cent, dairy spreads were up 3.3 per cent, cheese was up 4.2 per cent and yoghurt was up 8.4 per cent. 'Australia is on track to maintain a national milk pool of 8.3 billion litres this season,' she said. However, Ms Redfern said lingering climate impacts, margin pressures and a lower appetite for farm business growth may result in easing milk production for the 2025/26 season. 'Dairy Australia currently forecasts a 0-2% reduction in national milk production for next season, likely dropping to around 8.24 billion litres, however, it is a rapidly developing situation,' she said. In terms of WA, Ms Redfern said milk production has also been tracking down this season, despite favourable weather conditions. 'Both the dry conditions and cull cow backlogs from the 2023/24 season have been resolved, however the latter has left the state with a significantly smaller herd,' she said. 'There have been approximately eight farm exits this season, with all reportedly maintaining the same ownership but converting to beef as a hobby as part of their retirement plans. 'While the above has weighed on WA production this season, the state will likely maintain a milk pool between 300-350 million litres and will possibly do so again in the 2025-26 season, if weather remains favourable and farm exits slow.'
Daily Mail
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nigella Lawson gushes over Sydney's 'hidden gem' restaurant after discovering its 'staircase to heaven': 'Took my breath away'
She's dined in Paris, feasted in Florence, and hosted glamorous banquets in London - but it's yet another hidden Sydney gem that's captured Nigella Lawson 's taste buds. The beloved British food icon, who's currently soaking up the Australian sunshine, took to Instagram to wax lyrical about Club Fontana, a quiet Italian eatery tucked away in Sydney's inner-south. In a post brimming with culinary joy, Nigella, famous for her poetic descriptions of food and unapologetic love of carbs, revealed she was completely enchanted by the Redfern restaurant, describing the experience as 'uplifting,' 'cosy,' and 'exquisite.' 'The visit filled my heart with joy,' the 65-year-old foodie said. 'The food is exquisite but cosy, and the place immediately relaxing and uplifting.' Nigella admitted that despite already falling for a handful of favourite Sydney spots, she was finally persuaded to try Fontana after hearing repeated praise from her close friend and renowned ceramicist and artist Shelley Simpson. 'I haven't been able to resist going back to restaurants I already know and love here in Sydney… but nor do I want to restrict myself to only my fond, familiar haunts,' she explained. 'The wonderful Shelley Simpson has been telling me about Club Fontana for ages now, and I'm really not sure why I haven't gone there before… but we went together last week, and the visit filled my heart with joy.' And while Fontana may not be the most obvious pick from the street, what it lacks in visibility it makes up for in charm. 'It's hard to find from the street (mind you, I have got absolutely no sense of direction), but eventually I discovered the carpeted staircase to heaven,' Nigella said - and from there, she was completely sold. The self-confessed 'carb queen' dove into a string of bold, nostalgic, and impeccably executed dishes, starting with a humble Italian classic - pane fritto with anchovies. 'Pane fritto is, simply, Italian for fried bread,' she said. 'But think puffed-up little pieces of sausage-shaped dough, light but with just the right amount of chew, topped with a salty stripe of anchovy.' And the hits just kept coming. From crostini topped with soft-cooked chicory and velvety broad bean purée, to garlic bread rolls that ooze caramelised garlic butter with every greedy bite, Nigella made her way through the menu with delight. 'Carb queen that I am, I moved on to their garlic bread, which comes sumptuously in the form of a bread roll that gushes… with caramelised garlic butter,' she swooned. She paired it with fresh, soft ricotta which she likened to 'a butterfly kiss', and a bitter leaf Autumn Caesar salad, complete with guanciale, roast kohlrabi, and more anchovies (because one can never have too many). But it was the dessert that left the TV star and bestselling author speechless. 'Pudding had to be the zabaglione cream, piled Mr Whippy style on top of a kind of upside-down crumble… that's to say, wine-poached quince over a bite-able rubble of divinely peppery biscuit,' Nigella wrote. 'This took my breath away. Well, it all did.' Ever the thoughtful diner, Nigella made sure to give credit where it's due, singing the praises of the restaurant's talented chef for their 'palate as perfect as his touch.' She also applauded the service, giving a warm shout-out to front-of-house staff member who helped make the night 'an utter enchantment.' Despite flying relatively under the radar, Fontana has already built a loyal cult following among Sydney foodies, but now, with Nigella's golden seal of approval, a table at the cosy 40-seater could soon be one of the toughest to score in town. The visiting British food icon recently dined at Ester in Chippendale, a trendy Sydney restaurant headed up by chef Mat Lindsay that may be a hidden gem - not widely known among the general public but revered by off-duty chefs and serious foodies. She about Ester for remaining 'unfailingly the most exciting kitchen in the world' after visiting the little-known hotspot with two friends. The high level of praise that Nigella heaped on Ester should hardly come as a surprise given that she'd previously named it a must-visit when she's in town The 65-year-old specifically highlighted some of the restaurant's 'exceptional dishes', explaining that her dining experience commenced with 'impeccable' oysters to start. Also on the menu was the 'legendary fermented potato bread with salmon roe and beguiling jelly-topped kefir cream' - a signature dish renowned at the restaurant. Nigella also called out the 'exquisite pippies' as a standout. ReceipeTin Eats founder, Nagi Maehashi, also responded to Nigella's post with an elongated: 'Yuuuuuummmm!!!' The beloved Australian food blogger also recommended that Nigella check out Ester's sister restaurant, Poly. 'Get everything on the smalls list,' Nagi advised. The high level of praise that Nigella heaped on Ester should hardly come as a surprise given that she'd previously named it a must-visit when she's in town. The British food icon told Gourmet Traveller earlier this year that the surprising yet delicious creations at Mat Lindsay's restaurant are 'extraordinary'. The award-winning restaurant is known for its relaxed yet stylish interiors and wood-fired modern Australian fare.
