To mark the 30th anniversary of “CityNews”, social historian and journalist NICHOLE OVERALL has written an eclectic history of Canberra and beyond over the past three decades. Here is 2014.
“The strongest asset of our own Katy Gallagher/Andrew Barr government is their businesslike, managerial approach” claims “CityNews” columnist Robert Macklin – as Deputy Barr replaces outgoing Chief Gallagher, her eye on ACT Senator Kate Lundy’s seat.
“The nation loses one of its most iconic leaders”
“The Conversation”
In speaking somewhat ill of the dead, Macklin keeps it real on the gushing tributes to Gough Whitlam (near and far: “Leader of Australia Who Built Ties to China”, New York’s view). Harsher truths noted include that the one-term prime minister was “an appalling manager. His ministry was a shambles”.
“Tony Abbott the least popular PM in 25 years”
“The New Daily”
Still on popularity – or death – the Fed Libs more biff than Marty McFly: PM Tony Abbott and Deputy Julie Bishop neck-and-neck at 20 per cent (or, 80 per cent unlikeability); Malcolm Turnbull marginally more respectable at 35; Scott Morrison a paltry 3 per cent. If ever there was a political horoscope …
“Friends push picture of magic Mike after Baird’s rapid rise to Premier”
“SMH”
Channing Tatum, no, but in NSW, a pollie with the cult of popularity apparently thrust upon him, Mike Baird is elevated to premier on Barry O’Farrell’s demise courtesy of an errant bottle of wine and the pernickety ICAC.
“Tasmanian election: Greens and Labor blame each other for poor results”
“The Guardian”
Longer in Opposition than even the Canberra Liberals, Tasmania’s Blue Party regains the upper hand after 16 years.
“Labor lives to fight another day in South Australia”
“The Conversation”
Waning in the “P-stakes” after a record 12 years, Jay Weatherill’s government barely weathers their election, just clinging to a fourth-term of power.
“Victorian election 2014: Dan Andrews is now in a real jam”
“The Herald-Sun”
Labor’s social capital will up considerably on the rise of “Teflon” Dan Andrews, defeating Denis Napthine’s one-term Liberal government (not seen at state level since 1955).
“Hyper-Canberra”
Canberra, unkindly known as “The Crapital”, aiming to lift its street cred. A local-produced hyperlapse video set to the ABC News theme remix (Pendulum, dropped 2010, hip enough for a Moosehead’s playlist) – puts “Canberra Feel the Power” to shame.
“ABC axes Friday edition of ‘7.30’ program to make way for Stan Grant show”
“SMH”
A not cool drop: ABC’s “ACT 7.30” on Friday nights.
“Secrets of successful women in business”
“CityNews” makes a great success of local female success in the same year the ACT Women’s Awards kick off, recognising “women who improve the status and lives of women and girls in the ACT”.
“Cambridges charm the Canberra crowds”
April 23
Stratospheric social appeal on the Canberra arrival of the photogenic Duke and Duchess, William and Kate, and their adorable future king, George, slaying it in a 10-day Australian tour.
“From General to Governor-General”
“The Guardian”
And a chance to take tea with the newest resident of Government House, General Sir Peter Cosgrove.
“Cheers to Tilley’s Devine Cafe”
Nothing to do in Canberra, you gripe? Well, Questacon’s a winner, as is a trip out to Yass for a look at its ACT Local Government Award for tourism. And how’s the cultural heft?
Tilley’s – as in the notorious 1920’s gang leader – at Lyneham, marks 30 years as a “feminist icon”, while following the ring-pull of “Canberra’s first bar focused on independent Australian craft beer”, Capital Brewing (2011), Bentspoke joins the party
Horror headlines reach the heights as well:
“U.S. official: Missile shot down Malaysia Airlines plane”
CNN
Flight MH17 crashes in Ukraine, close to the Russian border, in unexplained circumstances, 38 Australians on board.
“Sydney siege: Prime Minister Tony Abbott says gunman is ‘claiming political motivation’”
ABC News
The Lindt Chocolate Cafe hostage situation in Sydney’s CBD ends with the gunman, Man Monis, and two others dead, four injured.
“Canberrans gather to view rare blood moon eclipse at Mount Stromlo”
ABC News
The Sun, Moon and Earth forming a line to block all light, evocative of much.
The full collection of Nichole Overall’s “CityNews” anniversary columns can be seen here.
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Ian Meikle, editor
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