from the publisher
W
GREG T ROSS
hat strange times we live in. Not since the bushfires that turned into a truly national disaster started last year, earlier than ever before, have we felt peace. We have suffered and reorganised and adapted. We have survived the fires and the COVID-19 plague that followed. If this has been a test of spirit, Australia has shone. In our last edition we were coming out of the worst natural disaster in Australia’s history. The devastating bushfires that ravaged in every state as well as the ACT, cost lives, destroyed 5,900 buildings and burnt 18.6 million hectares. Our Summer cover showed Australian rock group Cold Chisel, promoting their January 24th gig at Bankwest Stadium honouring Rural Fire Service volunteers. We decided to make this Anzac Day edition a part tribute to all around Australia that had stood up when it mattered. We thought we had seen off the worst. Then came the worst. The Corona Virus – the COVID-19 pandemic has swept the world and endangered the human species like nothing since the Asian Flu in 1957-58, the Hong Kong Flu in 1968-70 and the Spanish Flu in 1918-20. In this rapidly changing world, on a local and international scale, we are committed to bringing readers of The Last Post the most authoritative, respected and up-to date news on the virus. So, with a look at the bushfires still a part of this edition, we have as well donated space to the pandemic. At the time of writing, we are doing relatively well in Australia, a tribute to forward planning, quick responses and the resolve of the local communities. In this edition, as part of our Bushfire feature, we speak with former Commissioner of NSW Fire Brigade Ken Thompson. Ken gives his reasons as to why this recent outbreak was worse than ever. After the chaos of last summer we again return with a bunch of interviews. In this edition we catch up with artist Ken Done, playwright David Williamson, singer Linda George and Prof. Dale Stephens from the Adelaide Law School. As well, we chat with Angie McCartney. Angie is Paul McCartney’s step-mum and spoke with us about her childhood in Liverpool, marrying Paul’s Dad, James and about her new book, Your Mother Should Know. Included also is a look at the 2021 RAAF Heritage Awards for Literature. It carries a combined prizemoney of $50,000. South Australia is a state that has regularly led the way on matters of social issues. Recently, SA Publishing company Wakefield Press released a prized quality, coffee-table styled book, Trailblazers – 100 Inspiring South Australian Women. We include a look at some of these women in this edition. Tim Page is a renowned and respected photographer who first made his mark during the Vietnam War and with his coverage of social upheaval in the 1960’s. He has been a regular contributor to The Last Post since its inception. In this issue we give readers the chance to own Tim’s prints. In Arts we feature Jack P Kellerman’s 10 Songs, a look at the writer’s memories associated with his favourite songs. We again include the works of famed New Zealand poet, Jeremy Roberts. Sidney Nolan was a famed and internationally acclaimed Australian artist whose works still help frame the Australian psyche. We include the memories of former National Portrait Gallery’s Director, Andrew Sayers, upon his meeting with the great painter. We also again run a story from great Australian writer and photographer, James Fitzroy as he takes us to the Flinders Ranges. We look too, at the life of Italian-born sailor Luciano Sandrin. Luciano sailed for the Italian team in the 1956 Olympics after he had migrated to Australia and years later built a yacht with his father in his
backyard in Melbourne. Lou then sailed his yacht back to his hometown of Trieste and received a heroes welcome. This is my story of my friend. Who knows what comes next? Some may be too scared to ask. We do know that, and are reminded of the fact that life is full of surprises. But we also know that we, through our actions, or lack of them, can encourage a good or bad outcome. There is increasing evidence that both the bushfires – or the scale of the bushfires – and the COVID outcome on an international level, could have been avoided. As the population of the world increases and while forests are destroyed to satisfy that increasing number, we must become even more aware of the repercussions of making bad decisions. The world is forgiving and loving but it is not to be crossed. It is something we should cherish and not take for granted. Scientists still do not know if there is life in other galaxies or if life on earth was the result of a one-in-a-billion accident. We have been lucky to have been giving life. Let’s not waste it. One thing we do know is that there is an Australian spirit and intelligence. Recent events have shown that. Our veterans, as well as though in learned institutions must be honoured as a sign of respect. For us to live good and honest lives is to honour. Read and enjoy this amazing edition of The Last Post. It is my honour to bring it to you.
· The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) acknowledges the central role of the Navy protecting our vital sea lanes and borders, in both peacetime and times of conflict · The MUA also acknowledges and salutes the role of the merchant fleet in supporting the Navy and pays tribute to the many civilian seafarers who have lost their lives in supporting the defence effort · The Navy and the domestic civilian fleet remain as active partners in supporting and facilitating Australia’s shipping dependancy as an island nation · The MUA looks forward to continuing to work closely with Navy on the many synergies that exist in Navy operations and commercial shipping operations
For more information go to www.mua.org.au
