MANNERS AND OTHER MATTERS

                                                                                         Photo:  abc.net.au Prince William in Australia with his parents, March 1983  Prince William has spent the past few days representing The Queen in the earthquake ravaged city of Christchurch in New Zealand and the cyclone and flood affected regions of Australia. I have just completed an interview with Radio 6PR about the manners of children when travelling with their parents. The producer advised that they were running the story in response to the 28th annive...

(Photo US Navy 13 March 2011) PACIFIC OCEAN (March 13, 2011) A Japanese home is seen adrift in the Pacific Ocean. Ships and aircraft from the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group are searching for survivors in the coastal waters near Sendai, Japan. The world has been watching with awe and horror the unfolding tragedy in Japan. I think the vision and commentary surrounding this natural disaster will remain with many of us for years and we will recall exactly where we were, and what we were doing, at the time that it occurred. I was travelling to the airport to meet a friend. He is very interested in geography, weather and its repercussions and so it was with a sense of almost trepidation that I relayed to him the news that I had heard on the ABC radio station I had been listening to in the car. But even then, although most of the regular radio programmes were interrupted for the live commentary of the earthquake the broadcaster was only just hearing, and relaying news of the tsunami. ...

I don't know who did the underlining...not me! I have  just returned from being the “Master of Ceremonies” should that be “Mistress”? at an International Women’s Day luncheon for the Centenary of International Women's Day.  I am the Patron of the Belmont Business Enterprise Centre which was a co-sponsor for the event. I don’t actually do much as the Patron other than assist at official functions. But I meet amazing people. And today was no exception. (Photo Julie Williams) After a Welcome to Country by a local indigenous elder, a practice which is now common in Australia, we heard some inspirational speeches. From women who came to the country as migrants with little or no English and have achieved wonderful things…for themselves and their families; to young women who are choosing paths of international modelling opportunities; or “expressing themselves” in wonderfully artistic ways. My dear friend, Carol Hanlon, the CEO of the Belmont BEC was last night inducted i...