January 28, 2026
Drawing clouds and coconuts: Why cartoonists never tire of the Pearly Gates and the Desert Island The Pearly Gates and the Desert Island are two of the most symbolic settings in the cartoon world.
Opinion

Drawing clouds and coconuts: Why cartoonists never tire of the Pearly Gates and the Desert Island

The Pearly Gates and the Desert Island are two of the most symbolic settings in the cartoon world. The Pearly Gates and the Desert Island are two of the most symbolic settings in the cartoon world. YOU would think that after decades, cartoonists would have wrung out every last drop of humour from two of […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, I was recently being led to my medical appointment by a young intern when I accidentally broke wind. It was loud and it was pretty clear that I was the culprit. I am in my mid-fifties. I was mortified. Should I have said something to him? Brook S. Dear Brook, First of all, […]

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The Write Direction: Interesting numbers
The Write Direction

The Write Direction: Interesting numbers

WHEN writing a regular “opinion piece”, on occasions the subject can become exciting. This week’s offering may well create credibility issues as I’m commenting on figures released in relation to real estate sales last quarter said to be in a price slump involving sales in 938 suburbs. Clearly, I’m not an expert in this area […]

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The Write Direction: UBI sounds like BS to me
The Write Direction

The Write Direction: UBI sounds like BS to me

WHAT do governments do when finances get out of hand? How do they solve issues quickly so that they are re-elected? Survival is the number one game in politics, so when your interest bill on borrowings gets to where it is in Australia today, at $5 million per day, clearly something needs to be done […]

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On the couch with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

On the couch with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, OUR home was adorned with beautifully framed photographic memories of our travels and adventures. Over the past few visits from in-laws, these memories have all been replaced with watercolours. Is this something to embrace or something to mourn? Brett P. Dear Brett, What an unusual conundrum. Are you suggesting your in-laws are perhaps […]

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From the Mayor’s Desk: Cr Claire Pontin
From The Mayor's Desk

From the Mayor’s Desk: Cr Claire Pontin

OUR community is still reeling from the devastating May floods and that struggle is likely to continue for years to come. But while we go through the process of rebuilding and applying for more funding and support from State and Federal levels, I would like to acknowledge the eight NSW Councils that sent us roads […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, A mutual friend often offers me job opportunities during social gatherings, but doesn’t mention the subject again until the next time we catch up. Should I take these offers seriously and seek further information, or brush them off? Katie L. Dear Katie, Social situations often involve social lubricants. Is your mutual friend half-tanked […]

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Stargazing: How long would it take to get to the nearest star?
Opinion

Stargazing: How long would it take to get to the nearest star?

EVERY night, the stars wink down at us like ancient storytellers, daring us to come closer. They’ve been hanging there for billions of years, teasing us with the possibility that someone – or something – might be staring back. The great cosmic question is simple yet maddening: will we ever actually visit another star? The […]

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