What has it meant? If it has been a grudging acknowledgement in order to relieve the pressure of a collective nagging and vague sense of guilt, not much at all. If it has been an empty vocalisation in order to finally silence, irritating and scolding voices we’d rather not hear – then zilch. If itContinue reading “It’s now three years since saying sorry…”
Author Archives: wonderingpilgrim
When the circus accentuates tragedy…
I’ve just been listening to politicians conscientiously “questioning” the rationale for flying bereaved asylum seeker detainees the long distance from Christmas Island to relatives’ funerals in Sydney. These are the victims of the shipwreck off Christmas Island late last year. “Why not lay them to rest on Christmas Island?” they opine. Forget the fact thatContinue reading “When the circus accentuates tragedy…”
Celebrating the Unthanks
Festivals of arts always give us the opportunity to dip into a smorgasbord of genres we may not otherwise take the trouble to encounter. Jenny and I celebrated belatedly her birthday by having a night out with the Unthanks, a unique folk group blending traditional and contemporary music from the north east of England –Continue reading “Celebrating the Unthanks”
Singing for flood relief
I often grab a snack in this food court and have thought how well it might lend itself to a “flash mob” performance. Well, now it has! And it’s for flood disaster relief. http://www.youtube.com/user/StorytellerMedia (For some reason I’m unable to directly embed the video here.) Edit: Ahh – good reason – it’s on a pageContinue reading “Singing for flood relief”
Praying with the Coptics…
Many of Perth’s Egyptian community endured a sleepless night as the dramatic events of their homeland unfolded and the seat of government changed. Such was the background for the 40th day commemoration of those who died in the Alexandria bomb blast on New Year’s Day following midnight prayers. It was my privilege to attend theContinue reading “Praying with the Coptics…”
Saying sorry – the continuing journey
The third anniversary of the Australian government’s Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is rapidly approaching (13th February). What of substance has occurred since then? A bi-partisan response to the audit presented to federal parliament this week, Closing the Gap, revealed some challenges, unfulfilled intentions and a degree of frustration on all sides.Continue reading “Saying sorry – the continuing journey”
What Would Jesus Cut?
There will be considerable angst in Australia’s Federal Parliament today as a minority government seeks the support of the cross-benches to pass a flood tax levy. The Opposition prefers that post-flood reconstruction be funded by budget cuts, targeting a range of so-called “soft” options such as our commitment to overseas aid. Our friends across theContinue reading “What Would Jesus Cut?”
Travelling lightly
Over the last few days, Perth lost 72 homes to fires (with significant damage to 30 more). Some evacuees told me of the moment they knew they had to leave at very little notice. What could they grab? They decided to leave everything – it wasn’t important as long as they had each other. AsContinue reading “Travelling lightly”
Vale Ron
One hour to go to conducting one of the largest funerals we’ll see here for a while. Not some great statesman or civic leader – just a simple soul who lived his 86 years well and without complication, enjoying the fullness of each moment and the presence of each person. He taught us much andContinue reading “Vale Ron”
More fires, more floods
Here, in Perth, we have lost up to thirty five homes over 12 hours and the fires are still out of control. AM – Fire devastates homes in Perth’s east 07/02/2011. In the east, flood damage from storm and cyclone directly affecting thousands is still being assessed. I noticed in news reports on the firesContinue reading “More fires, more floods”
Wondering Pilgrim 