This was published 1 year ago
Good Weekend letters to the editor: February 11
“Tomato and olive tapenade tart @daniellemariealvarez @goodweekendmag @goodfoodau My family loved it! ”Credit: @madam_godzilla
One Year On
As Nicole Abadee writes in her excellent story [February 4] about Ukrainians escaping to Australia from their war-torn country, “They left husbands and fathers, grandparents and friends, good jobs and exciting career prospects” behind. The story gives us a very personal and up-close take on the destruction and chaos Vladimir Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine has wrought. It shows us how individual lives have been needlessly pulled apart, left traumatised as they worry about loved ones back home in Ukraine. But it also shows us the hope Australia has given them, in terms of a roof over their heads, and safety while the war grinds on. Regardless of whether they choose to remain in Australia or return to their homeland, we have offered these refugees a safe haven, reflecting Australia at its best.
Chris Brown
Erskineville, NSW
Dicey Topics
A wonderful interview with Helen Haines [February 4]. She’s such a relatable person providing a motivating message: if you feel disempowered, stand up and do something about it! Parliament could do with many more honest, down-to-earth politicians like her.
Amy Hiller
Kew, VIC
Online comments
Roxy5: Thank you for keeping Ukrainians in our minds: these are heartbreaking stories. I wish them all the best of luck. Learning English is hard, especially Aussie English! Keep at it, and you will know the lingo before you know it.
Taipan: Anna Viktorova is not alone in her difficulty with Australian speech. My parents came from Sweden in 1950, and I was born here in 1952. As a result, I’ve been bilingual all my life. Mum told me that when she was in maternity hospital after my birth, the lady in her ward told her that she “was going home to die” and was seemingly very happy about that. It turns out that she was actually saying, “I’m going home today.” It was the Strine accent that confused Mum.
Unquiet Australian: Such an inspiring yet sad story. We see images of the war on our televisions, but this drives home the cost to people’s lives. I wish all the best to those Ukrainian refugees who have come to Australia. And I am proud that this country is doing what it can to support Ukraine and it’s people.
Discerning Reader: I am very glad for these families that they’ve been able to come here and be welcomed, given visas, allowed to work (and helped to find work quickly), been supported to access Medicare, Centrelink, etc. I am thankful for those who have helped them to navigate our foreign (literally) systems as quickly as possible and hope others in need soon receive the same support.
Newshound: It is wonderful to see people being able to adapt to their new lives in Australia. We welcome you with open arms and trust that you enjoy your time with us, or maybe you will stay forever in your newly adopted country. You are all trying so hard and we wish you well for the future.
CCGT: I applaud Australia and the very brave migrants for their actions. Your strength and courage will get you through this time with a view to making a better life for future generations. From experience, immigration trauma and with it, loss of identity does tend to last over two or three generations. The longing of the motherland slowly wanes. You’ve chosen the best country on earth to live in.
Shemp: Mr Inbetween is some of the best television I have ever seen. World-class writing, directing and acting. Scott Ryan deserves all the success he’s going to get.
Brett: I’ve long been a fan of Mr Inbetween. I’m a very fussy viewer and don’t waste my time watching something unless it’s really good and appeals to me. This is one of the few Australian shows that I would recommend. It’s so real and natural-seeming, that it makes you realise that the underworld it shows is probably all around us, every day.
Anthony: Great article on Scott Ryan and his brilliant TV project Mr Inbetween. Can’t wait to see what he does next.
Ronald Trump: Mr Inbetween is brilliant ... I’m gutted there will be no more. I really need to know what happened after the end of that last episode. I wish Scott all the best for the future, a real talent.
Splashy: Mr Inbetween is one of the best shows I have ever seen and Ryan is immense. Can’t wait for his next project.
Mark Oakley: It’s rare I read such a long article. Loved it ...
Roxy: What a cracker! Love Mr Inbetween. Scott is an amazing actor and writer - and by the sounds of it, an awesome bloke.
Mary Nick: This is an incredible story ... I’m watching all his stuff.
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