Former High Court judge Michael Kirby reveals his favourite bits of Bondi Junction
The Wentworth Courier launches our postcode pride campaign Why I Love My Suburb with the help of former High Court judge Michael Kirby.
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WHY I love my suburb is a new series written by Sydneysiders about their patch. We are lauching it with Michael Kirby, the longest serving High Court justice. Now a human rights advocate, he tells us what he loves about life and his suburb.
Why I moved to Bondi Junction: My partner Johan and I lived in a lovely Frank Lloyd Wright/Gruzman home in Dumaresq Rd, Rose Bay for 40 years. The harbour views were stunning. But Johan got sick of minding the pool, sweeping the leaves and tending the garden. Our three generations of Abyssinian cats finally departed. So we decided to look for a penthouse in Bondi Junction. We did not go elsewhere, we stayed in the same district. Fabulous views. Glorious environment. Marvellous transport.
The thing I like most about living there is the views and the environment; together with proximity to wonderful public transport. We both love our public transport.
What does a day in the life of Michael Kirby look like? I take the first train at 4.55am and go to the office in Macquarie St and get home at 8pm. I can be in my office within 15 minutes of leaving my home. Paradise! I am asleep by 10pm at night.
Favourite restaurant? We mainly eat at home and do not watch much television. We talk to one another. That is how our relationship has survived 49 years 7 months. We sometimes go to Bondi Pizza in the shopping complex at Bondi Junction. Busy, noisy and not too expensive! Mostly we eat at home, very simple meals. I have stopped eating meat and poultry. Everyone should be cutting down on meat.
My favourite park is Centennial Park, it cannot be beaten. We must make sure that the developers are not allowed to cast their shadows, physical and psychological, on the beauty of the park.
One thing that needs to change about Bondi Junction is a cap on development, so that we retain a sense of community and avoid building out the views of residents or casting shadows that make the place gloomy.
The best gift I’ve received recently is Johan finally accepted my proposal of marriage. What bigger gift can there be? It will be small, private and secular. And it will happen exactly on the 50th anniversary of our meeting on February 11, 1969. Human relationships are precious. We have been lucky. But one has to work on it. Every day. And I have to give in every time there is a disagreement!
The most interesting places I’ve travelled to are Bhutan and India. Back in 1969 and 1974. Johan and I went overland in a VW Kombi van through India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and on to the Netherlands, where he was born. I am returning to Lahore for the first time since 1974. This time it is for a human rights conference, celebrating a great woman lawyer of Pakistan, who died recently, Asma Jahangir.
A book I can recommend is Korea: Where the American Century Began (2018, Hardie Grant Books), a recent book written by Supreme Court judge Michael Pembroke. It explains the legacy of hate that followed the Korean War, on both sides.
The last meal that truly impressed you? I was forever complaining about the lack of seafood meals at Bondi Pizza. At long last they have revised their menu, and offered more for non-meat eaters. There is a fabulous linguine marinara. .
My biggest concern about society is political instability and changing prime ministers because of opinion polls and media pressure. Not a good look.
I am comforted by the growing role of women in public life and in the law; and the big change that has come about in attitudes to LGBTIQ people in Australia since Johan and I met nearly 50 years ago. There is still a lot to be achieved and the pushback by fundamentalist religious people must be resisted. Secularism in public life is one of the greatest gifts of the British to the world, including to Australia. We must defend and preserve it. Live and let live.
What do you love about your suburb? Tell us at editorial@wentworthcourier.com.au