The October 25 Edition
There are only a few identities who loom large over publishing and media in Australia, and one of them is, inarguably, Ita Buttrose. To say she has impacted the lives of countless women is no exaggeration – from dismantling social taboos around discussing women’s experience with sex and relationships via Cleo magazine to repeatedly breaking barriers for women in the workforce – and, specifically, the media. Greg Callaghan’s interview with Buttrose retraces a complex career in which he, quite rightly, identifies her as having cleared the path for at least two generations of women in the industry. But perhaps my favourite anecdote in his piece is where TV host Sarah Harris recounts witnessing Buttrose’s enduring love of print media at an event for The Australian Women’s Weekly – the magazine she had once edited. “She picked up a freshly printed copy,” recounts Harris, “brought it right up to her face, took a deep breath and said, ‘I never tire of this’ before popping it straight into her handbag.” Hard relate, Ita. – Melissa Stevens, editor
Never in her wildest dreams did Ita imagine her career would go the way it did
Now 83 and slowed only by her declining mobility, Ita Buttrose remains as sharp and opinionated as ever as she reflects on her six decades in the media.
- by Greg Callaghan
‘Did I have a problem crying on tape?’ Jacinda Ardern’s warts-and-all doco
Two years after Jacinda Ardern stepped down as New Zealand’s prime minister, she’s on a mission to “rehumanise” global leadership.
- by David Crowe
‘Feared, respected and disliked’: The private powerbroker who has Lachlan Murdoch’s ear
It’s not easy to gain trust, clout and power in News Corp if your last name isn’t Murdoch, but Siobhan McKenna has quietly become indispensable to Lachlan.
- by Calum Jaspan
It’s a German institution, but this trend may change Oktoberfest for good
Beer consumption might be down globally, but one part of the brewing market is bubbling up.
- by Aaron Wiener
‘She got all the blame’: The public view of Blanche d’Alpuget that makes her schoolfriend ‘so angry’
Dr Sue Kirby and author Blanche d’Alpuget met as eight-year-olds. It was partly because of Sue’s father that Blanche and former PM Bob Hawke got together.
- by Fenella Souter
‘Times have changed, bro’: The reality of life as a touring musician
The Yorta Yorta rapper, hip-hop artist, writer and actor Briggs on false notions of the music world, taking his health seriously – and his favourite tattoo.
- by Benjamin Law
About 2.1 trillion photos will be taken this year. The way we share them is changing
Move a little to the side, “oversharenters” and serial posters: the tribe of “secret selfie-takers” is growing.
- by Amy Molloy
How to dress for the races: Met Gala glamour meets Wimbledon cool
Take your trackside fashion cues from royalty, rappers and more.
- by Damien Woolnough
Is it OK to turn up the TV on subtitled Scandi thrillers?
Pumping up the volume has distinct advantages – at least, according to Modern Guru’s wife.
- by Danny Katz
Book club
It was that time of the month when Caroline left for book club and Richard pretended he’d miss her. Supporting his weight-loss regimen, she’d made him dinner – “a scrummy couscous salad!” – but he ordered takeaway. When the doorbell rang, he stepped into the night, taking the pizza, garlic bread, large Coke and couscous salad to a nearby playground lest the smell permeate the house. Once sated, he binned the rubbish (and salad), then sat on the swing with his drink. Rocking gently, burping intermittently, he watched the passing traffic and waited for the remorse to hit. – Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis
Strawberry and rhubarb sponge pudding
This simple, buttery topping works well with many different fruits.
- by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
One of the greatest lessons chefs can learn is when to leave things alone
Certain produce is better eaten raw than cooked, writes Terry Durack.
- by Terry Durack
Review
Chauncy
‘It’s rare to be looked after in such a way’: This regional restaurant serves 14 diners per day
The bijou Chauncy is now an intimate, hosted experience, a sublime melding of French cuisine and Australian hospitality.
- by Dani Valent
Review
Charcoal & Crisp Lechon
Like crackling pork? Visit this casual Filipino diner for shatteringly crisp lechon
Charcoal & Crisp Lechon in Crows Nest specialises in the Manila style of lechon served with a vinegar-rich dipping.
- by Callan Boys
Test your knowledge with the Good Weekend quiz
Trivia buffs: can you get a perfect score in the interactive superquiz.
Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/national/the-october-25-edition-20250922-p5mwzv.html