Bruna Papandrea, Lovemore Ndou and Jill Biden: Opening our account for 2021

Welcome to our first issue of 2021. There’s three great features, all your favourite columnists - and barely a mention of Covid-19.

Welcome to our first issue for 2021 – an issue that contains barely a mention of Covid-19. After a Christmas of lockdowns for some, lost holidays and border confusion for many, we’re taking a break from the pandemic this week. Instead, enjoy Megan Lehmann’s story on the Australian woman behind big-screen releases (The Dry, Penguin Bloom) and TV hits (The Undoing, Big Little Lies). Take a journey into the rags-to-riches world of champion boxer turned lawyer Lovemore Ndou. And learn more about first lady Jill Biden – the US President’s not so secret weapon.

Our columnists are all back for the New Year and don’t miss Nikki Gemmell’s moving tribute to her late dad Bob. Of course Covid-19 will continue to be the big unfolding story of the year so we can’t ignore it forever. But as always, we will continue to look for light in the dark.