NewsBite

Good Weekend

The January 25 Edition

Back in the day, visitors to Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art knew where not to park: in the two car spots designated “God” and “God’s mistress”. “God” was Mona founder David Walsh, while “God’s mistress” was his then girlfriend, now wife, Kirsha Kaechele. The joke was classic Walsh, leaving one to wonder if he indeed had a God complex or was simply sending himself up. It’s easy to see why the pair got together: Kaechele also loves positioning herself in a way that leaves others to decide if the joke’s on them. In her case, the label is “rich trophy wife”, yet she is the wife of a multi-millionaire gambler, complete with lithe figure, blonde locks and designer threads. In recent times, thanks to a legal tussle over her Ladies Lounge at Mona and her work with the forestry industry, Kaechele’s profile has started rivalling that of Walsh. In today’s issue, Gabriella Coslovich attempts to find the woman beneath the persona. Editor, Katrina Strickland.

13 stories
The January 25 Edition
“It’s interesting because as the dynamic has shifted and she has the power, I’m the one who is less secure,” says Walsh.

‘She plays the rich bitch so well’: Who is Mona’s first lady, Kirsha Kaechele, really?

From going to court over the Hobart museum’s Ladies Lounge to working with foresters, Mrs David Walsh is putting her wealthy dilettante persona to clever use.

  • by Gabriella Coslovich

Three years after her husband died, Geraldine Brooks finally confronted her grief

After the novelist’s husband Tony Horwitz died, she did a good approximation of being OK. She was not OK.

  • by Geraldine Brooks
Advertisement
Laura Jones: “He was born to write and interpret the world.”

A kidney stone made Laura realise Lech was special. Then she won the Archibald

Going out with another creative involves knowing when to offer support – and when to leave them alone.

  • by Nicole Abadee
“Everything’s political. You’re either for the status quo or against it, and both are political positions.”
Dicey Topics
For subscribers

‘Never again’: What Melissa Lucashenko says after writing each book

The Walkley- and Miles Franklin-winning author on feeling the heat, climate protest – and being able to smash her way out of a flooded car.

  • by Benjamin Law

The end of green and gold? A more stylish approach to national pride

Follow the Matildas and embrace local designers with an Australian aesthetic.

  • by Damien Woolnough
Modern Guru
Modern Guru

Can you cut the office cake if the birthday boy or girl isn’t there?

It exists in a state of cake dormancy until it’s formally handed over, writes our Modern Guru.

  • by Danny Katz
River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve.

‘It’s the idea of how small we are’: The rise of astrotourism

Plus: get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.

  • by Various

Looking for a Valentine’s Day gift? Here are some good ones

Let these suggestions do the talking.

  • by Frances Mocnik
Advertisement
Coconut and lemongrass pork skewers with chilli-vinegar sauce.

Coconut and lemongrass grilled pork skewers

These Thai street food-inspired skewers are the stuff of summer dreams.

  • by Danielle Alvarez
Pirate Life’s Melbourne pirate ship is a cruisy, spacious food hangout.

This huge brewpub in Nowheresville is a bold move (much like its drink-friendly food)

Pirate Life’s beer is made off site, so does its 200-seat venue stand on its own terms as a food and drink drawcard?

  • by Dani Valent
Sydney’s newest rooftop bar is perched atop the Cartier flagship store.

Sydney’s hot new rooftop bar is worth dressing up for – if you can get a table

Japanese-inspired three-bite snacks star at Joji, the new high-energy CBD bar from the team behind Nour in Surry Hills and two-hatted Aalia in Martin Place.

  • by Callan Boys
Opinion
Opinion

Draught beer is better than drinking from tinnies or bottles, and the reason is clear

Drinking beer from a can is like drinking coffee from a takeaway coffee cup. I want to ogle my beer before I wear my “beer goggles”.

  • by Terry Durack
Good Weekend Quiz online index image

Good Weekend Quiz

Trivia buffs: test your knowledge.

Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/national/the-january-25-edition-20241108-p5koz4.html