The March 29 Edition
Snap question for home-owners: how much is your property worth? I’d wager most can fire back a pretty reliable estimate. That’s not just thanks to websites like domain.com.au, but because our abodes are usually the starkest indicator of our personal wealth. Australian homes, once mostly basic sanctuaries where we raised our kids and kept the lawns trimmed, have in recent decades become fetishised: places to remodel, pamper and preen. Witness the sheer volume of home-reno shows on TV. I admit, I watch quite a few – which was why I was fascinated to read Jane Cadzow’s cover story this week. Monika Tu started out running a stall at a weekend market and, via super-sized doses of grit and chutzpah, became one of Australia’s most well-known real estate agents, selling properties valued in the tens of millions. There’s now ample evidence to suggest that our fixation with property investment is distorting the economy, steering resources away from business investment, innovation and entrepreneurship – key drivers Australia desperately needs to compete on the world stage. Where will this obsession – described by some as pathological – end? – Acting editor, Greg Callaghan
‘Sometimes I really admire myself’: Tu’s rise from market stall to real-estate riches
She describes her life as a “Chinese fairytale”, but there’s more to Monika Tu than just glitz, glamour and a fabulously opulent wardrobe.
- by Jane Cadzow
Straight talk, indie vibes: The miracle formula boosting Aussie beauty start-ups
Local entrepreneurs are edging into the global beauty market with the help of smart comms, no-BS ingredients – and stunts that get eyeballs on their products.
- by Susan Horsburgh
A ‘perfect’ inner-city pad set on 30 square metres? One architect’s ‘Goldilocks’ rule
Adam Haddow’s own house is set on a tiny plot. Now he’s focused on his Victorian home town with designs that are not too big, not too small – but just right.
- by Luke Slattery
Two of Us
For subscribers
Ryan accidentally swiped ‘no’ to Nell on Tinder. It took him three years to find her
Vitiligo model and content creator Onella Muralidharan represents those who don’t conform to beauty norms. Ryan Smith was enchanted the moment he saw her.
- by Melissa Fyfe
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
‘It gets harder. But you’ve got to get on’: Skye Leckie on the myths around grief
The philanthropist opens up about missing her late husband, TV executive David Leckie – and the day he compared her to Kerry Packer.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
For subscribers
Some ban bananas on boats to stop bad luck, but do I have to play along?
We should respect all professions’ traditional mumbo-jumbo, writes our Modern Guru.
- by Danny Katz
The morning after
No one bothered with “Good morning!” in the Wilson Street share house. Instead, as on this day, they cut to the chase: “How’d you sleep?” A kind of inverse dick-measuring contest then ensued. “Horrible!” Lana croaked. “Had a broken five hours.” “Woke for a wee and the old brain clicked on. Four hours tops!” said Danny, Rasputin-eyed. Nessa, looking like she’d been raised by wolves, said she didn’t get any sleep. “I’d kill for a Temazepam, you know?” Oh, Lana and Danny knew all right, and for one sweet moment they rallied and bonded, the cruelties of the night forgotten. – Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.
Rainbow heels, ‘going-out shirts’, men’s pendants: Celeb trends from awards season
The red carpets have been rolled up but in the months ahead, these looks may just earn plaudits.
- by Damien Woolnough
The old cameras offering Gen Z a lens into new art
Plus: Get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.
- by Deborah Cooke, Barry Divola, Jane Cadzow, Damien Woolnough and Frances Mocnik
Japanese miso-glazed eggplant rice bowl
Nnasu dengaku makes for a quick and comforting vegetarian dinner.
- by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Review
Kolkata Cricket Club
This hatted restaurant is a jewel, nestled in our critic’s least favourite location in Melbourne
Toddy Shop chef Mischa Tropp’s fire-driven, premium restaurant at Crown feels real, right and resonant.
- by Dani Valent
Review
Sydney
Heritage farmhouse meets natural wine at this new bread fanciers’ hang-out
The All Purpose Bakery team brings “posh RSL” vibes and a no-bookings policy to a refurbished sandstone cottage on Oxford Street, serving rissoles, steak, oysters Kilpatrick and all things bread.
- by Callan Boys
Want to try new foods? Do like me and make your own food festival
This way you can abandon the bamboo spoon and queues for the loo and actually sit in a seat.
- by Terry Durack
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/national/the-march-29-edition-20250117-p5l599.html