The Australian Women's Weekly February 2020

I will never forget visiting Kensington Palace in the week after Princess Diana’s death. In my early 20s and living away from home for the first time, I was more interested in the British music scene than the monarchy. However, it was impossible not to be swept up in the country’s grief, and I wanted to observe firsthand this defining moment in history. What I wasn’t prepared for was how the scene would impact me. The sheer volume of people and flowers. The open weeping, the heart-breaking notes. Complete strangers hugged in shared sorrow. The sense of loss was palpable. I’m not ashamed to say I shed a tear that day. If that was the effect this outpouring of public pain had on me, a cynical young Aussie abroad, one…

Rebuild Our Towns is a campaign launched by Bauer Media, publisher of The Weekly, to support Australian towns affected by the bushfires. We know many of you have donated generously to support those doing it tough in the wake of the devastating fires, but we also know the road ahead will be long, as those affected begin to slowly rebuild their lives and communities. That is why this campaign centres on the fact that practical help doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Our thoughts go out to every person caught up in this crisis, but actions speak louder than words, so we invite you to join us to make a difference and help our heartland heal. As the campaign grows, it will focus on more and more towns across the…

ADMIRABLE HUMANS What an inspirational story about the Indigenous women from the Lake Tyers Fire Service (“They’ll Bury Me In My Yellows”, AWW, January). Wise, intelligent and community-minded – everything I admire in a fellow human. Well done, girls. You are all amazing! A. Hannah, Rankin Park, NSW. LEADING WITH COMPASSION It was a privilege to read about Jacinda Ardern (“You Don’t Have To Be Perfect To Be Prime Minister”, AWW, January). I am very impressed by her confidence, but most of all I’m moved by her genuine feeling. Her statement about having the opportunity to see the good in people was an inspiring reminder. I am committed to looking for the good in the world in 2020. Here’s to a decade in which we will see more women on…

Thank you for your wonderful coverage of these catastrophic fires (Courage Under Fire, AWW, January). This disaster has possibly done more to bring Australians together than anything previously, underlining the kindness, care and compassion we all knew was there. Those who are caring for the animals that have survived are true gems. I am sure all of us send out our love to all those affected, and to those who are heroically still fighting these monstrous fires. C. Jolliffe, Buderim, Qld.…

Awards season Revel with a cause AWARDS SEASON was less about celebrating past achievements and more about looking to future action. Russell Crowe’s Golden Globe acceptance speech highlighted the Australian bushfires, and Sarah Snook backed his comments. BAFTA double-nominee Margot Robbie urged viewers to donate anything they could to fire services. Nicole Kidman, who donated $500,000 to the cause, also spoke of the fires on the red carpet, while Cate Blanchett sent a thank you to responders while presenting a Golden Globe award. Now we are nine The Danish royal family has released these beautiful candid photos of Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine to mark the twins’ ninth birthday. In a statement, the royal family said it was a pleasure to release the images. Their mother, Crown Princess Mary, took…

OLYMPIAN DEFECTS Iran’s only female Olympic medallist, Kimia Alizadeh, has defected from the country, saying she no longer wants to be a part of “hypocrisy, lies, injustice and flattery.” IM-PRESS-IVE Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney has been honoured with a Freedom of the Press award for her work, including defending two journalists being held in Myanmar. STILL WINNING Women’s Weekly Women of the Future winner Sarah Moran continues to achieve great things, launching her Girl Geek Academy in Samoa to teach girls life-changing coding skills.…