The Australian Women's Weekly April 2024

If you want to feel inspired, Google Meryl Streep’s speech at Barnard College. Informative, self-deprecating, and sprinkled with messages of female empowerment, it’s vintage Meryl, our cover star and Queen of Hollywood, who we celebrate on page 34. Others we admire this issue include the women behind the Royal Easter Show (page 70), human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson (page 58), and Elly-May Barnes (page 26). As the daughter of Jimmy Barnes, one of Australia’s most famous musicians, Elly-May grew up in the spotlight. But behind the scenes she’s battled chronic pain her whole life through cerebral palsy. Elly-May is now a cabaret singer with a debut album, as well as an advocate for people with disabilities. She opens up to The Weekly about life with cerebral palsy, family support and…

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” The gift of friendship I read How to Make an Australian Quilt (AWW, March) with interest. So many quilts invoke friendship. I treasure one made by my friendship group, The Bungendore Girls (below), for my 60th. I’m told much chat and laughter – and wine – contributed to making this surprise quilt. It now has pride of place on my bed and I think of these dear friends every time I smooth it down. D. Topfer, Campania, Tas. Close to home I felt so validated reading your story about how talcum powder could be carcinogenic and the possibility of a class action (The Powder Keg, AWW, March). A dear friend died a couple of years…

Iris Apfel 1921-2024 Rest in PEACE A bright life “If your hair is done and you’re wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything,” was just one wise gem from Iris Apfel, the First Lady of Fabric and self-described geriatric starlet. The interior designer and style icon was known for her vivacious wit and dazzling fashion choices, but has been remembered by those close to her for her big heart, following her death at 102.“She has had an amazing effect on so many people with her huge heart and magic touch,” wrote Tommy Hilfiger. Women we love Yulia stands tall Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, vowed to fight for a free and peaceful Russia. “Putin took away the most important thing I had,” she…

France: When life gives you lemons, throw a festival. The French town of Menton holds an annual event with floats made of lemons. THE USA A cold streak Brave swimmers have gathered at the Memphremagog Winter Festival in Vermont to swim a 200-metre race in a pool cut into a frozen lake. The rules state the competitors must wear decorated hats. THE UK Fast food on pancake day Each year the town of Olney, in south-east England, marks the start of Lent with a pancake race. Runners make a 380-metre dash while carrying a frying pan. They have to flip their pancake at the start and finish of the race as part of a tradition that dates back to 1445. Japan Women bare all For the first time in 1250…

Carol Burnett has a special place in Australian history. When the Sydney Opera House opened in 1973, her eponymous variety series had the honour of being the first TV show to play at the iconic venue. “Oh my gosh, the audiences there were so wonderful,” she says, half a decade on as she calls The Weekly to talk about her latest project. “We had such a great time.” The Carol Burnett Show launched in 1967, running for 11 years and making household names of its core cast – Vicki Lawrence, Tim Conway, Harvey Korman and Lyle Waggoner – and picking up 25 Emmys along the way. It was a huge production, with 12 dancers, two guest stars per week, a 28-piece orchestra and iconic costume designer Bob Mackie creating outfits…

As The Weekly goes to press, Westminster Abbey is preparing for its Commonwealth Day Service, with representatives from this growing global network of 56 countries – including Australia and New Zealand – gathering. I’ve been to a few of these, as well as the reception that follows at Marlborough House, and they really are spectacular events. Watching on as the Abbey fills with the bustling energy, tradition and distinctive dress of various cultures, and the powerful feeling of a shared passion and hope for the future is quite overwhelming. The focus is on youth and opportunity with musical performances and readings reflecting that. The day was “treasured” by the late Queen. The Commonwealth was very much a legacy project which she nurtured and 2024 marks the organisation’s 75th anniversary. Generally,…