‘South Coast Islands New South Wales’ / Book Launch

Helen Moody has released a book about our South Coast islands.
For three years she and Mike Jefferis led walks and kayak trips to, past or around the 61 islands of the NSW south coast.
There are 20 coastal islands and 41 in the estuaries, rivers and lakes open to the ocean. 

This is the first ever book on these islands.
And it isn’t just a book for walkers and kayakers.

It’s a book for south coast residents, visitors to this area, and anyone who loves nature and discovering wild places. 

Nearly all the islands are small and uninhabited; some are mere specks on a map. 

Yet each has something special about it. 

Several are wildlife havens with significant biodiversity values.
Some have ancient and ongoing spiritual significance to First Nations people.
Some have fascinating connections to early explorers and settlers.
A handful are privately owned. One has a superb native garden.
It is likely most people have never heard many of their names before, or even been aware of their existence.

There are over 200 photographs from over 20 photographers as well as maps and description of how to visit every island, whether on foot or by boat. 

The self published book was launched on a perfect autumn day on the shores of Lake Tabourie last Saturday.

We joined an enthusiastic group of supporters to be welcomed to country by an Aboriginal elder with deep ancestral connections to the area and hear the launch by the mayor of the Shoalhaven Council, Amanda Findley and, of course, the response and presentation by the author.

All this was followed by cake and bubbly.

Five hundred copies of the book had been already pre sold.

We picked ours up at the gathering.

It is really well worth having.

Purchase details from the author:

southcoastislandsbook@gmail.com

RRP: $50 plus postage.

Autumn 2023

In a country where native trees are always green, a splash of autumn colour is a welcome diversion.

Many years ago a neighbour, (a homesick Pom), planted a row of deciduous Liquid Ambers along his stretch of our community road.

Normally they turn yellow late autumn but this year red is predominant.

The science of autumn (fall) colours is explained here.

Autumn for us is also the best time for beach walks. 

Coolish temperatures, low humidity and gentle breezes make for an enjoyable stroll.

Plus the beaches are virtually deserted.

Melbourne Now Exhibition / NGV Ian Potter Centre

On the Saturday in Melbourne we decided to visit the Melbourne Now exhibition at the NGV Ian Potter Centre.

Two hundred plus contemporary projects and events were spread across all three levels of the exhibition hall. From fashion and jewellery, painting, sculpture, architecture and ceramics, to video, performance, printmaking and publishing.
After around four hours we started to suffer from sensory overload so headed for an excellent at their cafe.
It really needs two day visit to take it all in.

And here’s a preview of a video of other less static exhibits that can be seen on this YouTube link.