An 'inspirational' event
The eighth Southern Highlands Writers Festival was held recently within the estate of historic Hopewood House.
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The beautiful venue acted as backdrop to a line up of thought provoking speakers who took the packed house from tears to laughter through the seven hour program. This year's theme was food, wine, and literature, each writer's books available for sale and signing.
We heard Kristina Olsson's poetic approach to humanity's flaws and yearnings, her new novel a time capsule of Sydney in the mid 1960s.
During a cake fest morning tea, pastry chef Nadine Ingram spoke about the power of mentoring staff and how a perfect croissant is the crown of that. Following this, JR Lonie took us on a journey into the Europe of WW2, exploring the dilemmas of love and cruelties of war.
Over a delicious lunch chef Christine Mansfield talked about the importance of aiming for culinary and hospitality highs, how love of excellence instructs what arrives on the plate.
The next session was from Mikey Robins who delighted us with side splitting observations of culinary underbelly right down to the last burp.
Finally, Todd Alexander entertained and enchanted us with his account of a tree change to wine growing acreage in the Hunter Valley, the tragi-comedic side of which could have felled many a city slicker. Oh what a feast we had!
Congratulations to the Director of the SHWF, Michaela Bolzan, for bringing such an inspirational event to this shire. Thanks to her and this beautiful neck of the woods we live in, the audience experienced a day of culture, produce, and nature - the best of the Southern Highlands.
Alexander Springett
Community responsibility questioned
In regard to the imposition of a Heritage Order on Aitken Road Bowral I would like to ask what has happened to our sense of community responsibility.
What carries more weight- a few houses built between WW1 and WW2 or the provision of quality care for our ageing population? According to predictions, available to WSC, 70 per cent of the shire's population will be over 65 by 2030.
The proposed aged care facility DA submitted to council for Aitken Road would provide such care in an area accessible to residents and their families.
The growing number of over 55's villages attests to the need for ongoing care.
Having personal experience of needing full time care for both my parents at the same time made me acutely aware of the growing problem. As a long term resident of Wingecarribee Shire (over 50 years) I believe the need for dignified care should take priority.
