The truth about climate change is alarming to say the least. But I was heartened over the weekend of November 25 and 26 to hear it discussed with great clarity and nuance at the Rising blockade of the Newcastle's coal port.

Don’t ask me how my house is. Please. This question brings forth an escalated spike in my nervous system, and a sense of panic and dread.

Just two weeks after NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, John Graham, released ‘Vibrancy Reforms’ to ‘encourage businesses to innovate and put on live performance by giving them certainty’, the Eltham Hotel had noise restrictions placed on them by Liquor and Gaming NSW.

Historically, difficult women have been outlawed and called witches. That’s been the fate of ordinary women with extraordinary voices – women like singer/songwriter Áine Tyrrell and comedian Mandy Nolan.

Paul Wilson is telling me about their new chilli garlic halloumi and how it’s ‘fantastic over summer served with a green paw-paw salad,’ and my imagination is fired. It’s a rare thing for this hinterland business – around for some 17 years now, Paul and Kerry at the helm – to introduce a new cheese as ‘we try to stay focused on traditionally hand-made cheeses.’ And their stable of 12 – best sellers the Nashua washed rind and Tintenbar triple cream – include both cow and goat milk cheeses.

Last week, Labor PM, Anthony Albanese, delivered a national apology to all Australians impacted by the thalidomide tragedy.