Sydney Times

25/06/2026

Honoured to be in the room at Chiswick for the launch of Wander Woman’s new report on the rise of solo travel among Australian women.

The numbers confirm what we’re seeing everywhere: more women are choosing to travel alone, on their own terms. Curiosity over compromise. Slow mornings. Tables for one + a great glass of wine.

What made the conversation even richer is _where_ this solo travel is happening. Holiday Parks is opening up NSW’s Crown land like never before — with *45+ holiday parks* from the coast to the hinterland, including camping sites and *luxury glamping* for those who want stars without sacrificing comfort. Think waterfront cabins in Forster, glamping tents at Coffs Harbour, and peaceful bush sites where you can hear yourself think.

It’s this combination that’s changing the game: safe, beautiful, accessible places to land when you’re traveling solo. Crown land, managed well, giving women more choice in how and where they explore NSW.

Wander Woman is capturing something important — this isn’t a trend. It’s a shift in how Australian women see freedom, time, and travel. And with Reflections creating more places to stay, the road ahead looks wide open.

If you haven’t read the report yet, do. Then start planning where you’ll go first.



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*Quick tip*: Tag Holiday Parks NSW and Woman in the post so it hits both audiences.

Want me to also draft a 1-line pull-quote from the report you could overlay on a Chiswick photo for the image?

09/05/2026

Richard Lewer Claims the 2026 Archibald Prize

The Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) was buzzing yesterday as Richard Lewer was officially crowned the winner of the 2026 Archibald Prize. The Melbourne-based artist took home the prestigious $100,000 award for his life-size portrait of Iluwanti Ken, a revered Pitjantjatjara Elder, traditional healer (ngangkari), and senior artist from the APY Lands. Lewer, a six-time finalist, spent significant time with Ken at Tjala Arts in South Australia to capture her "immense, quiet authority," setting her against a vibrant yellow ochre background that evokes the intense heat and light of her home Country.
The Board of Trustees noted they were "immediately drawn" to the power and energy of the work, which beautifully honors the deep respect between the two artists. While Lewer celebrated his "sixth time lucky" win, he emphasized that his primary intention was to bring a spotlight to Ken’s vital role as a cultural custodian. The exhibition, which includes other major winners like Gaypalani Waṉambi (Wynne Prize) and Lucy Culliton (Sulman Prize), officially opens to the public today, May 9, and will run until August 16. Don't miss your chance to see this year's 59 incredible finalists!

01/05/2026

Breaking News: Sean Layh Wins the 2026 Packing Room Prize!

The Archibald Prize finalists have been revealed today, and art school dropout turned self-taught painter Sean Layh has taken home the $3,000 Packing Room Prize!

While the prestigious $100,000 Archibald Prize (running since 1921) is judged by trustees, the Packing Room Prize is a 35-year tradition decided by the very staff who unpack the thousands of entries. This year, the team narrowed down a staggering 2,524 entries across the Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes.

Under the guidance of curator Beatrice Gralton, the gallery staff participate in what she calls a "game of aesthetic Tetris," arranging the finalists to create the perfect flow. She famously likened the process to throwing a house party as a teenager—you have to get everything perfectly in place before the "parents" (the public and judges) arrive!
See the article by Matilda Cheshire on www.sydneytimes.net.au

19/04/2026

An amazing sunny Autumn Day in Sydney marked the opening of the incredible architectural monument known as the Cutaway Barangaroo located on Sydne Harbour at the northern end of the Rocks within walking distance of the bustling Barangaroo business and Dining Quarter ! The official opening of The Cutaway by the Premier of NSW with Project and Sydney stakeholders present was marked by a Speech and Ribbon cutting and a small Cultural performance comprising a performance from Sydney Dance Company and a Seniors Choir which capture the sounds and harmonies of the Aussie Bush ! This is a magnificent addition to Sydney and in the words of Steve Kamper The Minister for Sport and Culture “a Real game changer !”

03/04/2026