The May 18 Edition
Just as many trainee journalists dream of becoming a Bob Woodward or Carl Bernstein, so too do many law students have an Erin Brockovich version of themselves in their mind’s eye. And just as most journalists end up doing more anodyne work than cracking Watergate, so too do most law students find themselves in big corporate firms, not fighting criminal injustice. Rhanee Rego was not most law students, however. Reviewing the case of convicted “child killer” Kathleen Folbigg while she was studying, she came to the conclusion that Folbigg wasn’t just legally innocent – she could actually be innocent, too. So began Rego’s legal career, with this single case taking up most of her working hours – and much of her spare time – over the next six years. It culminated last June when an inquiry found there was reasonable doubt over Folbigg’s conviction. Four days later, Folbigg was released from jail and, in December, her convictions were quashed. Tim Elliott traces this remarkable journey in today’s cover story, talking with Rego, Folbigg and others about the path to freedom after 20 years of incarceration. - Editor, Katrina Strickland
‘You’re not going to believe what I’ve found’: Inside the fight to free Folbigg
When Kathleen Folbigg had her long-standing convictions for the deaths of her four infant children quashed last year, lawyer Rhanee Rego was right by her side.
- by Tim Elliott
The ‘new Tinder’ – or something more? Why run clubs are gaining pace
A great way to keep fit and make friends. A panacea for loneliness. A modern-day church. And fun, so fun. No wonder run clubs have exploded post-pandemic.
- by Konrad Marshall
‘For all the other non-grandparents out there: you are not alone’
The pain of childlessness is well documented. But it can hit all over again when friends gush about their grandchildren.
- by Cathy Fraser
Two of Us
For subscribers
For decades, Vince remembered what one teacher had told him. Then they met again
Butcher and philanthropist Vince Garreffa has never forgotten what his former teacher, Irene Froyland, said to him when he told her he was leaving school.
- by Lenny Ann Low
‘Do you really need $150 billion?’ Bernie Sanders on taxing the uber-rich
The American senator on the “so-called” American Dream, the influence of his working-class upbringing – and making money from books.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
Modern Guru
Shouldn’t my adult children be paying their way when we all go out?
Discuss who’s paying before you go anywhere, writes our Modern Guru. This way, everyone can avoid bill shock.
- by Danny Katz
Going down swinging
He’d always done the right thing, thought Ned, exiting the specialist’s office in quite the state. He’d exercised, shunned junk food and alcohol, been a stickler for rules and regulations. Such temperance made the shock diagnosis all the more unfair. Why had he bothered? Well, he vowed, approaching the stairs, he’d go down swinging! He’d eat bacon. Dessert as well. Hell, he’d even start drinking. Smoking, too! And why stop there? He’d jaywalk! Make illegal U-turns! Scan kiwi fruit as onions! In short, he’d live life to its fullest. Thus galvanised, he turned away from the stairs and took the lift instead. Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.
Helen Goh’s melt and mix cinnamon tea cake topped with pears (or plums)
This quick and easy cake batter only requires a mixing bowl and a whisk (OK, and a small saucepan).
- by Helen Goh
Julia Busuttil Nishimura’s speedy Japanese-style steak dinner with daikon and rice
Marinated minute steak served with steamed rice and a quick salad makes for a pretty easy weeknight meal.
- by Julia Busuttil Nishimura
Review
Good Weekend
There isn’t a house wine here, but there are ‘house oysters’ (and they don’t get better)
Let yourself be steered off-road and try a different pairing at oyster and wine bar The Walrus.
- by Dani Valent
Review
Good Weekend
Sure, this is a terrific place to wrap grilled meat in bread, but there’s much more to explore
Syrian restaurant Al Shami’s big menu goes beyond the usual grab bag of the Middle East’s greatest hits.
- by Callan Boys
What are the best red wines to cellar for 18-plus years?
Laying down a dozen wines for a newborn to enjoy in the future is a fine tradition, but it comes with risks.
- by Huon Hooke
