Kerstin Thompson

‘Albanese is cementing a legacy of cautious, centrist incrementalism at a time when he could be making reforms that would make a material difference in people’s lives, addressing the inequality and stacked deck that has plagued Australians for the past 30 years.’

Too cautious

Sqratch (@sqratch.in) on Threads People see the building. They rarely see the work behind it. This list shows everything architects actually do. The coordination, responsibility, and decisions that begin long before a drawing is app...

Who said architects only worry about what a building looks like?
This list is a great breakdown of the multitude of issues, responsibilities, liabilities & specializations (of other consultants)- that architects have to be across. We are the great & often under acknowledged, underpaid integrators

Aeroguard = nostalgia. The smell of so many summers.

Lose friction and you lose criticality. Resistance is useful.

Free concert - can’t quarantine sound

#wildgodtour
#alexandragardens #melbournesummer

Auspol. Please stop talking about the stupid parties. The slightly less stupid party that is governing needs much more scrutiny….

It’s a black hole this platform

Flowering gum detritus

As heatwaves worsen, what can we do to beat the heat? - ABC listen Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales have all suffered record breaking temperatures this week with the mercury rising above 49 degrees in several towns.

A must listen - clear, sensible advice from Sebastian Pfautch, Prof of Urban Management & Planning, WSU, on what individuals, cities, councils can do to mitigate the impact of extreme heat. More trees, more shade, better building design. Care for your neighbours too.

www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...

Beats a cabana…beach structures from storm debris

Yes agree. Shows up current lack of leadership here

Instead of saying Trump did this or Trump did that, why not say the US did this or the US did that?

The US failed to prosecute him, elected him, elected two houses to suit him, obeyed and flattered him.

Right now Trump is being used as an excuse. The US is the real issue.

WEEKEND READING: What if, in trying to ‘fix’ universities, we are quietly unmaking them? - HEPI Join HEPI and Advance HE for a webinar onTuesday, 13 January 2026, from 11am to 12pm, exploring what higher education can learn from leadership approaches in other sectors. Sign up here to hear this a...

‘The question is not just “Are we financially sustainable?” It is “What kind of institution are we sustaining?” ‘

Excellent framing of value.

www.hepi.ac.uk/2026/01/10/w...

Succinct, clear, and necessary framing of how universities can navigate dire financial straits.

"Wickedness thrives in darkness and prejudice thrives in ignorance born of silence. The open discussion of
ideas, beliefs, facts and opinion is ultimately the pathway to community cohesion. Silencing and censorship are not."

Some architects would prefer to show you the plans

It is so important to understand the arrangement and ‘type’ when discussing housing. Philip always includes plans in his posts. So much discussion of housing in Australia (by others!) shows only renders and imagery. It is intentional. Type and amenity are predominant Australian housing weaknesses.

Well said LH. Strong agree

Excellent dissection of linguistic hyperbolics & risk of. Prompts first NY’s resolution - avoid.

Fake grass hosts weeds

Touch screens require seeing so eyes taken off road & to screen. Inherently dangerous. Tactile switches don’t - yes bring them back. For all kinds of instruments.

Ah well, another invader :(

*Atlas of the Munsell Color System* (1915) Munsell envisioned his atlas as a system akin to musical notation, which would liberate visual description from commercially-driven colour names.

Archaeologists use Munsell books to describe soil colour all the time. I never thought to dig deeper into this colour system!
🧪 🏺

Anyone know what this is? Looks like an orchid. Found in coastal dune of Lorne

A rare win On investigative journalism and its consolations

“What do we not want to know about ourselves?”
The combination of unambitious governments & systemically weak media is how you end up with seemingly intractable problems..in housing,aged care,employment services, scientific research,higher ed..NDIS…climate policy
open.substack.com/pub/nickfeik...

Those year-in-review audio mash ups lead as end of year irritants.

Nobody ever said ‘no’ to Maudie Palmer. The world is better for it The titan of Australian arts died this week but leaves a strong legacy of advocacy.

Beautiful tribute to the powerhouse and munificence that is Maudie Palmer. Vale to an incredible mentor, friend & collaborator.

www.smh.com.au/culture/art-...

Poignant memories of junior cricket Watching young cricket players on a pitch close to home, the author is visited by memories that flow from the action.

Martin McKenzie-Murray strikes again

‘Here were the strokes made by someone who’s seen them played by others but is yet to feel them himself & thus occupies that path to confidence in one’s craft by first passionately mimicking the established.’

www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/sport/cricke...

Bracing #abc program on housing & homelessness, focusing especially on the vulnerable group of women over 50. Too many sleeping in cars, in vans, abandoned buildings…
Such a need for crisis housing, for long term structural solutions.
In such a rich country as Aust, no one should be homeless

From its cracker opening lines onwards Martin McKenzie-Murray’s piece “Brand of dopes’ vainglory” in today’s @SatPaper is a superb reflection on test cricket. Read it and laugh (or weep depending on your side). #Ashes2025