The PR Blog

One of the most famous and best known characters in Australian folk lore, Ned Kelly was a murderer, bank robber, horse thief and a Robin Hood of the Australian bush. No story is better known amongst Australians than the gunfight at Glenrowan where he and his gang met their “Waterloo”. Up in “Kelly country”, north east Victoria, one still needs to take care of what one says if the topic of the Kellys comes up over a few beers or three. He still has many supporters. If my comments appear to be biased it is because I am.

So how did this legendary bushranger become part of our folklore? As the anniversary of his last stand approaches on 28 June, it seems timely to take a look at the story of Ned Kelly and his infamous gang. 

Oh to turn the clock back to happier times .   Today   you would get arrested for sharing a drink or using a plastic straw. ` No social distancing here.   No masks.    

Life these days is ridiculous. 

I grew up in a time when love and romance were in the air and flirtation was fun.    Children played and laughed and explored life.    Life was lived in a world of hard work and enjoyment of the simple things. We hugged and embraced, blew out birthday candles, danced cheek to cheek and whispered sweet nothings in each other's ears. 

What a confusing and sad world we have allowed to be created and I worry that it is too late to turn the clock back. 

W. Somerset Maugham wrote a short story titled "Mr Know-All" about Max Kelada, an officious dealer in pearls, with whom he shared a cabin on a long sea voyage. Like all of the master storyteller's narratives, there was a sting in the tail.

In the early years of the 20^th century the depression of the 1890’s is replaced by a building boom. New construction contracts are abundant, pipe sales are booming and reinforced concrete construction is approved for a growing range of uses. John’s income grows to 7,000 pounds in 1909, over $2,000,000 in today’s money. He is able to devote more time to his militia interests.

In 1907 the Australian Intelligence Corps is formed. John accepts an offer to transfer and is appointed to command the Victorian section and is promoted to Lieutenant Colonel taking charge of the making of military maps. He joins the founding committee of the Australian Aerial League to study how aircraft might be adapted for military use.

New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard won two gold medals at the Pacific Games. Hubbard was born as a bloke named Gavin. " Laurel "  took double gold in the women’s over-87kg category at the Samoa 2019 games.

Some people feel that this is tantamount to cheating. If Gavin couldn’t win as a bloke, they say, then “ Laurel”  might win in the women’s division.

Up until 2003, Gavin would have to have had his bits and pieces chopped off (also known as reassignment surgery) plus undergoing at least 2 years of hormone therapy in order to be eligible to compete. Now, surgery is no longer required. Yet " Laurel " is off to the Olympics to show the girls how it is done.

And it got me thinking. Is this reasonable?