Rochelle Siemienowicz
@milan2pinsk.bsky.social
Writer and Australian arts/screen journo. Author of 'Double Happiness', a novel, and 'Fallen', a memoir. Emerging crone. MEAA union member. Substack: https://rochellesiemienowicz.substack.com/
Australian author Helen Garner is now so famous and well-regarded that to say you don’t like her has almost become a badge of honour among rebels, which I think is sad. Wrote this piece for @artshub.bsky.social.
Why do we love Helen Garner so much?
From Monkey Grip to How to End a Story, Helen Garner has been writing with clear-eyed precision for the better part of 50 years.
www.artshub.com.au
November 6, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Australian author Helen Garner is now so famous and well-regarded that to say you don’t like her has almost become a badge of honour among rebels, which I think is sad. Wrote this piece for @artshub.bsky.social.
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
50,000 year old art. Oldest known representation of a human face. Industrial pollution WILL damage. "Private negotiations". Remediation delayed. As @adammorton.bsky.social argues here, these laws do NOT work.
50,000 year old art. Oldest known representation of a human face. Industrial pollution WILL damage. "Private negotiations". Remediation delayed. As @adammorton.bsky.social argues here, these laws do NOT work.
Australia’s laws to protect the environment don’t work. Woodside’s 40-year greenlight proves it
Approval of the North West Shelf extension shows the purpose of the EPBC Act is to allow developments, not to protect and preserve
www.theguardian.com
September 30, 2025 at 9:36 PM
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
50,000 year old art. Oldest known representation of a human face. Industrial pollution WILL damage. "Private negotiations". Remediation delayed. As @adammorton.bsky.social argues here, these laws do NOT work.
50,000 year old art. Oldest known representation of a human face. Industrial pollution WILL damage. "Private negotiations". Remediation delayed. As @adammorton.bsky.social argues here, these laws do NOT work.
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
Aircraft bought to run Sydney-Perth etc. Toilet services may be limited for the first three years of operation, please use the amenity bag in the seat pocket............
First new Qantas Airbus jets come with one toilet for every 90 economy passengers – worse than Jetstar, Scoot and Ryanair
First new Qantas Airbus jets come with one toilet for every 90 economy passengers – worse than Jetstar, Scoot and Ryanair
Full service carrier says it will add additional toilets to its first three new Airbus 321XLR models – but they will be in service for three years beforehand
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The first three aircraft in Qantas’s new fleet will arrive with a worse economy passenger-to-toilet ratio than on planes used by budget carriers Scoot, Ryanair and Jetstar.
After ordering the Airbus 321XLR aircraft in 2022 to replace its ageing Boeing 737s, Qantas on Thursday used the new planes on commercial flights for the first time on the Sydney to Melbourne and Sydney to Perth routes. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
September 25, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Aircraft bought to run Sydney-Perth etc. Toilet services may be limited for the first three years of operation, please use the amenity bag in the seat pocket............
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
For real, if you've ever been considering reviewing / interviewing / etc. someone but stopped yourself because the book was released months ago... do it! We love getting coverage after pub day.
Worst thing to happen to book crit was getting mercilessly synced to pub dates. writer gets 97% of the coverage they're ever getting by the end of week 2, & if the book is widely reviewed (positive or not) in prestige places some of your would-be audience burns out on takes & skips the book itself.
September 8, 2025 at 8:27 PM
For real, if you've ever been considering reviewing / interviewing / etc. someone but stopped yourself because the book was released months ago... do it! We love getting coverage after pub day.
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
And taking the trash out on Friday afternoon too
Disgraceful.
No govt that actually cares about climate change would do this.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
No govt that actually cares about climate change would do this.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Australia news live: Labor approves extension of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas export project until 2070
Follow live
www.theguardian.com
September 12, 2025 at 5:32 AM
And taking the trash out on Friday afternoon too
Such a great article explaining why the vibes are so bad on socials now.
I recognise the irony of sharing this on a this site, but still
www.noemamag.com/the-last-day...
www.noemamag.com/the-last-day...
The Last Days Of Social Media | NOEMA
Social media promised connection, but it has delivered exhaustion.
www.noemamag.com
September 13, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Such a great article explaining why the vibes are so bad on socials now.
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
RALLY TO SAVE MEANJIN
Thursday 11 Sep 9am
Outside the Melbourne University Publishing office, 715 Swanston St, Carlton.
A number of Australian writers and editors will speak in support of this vital cultural institution
Thursday 11 Sep 9am
Outside the Melbourne University Publishing office, 715 Swanston St, Carlton.
A number of Australian writers and editors will speak in support of this vital cultural institution
September 8, 2025 at 8:53 AM
RALLY TO SAVE MEANJIN
Thursday 11 Sep 9am
Outside the Melbourne University Publishing office, 715 Swanston St, Carlton.
A number of Australian writers and editors will speak in support of this vital cultural institution
Thursday 11 Sep 9am
Outside the Melbourne University Publishing office, 715 Swanston St, Carlton.
A number of Australian writers and editors will speak in support of this vital cultural institution
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
So many unanswered questions posed in this excellent piece on the Meanjin closure. eg.
-Why the sudden irreversible decision?
-Why didn't they try to save it (community, donor drives etc)?
-Why the secrecy?
-Why use the financial viability argument now?
As if the v wealthy UniMelb can't afford it.
-Why the sudden irreversible decision?
-Why didn't they try to save it (community, donor drives etc)?
-Why the secrecy?
-Why use the financial viability argument now?
As if the v wealthy UniMelb can't afford it.
Meanjin's 'financial' shutdown doesn't add up
Melbourne University reported a $273 million surplus in 2024 on an operating income of $3.2 billion. It is against these figures that the 'purely financial decision' to close Meanjin has raised eyebro...
www.crikey.com.au
September 8, 2025 at 2:08 AM
So many unanswered questions posed in this excellent piece on the Meanjin closure. eg.
-Why the sudden irreversible decision?
-Why didn't they try to save it (community, donor drives etc)?
-Why the secrecy?
-Why use the financial viability argument now?
As if the v wealthy UniMelb can't afford it.
-Why the sudden irreversible decision?
-Why didn't they try to save it (community, donor drives etc)?
-Why the secrecy?
-Why use the financial viability argument now?
As if the v wealthy UniMelb can't afford it.
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
It's never too late to break up, quit, come out, move, transition, divorce, change your life, start something new. If you choose to stay with something that makes you miserable, you owe yourself a better justification than sunk cost.
If you’re over 30, quote this with some life advice 🤌🏼
May 10, 2025 at 3:35 AM
It's never too late to break up, quit, come out, move, transition, divorce, change your life, start something new. If you choose to stay with something that makes you miserable, you owe yourself a better justification than sunk cost.
Beyond Monogamy. The ABCTV episode of Compass that I participated in is available to watch now. They treated us well.
Inside polyamorous relationships and open marriages | Compass | ABC Australia
YouTube video by ABC Australia
youtu.be
April 28, 2025 at 1:12 AM
Beyond Monogamy. The ABCTV episode of Compass that I participated in is available to watch now. They treated us well.
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
"The rise of end times fascism" by Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor is an outstanding work. www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
Recommended.
Recommended.
April 15, 2025 at 2:58 AM
"The rise of end times fascism" by Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor is an outstanding work. www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
Recommended.
Recommended.
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
Did Alan Jones or John Laws ever require an authorisation to end their interviews with every Liberal leader ever by declaring they should be/remInt Prime Minister?
April 2, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Did Alan Jones or John Laws ever require an authorisation to end their interviews with every Liberal leader ever by declaring they should be/remInt Prime Minister?
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
i'm not an electoral lawyer but this story seems like bullshit. The host of one of Australia's most popular podcasts and a TV presenter is clearly a media producer and so doesn't need an electoral auth. How is this any different to the SMH endorsing a PM candidate? or whatever Sky News broadcasts.
April 2, 2025 at 11:41 PM
i'm not an electoral lawyer but this story seems like bullshit. The host of one of Australia's most popular podcasts and a TV presenter is clearly a media producer and so doesn't need an electoral auth. How is this any different to the SMH endorsing a PM candidate? or whatever Sky News broadcasts.
This cause is close to my heart - please sign if you care about writers being properly paid: www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/fr...
Help freelancers at Nine Publishing win fair rates
Off the back of strike action last year, Nine management committed to engage in discussions about freelance rates and conditions with MEAA representatives.
Despite this commitment, Nine management ha...
www.megaphone.org.au
April 2, 2025 at 2:27 AM
This cause is close to my heart - please sign if you care about writers being properly paid: www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/fr...
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
I’m quite interested to know whether Peter Dutton’s plan to abolish the federal Department of Education also includes abolishing the Australian Research Council, the main body funding university research in this country
April 1, 2025 at 10:21 PM
I’m quite interested to know whether Peter Dutton’s plan to abolish the federal Department of Education also includes abolishing the Australian Research Council, the main body funding university research in this country
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
You know what we really can afford to cut completely?
Funding to send humans to Mars.
Funding to send humans to Mars.
March 7, 2025 at 4:57 AM
You know what we really can afford to cut completely?
Funding to send humans to Mars.
Funding to send humans to Mars.
Enjoyed reading and writing about this memoir. Sent me back to Porter’s verse novels too and made me wish I had a big sis.
Dorothy Porter is an icon of Australia literature. Today in KYD, Rochelle Siemienowicz reviews a new memoir by the poet’s sister Josie McSkimming, a moving examination of faith, familial bonds and the sometimes turbulent life of the blazing literary figure.
https://buff.ly/4158A59
https://buff.ly/4158A59
Gutsy Girls
Josie McSkimming’s memoir illuminates the life of her famous sister, Dorothy Porter.
buff.ly
February 20, 2025 at 3:27 AM
Enjoyed reading and writing about this memoir. Sent me back to Porter’s verse novels too and made me wish I had a big sis.
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
Yes! There's another big book bundle to be won in our Last Days of Summer #BookGiveaway today. But hurry - entries close midnight TONIGHT Wed 19 Feb 2025:
https://buff.ly/41ijAxn
@scribepub.bsky.social
@milan2pinsk.bsky.social
#BookSky 💙 📚
https://buff.ly/41ijAxn
@scribepub.bsky.social
@milan2pinsk.bsky.social
#BookSky 💙 📚
February 18, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Yes! There's another big book bundle to be won in our Last Days of Summer #BookGiveaway today. But hurry - entries close midnight TONIGHT Wed 19 Feb 2025:
https://buff.ly/41ijAxn
@scribepub.bsky.social
@milan2pinsk.bsky.social
#BookSky 💙 📚
https://buff.ly/41ijAxn
@scribepub.bsky.social
@milan2pinsk.bsky.social
#BookSky 💙 📚
Small bit of good news. Bill just passed to guarantee 3 days of subsidised childcare to all Australian families and the scrapping of the discriminatory 'activity test' which the LNP wanted to retain. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02...
Three days of subsidised child care guaranteed for all families
Parents will be guaranteed a minimum three days of subsidised child care regardless of how much they work or study, as parliament passes laws that take a step towards universal childcare.
www.abc.net.au
February 13, 2025 at 6:08 AM
Small bit of good news. Bill just passed to guarantee 3 days of subsidised childcare to all Australian families and the scrapping of the discriminatory 'activity test' which the LNP wanted to retain. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02...
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
Here is a glimpse into that secular version of The Rapture:
"The underground abode will be decked out with a number of lavish amenities such as wellness areas, gourmet dining, and a medical suite with robots for doctors."
www.realtor.com/news/unique-... h/t @thelever.bsky.social
"The underground abode will be decked out with a number of lavish amenities such as wellness areas, gourmet dining, and a medical suite with robots for doctors."
www.realtor.com/news/unique-... h/t @thelever.bsky.social
February 11, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Here is a glimpse into that secular version of The Rapture:
"The underground abode will be decked out with a number of lavish amenities such as wellness areas, gourmet dining, and a medical suite with robots for doctors."
www.realtor.com/news/unique-... h/t @thelever.bsky.social
"The underground abode will be decked out with a number of lavish amenities such as wellness areas, gourmet dining, and a medical suite with robots for doctors."
www.realtor.com/news/unique-... h/t @thelever.bsky.social
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
"Given the Coalition are pretty stuck on that ‘36,000 extra public servants’ number, it might be a good time to remind you that in the last year of the Morrison government, the Coalition spent $20.8 BILLION on consultants – which is the equivalent of about 54,000 full-time public servants."
Australia Institute Live: First question time of the year gets underway – Australia Institute Live
live.australiainstitute.org.au
February 4, 2025 at 7:58 AM
"Given the Coalition are pretty stuck on that ‘36,000 extra public servants’ number, it might be a good time to remind you that in the last year of the Morrison government, the Coalition spent $20.8 BILLION on consultants – which is the equivalent of about 54,000 full-time public servants."
Reposted by Rochelle Siemienowicz
Going to this on Thursday Feb 6, 6.30 p.m! Rochelle Simienowicz in conversation with Irma Gold at the Sun Bookshop. See you there! It's free but reserve your tix below. @milan2pinsk.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/double-hap...
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/double-hap...
Double Happiness: Rochelle Siemienowicz in conversation
Join us for a conversation between Rochelle Siemienowicz and Irma Gold discussing Rochelle's new book, Double Happiness.
www.eventbrite.com.au
February 2, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Going to this on Thursday Feb 6, 6.30 p.m! Rochelle Simienowicz in conversation with Irma Gold at the Sun Bookshop. See you there! It's free but reserve your tix below. @milan2pinsk.bsky.social
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/double-hap...
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/double-hap...
My take on #Babygirl. Also the first time an editor's given me an 'orgasm' in a headline! (And please don't tell me you read the script so you don't need to watch the film; or you hate Nicole Kidman's face.)
Babygirl review: the stakes are high but the orgasms seem worth it | ScreenHub Australia - Film & Television Jobs, News, Reviews & Screen Industry Data
Babygirl, starring Nicole Kidman, may open some frank conversations about female sexual desire.
www.screenhub.com.au
January 28, 2025 at 12:24 AM
My take on #Babygirl. Also the first time an editor's given me an 'orgasm' in a headline! (And please don't tell me you read the script so you don't need to watch the film; or you hate Nicole Kidman's face.)