1. CELEBRATING: The Deadly awards each year provide us with the opportunity to take some time to celebrate all that is wonderful in our communities nationally. More specifically, the awards pay tribute to those who are considered to have excelled in their particular field: in the arts, sports, education, health and leadership. To find out who the awards were presented to this year, go to the Deadly’s website. The best part of the celebration of course is catching up with friends and family from all around the country. Such a blast!
2. LITERATURE CATEGORY: I was fortunate to be nominated for the 4th time in the category of Most Outstanding Contribution to Literature, alongside the very deadly Larissa Behrendt, Kevin Palmer and Michael Torres. I reckon we’re all winners, but unfortunately only one us got a ring. I am grateful to, and thank, all those who voted for my novel Manhattan Dreaming and I feel incredibly humbled to have won. I am particularly grateful to the Deadly’s for making the statement that ALL genres are eligible, unlike the mainstream literary community who don’t rate commercial women’s fiction as worth of literary awards. At least in our communities, ALL stories and modes of storytelling are regarded as valuable.
3. ENTERTAINMENT: The Deadly awards each year are jam-packed with entertainment highlights. This year mine included performances by Archie Roach who dedicated his words to his late partner, Ruby Hunter. The other highlight was Aunty Ali Mills singing Waltzing Matilda in language. To get a taste of her unique rendition check out one of many YouTube versions.
4. IAN THORPE: Ian Thorpe has long been a philosophical and practical supporter of improving the conditions of Indigenous youth through the Ian Thorpe Fountain of Youth. Aside from being grateful for his commitment to our cause(s), I’m also grateful for his fabulous sense of humour, getting on one knee to slide my Deadly ring in my finger. Let’s face it, three Deadly rings and no engagement ring should make any man want to do the same!
5. FROCKING UP: I’m grateful for the opportunity to frock up each year at the Deadly's - not that one needs an excuse! See pics above of yours truly with Ms Miah Wright, the Divine Casy Donovan and a very dear friend and once producer of mine, Ms Caroline Barton.
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