The April 4 edition
Not that long ago, the generational digital divide seemed little more than amusing – who hasn’t regaled friends with a story about having to help an elderly relative with using a mobile phone or interacting with an online platform? But somewhere along the line, this digital divide has become a yawning gulf, creating a marginalised underclass – predominantly of older Australians. The impacts range from social to financial, putting people at risk of everything from isolation from community to susceptibility to scams. In 2024, Australians aged 65 and over reported losses of nearly $100 million to scammers – the highest loss of any age group. The digital revolution has become an issue of equity, with an estimated one in five people excluded from the online ecosystem. Many older Australians are finding that digital access is as much an issue as ageism. Our cover story today highlights that there are too many people being left behind in our race to be a “smart nation” – and too few solutions to the problem. – Melissa Stevens, editor
I have become my mother’s IT help desk, like millions of other adult children around the country
Turn on MFA. Sign this PDF. CRN number? Password? Swipe up. Scroll down. For many older Australians, dealing with today’s digital world has become a nightmare.
- Stephanie Wood
The trip to Italy wasn’t easy – but it uncovered my great-great-grandmother’s secret
After surviving a 2007 plane crash, Cynthia Banham held on to her dreams of parenthood. Here, she reflects on her world as a mother with a disability.
- Cynthia Banham
‘Within the first five minutes of meeting an actor, they’re naked’: inside the world of a costume designer
A “kook” at school who battled dyslexia, Gypsy Taylor sought solace in sketching – and turned that escape into a career working with cinematic legends.
- Myffy Rigby
This is the car driver’s version of the Sydney v Melbourne debate
As automatics rule, manual cars are fast becoming a curiosity. One hands-on aficionado rues their demise.
- Charles Purcell
- Sensitive content
- Two of Us
‘No one told us it could be dangerous’: Marie and Stephanie on the day that changed their family forever
When a volcano in New Zealand erupted in 2019, tourist Stephanie Browitt suffered terrible injuries. Her mum was waiting anxiously nearby on their cruise ship.
- Fenella Souter
‘I was like, what?’ The strange coincidence in this actor’s life
Award-winning actor Paula Arundell on politics, money, family, a “What am I doing?” career moment – and what just might make the universe explode.
- Benjamin Law
Yes, anyone can learn to sing: why being tone-deaf is mostly a myth
The key to singing in tune? Start with listening – and humming.
- Jane Cadzow
Are skinny jeans making a comeback? We asked the ‘dark lord’ of denim
Will fashion followers be returning to another season of lying down to zip up?
- Damien Woolnough
Easy pieces from $14 for lovers of ‘dopamine dressing’
Vibrant accents boost your mood and your wardrobe.
- Kim Wilson
How do I tell my mother she has terrible table manners?
See it as part of the role reversal that sees your parent doing all the things they told you not to do as a child, advises our Modern Guru.
- Danny Katz
Helen Goh’s rich yet surprisingly light chocolate cake is your new gluten-free dessert
This is just the dessert to bring out after a long lunch, with dried figs lending bursts of crunch.
- 1-2 hrs
- Helen Goh
Three wines that work well with fish ‘n’ chips (featuring a ‘rare value’ pinot noir)
Beer cuts through the oiliness, but these fresh and light wine styles also do the job.
- Huon Hooke
- Review
- Bar Sophia
This Greek restaurant’s fork-tender lamb chop will blow your mind
With confident, wood-fired cooking from a former Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year, Bar Sophia is one of Melbourne’s most compelling new restaurants.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Iftar
Merrylands’ hot brunch spot serves a breakfast board loaded with the lot
Kabul House is still hugely popular, but young families and Zoomers are flocking to impressive modern Middle Eastern restaurant Iftar.
- Callan Boys
Test your general knowledge with the Good Weekend quiz
Trivia buffs: can you get a perfect score in the interactive superquiz?
Other editions
The June 13 edition
Our next football superstar is here | Capturing beauty in 360-degree detail | A planner and protester on bridging differences | Tasma Walton on dicey topics
- 10 stories
The June 6 edition
The Style Edit | Cinema icon Tony Leung | Kate Ceberano on staying in the game | Vintage fashion’s new moment | Sartorial tricks from the celebrity realm
- 16 stories