Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 5: Champion of Queensland

The big moment comes for Herb Barkle as he fights for the State bantamweight title – exactly 100 years ago today!

Stereo Stories: Book Launch and Show – Sunday March 1

Smokie is inviting Almanackers to the launch of two collections of Stereo Stories in print. There will also be a Stereo Stories show.

Almanac Footy: ‘Carn The Chinese’

‘Carn The Chinese’ is a footy documentary being produced and directed by Angela How featuring players from a Chinese Aussie rules team during the 60s to 80s. Angela is seeking donations to help bring the project to life.

Almanac Culture: First Night at the Opera

As they say, there’s a first time for everything. Now comfortably into his 70s, Ian Hauser made his debut at the opera by taking in ‘Madama Butterfly’ at the Sydney Opera House.

Almanac Travel: Changi Chapel/Museum and Singapore reprise

Ian Wilson and partner Lynda Harris conclude their latest overseas trip with a humbling visit to the Changi Chapel/Museum in Singapore.

Almanac Footy: Geelong 2026 season preview

Micky McTigger considers the prospects of Geelong for the upcoming AFL Season 2026. And identifies the position that has caused them a few troubles over the past decade. Thoughts, Geelong fans?

Almanac Life: A desperate thirteenth step to recovery

In a bid to overcome specific health issues, Ian Wilson gave up alcohol and took on the challenge of running marathons.

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 4: The Prodigy – Getting Started

Herb Barkle’s career in the ring gets off to a strong start as he works his way through the ranks of fellow bantamweight boxers. Track his progress in Episode 4 of Dave Goodwin’s series ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’.

Book Review: ‘The Furphy Anthology 2025’ (reviewed by Antonella Townsend)

Read Antonella Townsend’s review, published in The Queensland Reviewers’ Collective. It seems Antonella appreciated the originality and humour in the stories of Dips O’Donnell and Emma Westwood.

Almanac (Local) Cricket – Round 8: West Warrion v Colac

The regional cricket season has resumed after the Christmas/New Year break with West Warrion taking the field against Colac. Liam McCullagh reports on one of his not so good days.

Almanac Travel: The National Gallery of Singapore

On the final leg of their overseas holiday, Ian Wilson and Lynda visit the National Gallery of Singapore.

Almanac Cycling: The Tour Down Under is in Tanunda

The Barossa stage of the Tour Down Under is happening right now. Turn the telly on.

Almanac Life: ‘The Listeners’ – For My Dad

John Gordon’s late father was a Perth Scorchers fan. John’s Dad would have loved last night’s win. He poignantly reflects on shared personal moments, and his Dad’s favourite poem ‘The Listeners’.
(A beautiful reflection – Ed)

Almanac Footy: Fremantle 2026 season preview

Micky McTigger runs his discerning eye over The Fremantle Dockers’ list – and likes what he sees.

Almanac Book Reviews: ‘New South Wales Australian Football Hall of Fame – Time On: Journal 2025

Braham Dabscheck provides an overview of the NSW Australian Football Heritage Society, and reviews their latest publication, ‘New South Wales Australian Football Hall of Fame – Time On: Journal 2025’.

Almanac Travel: Singapore’s intolerance of crime

Ian and Linda are now in Singapore where they are struck by the rigidness and strictness enforced there.

Almanac Boxing – ‘Diamond in the Dust Heap’, Episode 3: Father Jim

Dave Goodwin continues to set the background to his tale about Herb Barkle with particular reference to Herb’s father, Jim Barkle.

Almanac Poetry – Goodbye Georgie: A Sequel

This week’s poem from Kevin Densley follows from one he wrote about George Best that appeared on The Footy Almanac in 2021. In the words of KD: ‘This sequel is about the difficulty of dealing with personal demons when one is in the public spotlight.’

Almanac Everyday Obits: ‘An uncle and aunt by choice, not blood, and how precious they have been to me.’

In a moving and poignant tribute, Sheralee Menz remembers Aunty Dorrie and Uncle Nev, her aunt and uncle by choice, not blood. (Achingly beautiful – Ed.)

Almanac Travel: Welcome to Singapore

Ian Wilson and his partner Lynda have moved on from South Africa to Singapore. The contrasts are startling!