The February 7 edition
Witnessing elite athletes reaching the peak of physical performance – such as a swimmer breaking a record in the pool or a sprinter running faster than any person in history – can be a thrilling thing. But is it safe, reasonable or fair to use performance-enhancing drugs in the pursuit of sporting excellence? For many, the answer is a resounding no. For entrepreneur Aron D’Souza, the driving force behind the Enhanced Games, the answer is yes. It’s a controversial idea, and Tim Elliott’s story detailing its evolution – and D’Souza’s rise from a childhood in the Melbourne suburbs – is compelling. Also in this edition, actor and dancer Keiynan Lonsdale shares how, after financial hardship in childhood, success in adulthood has enabled him to buy his mother a home in a delightful subversion of the “bank of Mum and Dad” narrative. On a lighter note, Good Weekend writer Gay Alcorn has unabashedly detailed her fandom of British style and beauty guru Trinny Woodall. As she notes, we usually only confess to lofty heroes, but Alcorn loudly and proudly has Woodall. Here’s to finding joy in unexpected places. – Melissa Stevens, editor
Exploitative and callous, or excellence and innovation? The man who wants athletes to push their bodies to the limit
With his controversial sporting endeavour backed by a Trump, the Enhanced Games founder has come a long way from sweeping Melbourne restaurant floors as a kid.
- Tim Elliott
The 10-minute backyard habit I used as a stress-buster
Growing vegetables is not only a good way to get access to healthy food, it could also be a path to better mental health and community cohesion.
- Dani Valent
Some people have lofty heroes. I have Trinny Woodall and I am not ashamed
It may seem odd to relate to a beauty mogul with a plummy accent and a nine-figure fortune, but the former TV host has taught me a lot about fun.
- Gay Alcorn
Why the mushroom murder house has become our newest ‘dark tourism’ site
It’s a sinister form of sightseeing: visiting the sites of horrific crimes to soak in the macabre atmosphere – and perhaps even buy souvenirs.
- Mark Dapin
Julianne moved in with her ‘old-school’ father during the pandemic. She never left
When she was a child, Julianne Christie, an economist turned gilder, found her dad reserved. Living together in the NSW Southern Highlands has changed all that.
- Jane Cadzow
Hoping to line up a date? Keep these two words in mind
Approaching someone you don’t know? Aim to get them talking about a topic they know about and that you’re interested in.
- Amanda Hooton
Keiynan’s triple-threat talent turned his life around. But one ‘very simple’ skill eludes him
The multi-award-winning actor, dancer and singer-songwriter, 34, is best-known for his roles in Dance Academy, Love and Simon and The Flash.
- Benjamin Law
I hate drinking from my friend’s square wine glasses. What should I do?
When confronted with appallingly designed kitchen products at someone’s house, lean into the horror, counsels our Modern Guru.
- Danny Katz
French toast with whipped honey butter
A very impressive make-ahead breakfast.
- 2 hrs +
- Julia Busuttil Nishimura
What makes a good rosé?
Plus: a simple tip for adjusting a rosé that is too sweet for your taste.
- Huon Hooke
- Review
- Sama at Grandview Hotel
Discover a modern Middle Eastern restaurant tucked inside a grand old suburban pub
Head to the carpark at the back of the three-storey 1888 landmark and look for the pink neon sign that says “Sama”.
- Dani Valent
- Review
- Sydney
This beachside bistro from The Boathouse Group feels like dining at an island resort
Palm Beach scores a hat for its new grocer-cafe-restaurant-bar-kiosk The Corner, which serves excellent produce and offers top-drawer deli goods and groceries.
- 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 March 21 edition
Stephanie Alexander and The Cook’s Companion at 30 | Free-diver Ant Williams | Debra Adelaide and Gabrielle Carey | How to deliver a baby on a plane
- 11 stories
The March 14 edition
The high-strung, low-key world champ who could become our most-capped swimmer | Ukraine’s world-leading robotics work | Filmmaking at -50C | Consoling a friend
- 13 stories