And now for a little me time
MONTHLY CHALLENGE
Clutter busting
GIVEAWAY
NO LOVE SONGS
9 X DOUBLE PASSES TO GIVEAWAY !
New year , same mess ? Time to get rid of some clutter !
by Lorna Gordon
I might be a bit odd with this , but since my kids started school , I have viewed February as a second New Year . The chaos of the holidays is over , everyone gets back into a routine and I have time to think about new projects again . This year I decided to set myself a monthly challenge and I thought I would take you along for the ride .
My first challenge is clutter busting . While I try and stay on top of the clutter in my house , like many busy people , it always seems to creep up . This month I ’ m going to attack it and get rid of some of my worst areas . We all have them , from the junk drawer with useful things , a spot in the garage where things get dumped , an area where the kids constantly leave their junk , or under the kitchen sink or laundry where you store your cleaning products .
The first thing to remind yourself with clutter is that it ’ s totally normal to
PODCASTS
by Lorna Gordon
This is a different take on your usual true crime podcast , where Pulitzer Prize winning host of the podcast , Maggie Freleng , talks to men and women who have faced time in prison for crimes they did not commit .
Each episode features firsthand accounts from these people who share their emotional journeys through the justice system — detailing everything from their arrest and trial to the years spent behind bars and the struggles they faced upon release . The podcast also brings in legal experts , investigative journalists , and advocacy organisations , such as the Innocence Project , to discuss the broader implications of wrongful convictions and the urgent need for reform .
This insightful podcast offers a have it , and the second is , don ’ t try and clear it all in one go ! For the challenge you could pick out four areas that need your attention and do one a week . By doing smaller areas it becomes manageable and after you start to gain momentum and feel better making you want to do more !
When attacking your cluttered areas , have a bin or rubbish bag to hand to put the junk items in so you aren ’ t going back and forward . Then split the rest of the things into two , the stuff you want to keep and the things that can be donated if you no longer want them . The keepers get put away and the donations can go into a box or bag to take to the op shop ( just don ’ t let that become another pile of clutter !). Once you have cleared out an area , give yourself a pat on the back and tick it off your list of clutter to clean up .
Little changes can have a big impact in your home , why not try this month ’ s challenge in your own home ?
Wrongful Conviction with Maggie Freleng
voice to those who have been silenced by injustice . Its compassionate approach encourages listeners to reflect on the flaws in the legal system , such as false confessions , prosecutorial misconduct , unreliable eyewitness testimonies , and the misuse of forensic evidence .
In addition to raising awareness , Wrongful Conviction serves as a call to action , urging listeners to support policy changes and organisations working to prevent future injustices . With gripping storytelling and powerful insights , the podcast continues to be an eye-opening resource for those interested in criminal justice reform and the pursuit of true justice .
While this might be a change from your usual crime poddy , it ’ s certainly worth listening to on your usual streaming service .
Starring KEEGAN JOYCE and LUCY MAUNDER
NO LOVE SONGS is a powerful and uplifting modern love story that packs an emotional punch with beautifully written songs and honest storytelling that will star KEEGAN JOYCE ( Rake , Please Like Me ) and LUCY MAUNDER ( Chicago , Mary Poppins ).
This highly acclaimed new musical by Kyle Falconer , lead singer of the Scottish band The View , will tour Australia this year , beginning with an exclusive season at Sydney ’ s newest venue , Foundry Theatre , at Sydney Lyric playing from 7 March to 13 April 2025 .
NO LOVE SONGS began life in 2023 with a sellout season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and a tour of the UK and has just completed its off- Broadway season ahead of a New York opening in March .
This dynamic new musical is inspired by Kyle Falconer ’ s real-life experiences with his partner Laura Wilde . Songs featured in this modern romance are taken from Falconer ’ s second solo album , No Love Songs for Laura , and have been reimagined for the stage .
This funny , hard-hitting musical brings to life the joys and struggles of madly in love Jessie ( Keegan Joyce ) and Lana ( Lucy Maunder ) as they navigate the challenges of their new lives as parents . This is further complicated when singer / songwriter Jessie gets his big break in America , leaving Lana isolated back at home with their new baby .
What follows is an emotional roller-coaster of turmoil , raw emotions and tears . Will the sparks that were there yesterday get them through tomorrow ?
Actor and singer Keegan Joyce is best known for his starring role as Finnegan “ Fuzz ” Greene , the son of Richard Roxburgh ’ s character in ABC TV series Rake , as well as his featured role in ABC TV ’ s Please Like Me .
Lucy Maunder has cemented her reputation as one of Australia ’ s leading theatre artists with multiple award nominations and a variety of starring roles in music theatre productions that have toured both nationally and internationally .
VENUE Foundry Theatre , at Sydney Lyric , The Star , 55 Pirrama Road , Pyrmont SEASON 7 March – 13 April SHOWTIMES Tuesday to Friday 7.15pm ; Sat 2.15pm & 7.30pm ; Sunday 2pm & 6pm BOOKINGS www . nolovesongs . com . au
We are giving away 9 x double passes to see No Love Songs !
To enter send an email to info @ hdinews . com . au with No Love Songs in the subject line and leave us your name , address and contact number . Tell us what you like best about our mag .
All winners will be notified by email / phone .
14 ISSUE 116 // FEBRUARY 2025 HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR ! theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT