Anne Heath Mennell

One of us?

5/3/2020

A resident of Hubei province on a near deserted street during the Chinese new year celebrations.

By Anne Heath Mennell

CITIZENSHIP is in the news – again. The COVID-19 outbreak has raised questions about the responsibility of governments for their people overseas, caught up in situations outside their control. The press has been talking about “Australians” who have been “abandoned” in Wuhan or Hubei province.

It is not clear whether these are people who have Australian citizenship or who have permanent residency. It would appear that some may have dual Australian/Chinese citizenship and that this has complicated what China would allow in terms of evacuations and therefore what Australia was able to do to help them. Some of those left behind have talked about feeling abandoned by Australia. I’m sure I would feel the same, in their situation.

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My first bushfire

7/2/2019

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Grantville fires, February 2, 2019. All photos: Geoff Ellis

By Anne Heath Mennell

IT WASN’T supposed to be a high risk fire day last Friday. I was away from home most of the day. Coming down Anderson hill, with the Waterline laid out before me, there was an ominous column of smoke rising out of the bush on the eastern side of the highway. The smoke seemed to be leaning across the highway, which suggested the wind was blowing from the east. That would blow smoke and the fire onto my side of the highway.

I stood with neighbours at the back fence, looking across the paddocks towards the hills. The smoke seemed to be shifting as we watched helicopters and planes buzzing around and through it. I couldn’t see any flames or fire glow but the vegetation was obviously well alight. We were at the mercy of the wind. If it shifted from the south it could destroy the Adams estate, Grantville and the nature reserve all the way up to the Gurdies. From the east, it would blow ash, embers and flames towards Tenby Point, Corinella and Coronet Bay.

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The web of life

4/10/2018

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Honeyeater in hakea. Photo: Catherine Watson

Honeyeater in hakea.
Photos: Catherine Watson

A garden is more than its plants. It’s also a refuge for birds, mammals, amphibians, insects, bats, plants, fungi and even bacteria.

By Anne Heath Mennell

THOSE of us in Bass Coast lucky enough to have a garden are probably full of plans for planting, tending and developing our plots before the onslaught of summer. Research is demonstrating the many ways that gardens and gardening can improve our physical and psychological health. In National Gardening Week, spare a thought for those who have no gardens at all, or only a tiny courtyard or balcony, and who miss out on the benefits.

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True blues

4/7/2018

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In 42 years, Anne Heath Mennell has never had to prove her Australian status or justify her loyalty. But then she's white ...

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Being Aussie

20/9/2017

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For a blissful few seconds, before becoming an Australian citizen, Anne Heath Mennell was a free woman, owing allegiance to no one.

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Our disappearing gardens

31/1/2015

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Without trees and gardens, our suburbs and cities will be much bleaker places, argues Anne Heath Mennell.

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The system's broke - fix it!

11/10/2014

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As residents of Sunset Strip are discovering, special charge schemes can be expensive and traumatic, writes Anne Heath Mennell.

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Congratulations, Cape!

12/4/2014

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Tenby Point's new suburban streetscape could be in Cranbourne East or Deer Park. Photo: liz Low

Anne Heath Mennell is glad Cape residents won their battle to protect their village, and only wishes she’d been able to do the same for Tenby Point.

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