Tonight my friend Bruno Lettieri, literary and educational Godfather of the Western suburbs, launched Laurinda at Victoria University, Footscray. It was a very special evening because not only were my mum and dad there, and of course, Nick, but also two dear friends of mine - Les Twentyman and Richard Tregear, the legendary social workers - came along too! It made our conversation about class and educational disadvantage more real.
I feel a real sense of community when I return to Victoria University's Rotunda in the West - so many familiar faces like James Howard the local filmmaker, the local teachers, Michelle Fincke the
journalist - all gathered for an evening with the professional writing and editing students. We had a delicious dinner beforehand cooked by the hospitality students in the VU bar, and I realised
how remarkable it was that a university could so perfectly integrate literature and 'the trades', and honour them both.
Photo of Bruno by Pam Kleemann