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ACON celebrates 40 years

This year marks the 40th anniversary of ACON, an organisation that has been at the forefront of health, wellbeing and advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities in NSW. From its beginnings in 1985 as a response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, ACON has grown into a vital service provider, supporting people across diverse communities through health programs, harm reduction initiatives, campaigns, and community-building projects.

For four decades, ACON has stood as a fierce advocate, fighting stigma, breaking down barriers, and championing equality. Their work has not only saved lives, but also shaped a more inclusive society.

On a personal note, I recently had the privilege of visiting ACON’s offices to photograph a group of members and volunteers for a special cover image for the Sydney Star Observer. It was inspiring to meet and capture some of the faces who embody the organisation’s history and spirit. Being behind the camera in that moment reminded me how deeply ACON’s work has touched so many lives, and how vital their ongoing presence remains.

As we celebrate this milestone, it is an opportunity to reflect on the resilience of our communities, to acknowledge the countless individuals who have contributed to ACON’s journey, and to look ahead with gratitude and hope. Here’s to 40 years of care, courage, and change.

For more information on various events aligned to ACON’s 40th anniversary click on this link:

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Shooting the work of Serg from Prestige Plus

One of my July projects was to photograph a series of stunning interior and exterior residential projects for Prestige Plus, a Sydney‑based company specialised in the manufacture and installation of premium double‑ and triple‑glazed windows and doors. 

This assignment was particularly engaging for me as I focused on capturing the quality and beauty of the glass structures installed by Serg and his team. The work was at high‑end residences featuring large picture windows, sliding doors, bi‑fold systems, and custom configurations, allowing light to pour in while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Inside the homes, the precision workmanship of the Prestige Plus team was evident: seamless frames, strong clean lines, and reflective surfaces that played beautifully with natural light. Outside, I documented how the installations enhanced the architectural form—highlighting courtyard glazing, expansive views, and the way the glass connected interiors with the outdoors.

For me each project was an adventure into another world … I would travel to areas of Sydney that I rarely visit such as the beautiful Cottage Point and also Grasmere. I would then lose myself in the task of working with angles, perspectives, light and other variables, to create striking images for my client.

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The Hayes Theatre Company prepares for it’s 2006 season

Pictured: Steven Kramer (Writer of Phar Lap), Justin Smith (Cast of Phar Lap), Joel Granger (Cast of Phar Lap) and Sheridan Harbridge (Director of Phar Lap)

Together with various actors, writers, directors and costumers, I recently hosted a series of photo-shoots at my studio for the Hayes Theatre Company, in preparation for their 2026 season. The sessions involved still photographs of various cast members and video production of the actors and crew, filminging light-hearted, voice-to-camera interviews. We also created some grabs of slow-mo action for future marketing content.

Kayla French (marketing) commits herself to creating content with Joel Granger (Cast of Phar Lap)
Richard Carroll (Artistic Director) checks in with Billie and John (Cast Members)
Billie (Cast) in makeup with Ashleigh Grace (MUA)
Final social media images are captured before stepping on set.
Rica Canillas (Marketing, left) working hard with Kayla French (Marketing, right)
Sam Hernandez (Costuming, left), together with Richard (Director, right) adjust Billie’s costume

While the video cameras rolled, I also took the opportunity to capture some out-takes of the working process with my own camera. There was a vibrant and creative mood on set, with the team from Hayes Theatre Company bringing incredible energy to the studio. Moments like these are a powerful reminder of just how much collaborative effort goes into producing a theatrical season, with the contributions of so many talented individuals coming together behind the scenes.

Sam Hernandez (Wardrobe/Stylist) makes final adjustments to Billie Palin’s costume on set.
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Hearts For Eternity

As a photographer, sometimes I am given an opportunity to witness and record moments of great resilience and human spirit. This was the case when I was commissioned to photograph the Hearts for Eternity event hosted by the Heart Research Institute at the Langham Hotel, Sydney in early July. The Institute is dedicated to funding life-saving research into heart health, supporting projects that aim to improve the lives of patients and to advance medical understanding in the field.

The afternoon took the form of a traditional high tea, accompanied by beautiful chamber music. Guests heard from Dr Christopher Stanley, leader of the Microvascular Research Centre, who spoke about his team’s ground-breaking work. Their research investigates the dangerous drop in blood pressure that occurs during septic shock. From the perspective of the patient, Jessica Lines, mother of young Ryan, recounted what her family endured when Ryan’s health was in serious danger, sharing their heartfelt story.

Dr Christopher Stanley giving his address to the participants
Jessica with Ryan

It was a privilege to capture such an important event—one that not only raises awareness and support for vital research but also celebrates the lives touched by the Heart Research Institute’s work.

Ryan Lines – on his way to support his mother at “Hearts For Eternity”
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Roberts & Co upgrades infrastructure at Cumberland High School

A recent commission was to photograph the completion of the latest stage of the development at Cumberland High School, by Roberts & Co. The project has delivered a series of new buildings and classrooms designed to provide state-of-the-art teaching facilities for students and staff.

The contemporary architecture, light-filled spaces, and innovative layouts reflect a strong focus on creating inspiring environments for learning. My aim was to capture the scale and detail of the design, from the expansive communal areas to the thoughtfully planned classrooms.

Projects like this demonstrate how modern educational spaces can foster creativity.  I am always reminded that things weren’t quite so spiffy and high-tech when I was attending my local high school in country Victoria. I could not have imagined how different school life would be in the contemporary setting of young students today –  with computers, internet, social media – all the bells and whistles of current technology. It was certainly a simpler time for me.

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Images of new bio lab at Macquarie University

I was recently commissioned by RCCI, a specialised team within Richard Crookes Constructions that manages interior fit-outs up to $30 million, to photograph the new Level 2 Bio Lab at Macquarie University.

Purpose-built to advance the study of frogs, this state-of-the-art facility provides researchers with the resources to continue their vital work. For me, photographing the clean lines and precision of the lab’s design was a fascinating experience, offering a glimpse into an environment where science and architecture intersect.

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Portraits in Rome: Emily Jacir

Emily Jacir, Rome, 2016

While visiting Rome in 2016, I had the opportunity to photograph acclaimed Palestinian artist and film maker Emily Jacir during an intimate and memorable portrait session. Known for her poignant and politically charged works, Jacir’s practice explores themes of displacement, resistance, memory, and the Palestinian experience, often weaving personal narratives with broader socio-political commentary.

One of Emily’s works is currently being exhibited as part of HOME 25: Invisible Cities, a roving exhibition presented across multiple venues throughout central Dandenong in Victoria. The show explores how the idea of “home” shapes our sense of identity, belonging, and dislocation—a theme that resonates deeply with Jacir’s body of work. It’s a pleasure to see a portrait from our photo session in Rome also being used by Greater Dandenong for their exhibition.

Jacir has exhibited internationally, with major works shown at the Venice Biennale (where she won a Golden Lion in 2007), the Whitney Museum, and MoMA in New York. Her work crosses media—film, photography, installation, and performance—always rooted in a strong conceptual framework and a commitment to storytelling.

She is also the Co-founder and Founding Director of Dar Yusuf Nasri Jacir for Art and Research in Bethlehem, Palestine—a vibrant and independent cultural centre housed in her family home. The space fosters exchange, experimentation, and critical dialogue among artists, researchers, and the local community.

Emily Jacir, Trastevere, 2016 – captured in one of her favourite streets

Working with Emily was an absolute pleasure. We began the shoot in the intimate interior of her Roman lodgings, where soft natural light filtered through the windows and created a quiet, thoughtful mood. From there, we moved to the rooftop terrace, where I captured Emily framed by the romantic skyline of Rome—its domes and terracotta roofs stretching into the distance. We finished in the cobbled streets of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most lively quarters. Emily led me to a narrow laneway she particularly loved, and it became one of the most memorable backdrops of our photo session. It was such a delight to collaborate with Emily in the creation of this imagery—she brought warmth, depth, and grace to every frame.

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Alone with my camera and lens at Kemps Creek

Recently, I headed out to Kemps Creek in western Sydney to photograph a newly completed warehouse development for ESR — a global real estate company specialised in logistics and industrial property. The vast building itself is now home to Toll, one of Australia’s largest logistics providers. However, I was given access to the site before the handover to the client, while the building was yet to be occupied, to photograph and document the construction project.

There is something strangely cinematic about this kind of assignment, being in an extensive, semi-rural industrial zone. At Kemps Creek, the warehouse looms out of the flat horizon like a modern monolith — part space station, part fortress. It’s like a man-made moonscape, and I found myself almost alone here, just me and my camera, wandering through steel shadows and sharp geometries.

Shooting at a site like this isn’t about catching fleeting human emotion or theatrical performance — it’s about scale, symmetry and silence. It’s satisfying to compose frames that reflect the power and precision of these enormous structures, capturing their relationship to the surrounding landscape and sky.

ESR, the company behind the development, operates across the Asia-Pacific region, investing in and managing spaces designed for logistics, data centres, and e-commerce infrastructure. Their work reflects the backbone of modern trade — quiet, unseen, but critical.

Photographing this development wasn’t just about showcasing a new warehouse with coloured stripes painted boldly across its facade, it was about documenting the scale of contemporary industry and the quiet grandeur of functional architecture. There’s a peculiar peace in being surrounded by so much cavernous space, steel and sky. As a photographer, I find such moments of solitude and shifting scale incredibly rewarding.

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“Being Alive” at Hayes Theatre: featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim

Pictured from left: Raphael Wong, Lincoln Elliott & Kala Gare

In June, I worked with the talented cast and crew of Being Alive, a beautifully staged selection of Stephen Sondheim songs at the Hayes Theatre in Sydney. My role was to capture production images to showcase the energy, emotion and artistry of the show with four extraordinary performers and a three-piece band, to be used for promotional and program purposes.

Normally, I photograph and document a full dress rehearsal by shooting continuously while the production runs in real time. This allows me to capture spontaneous moments and the natural rhythm of the performance. However, for Being Alive, the process was a little different – and all the more fascinating because of it.

This time, instead of shooting a seamless run-through, we worked through a carefully curated list of specific moments. Sonia Suares, the director, knew exactly the moments that would feature the artists appropriately and guided me along the way. The cast and crew would reset between these key points, allowing me to focus on capturing particular highlights that best represented the range and spirit of the show. We moved from set-up to set-up, working collaboratively to ensure that each image told a piece of the story.

Pictured from left: Lincoln Elliott, Kala Gare, Raphael Wong & Blazey Best

From my perspective, it was an interesting departure from my usual approach — offering the opportunity to craft images with more precision, while still responding to the vibrancy of live performance. I’m grateful to the team at Hayes for their openness and professionalism, and to the cast for their generosity in revisiting these moments so that I could do them justice through my lens.

Catch a performance in Sydney starting from late June … for tickets and more information head to “Being Alive”

Cast and crew of the Hayes Theatre production of “Being Alive”
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Photographing the charismatic Donna Campbell at my Lilyfield studio

The talented and much-loved performer Donna Campbell visited my Lilyfield studio in June to produce a fresh set of promotional images. Known for her dynamic stage presence and versatility, Donna required eye-catching imagery to support several of her upcoming projects – and she brought her signature professionalism and energy to our shoot.

From the moment Donna stepped in front of the lens, it was clear I was photographing someone who truly understands how to command the camera. We began with classic headshots, capturing her natural warmth and strength. As we progressed, the session evolved into more dynamic territory, with Donna striking expressive dance poses that reflected the vitality she brings to her performances.

To finish our photographic session, we had a lot of fun creating images of Donna in her “Dolly Parton” look – a lively character she often features in her shows, tracking her career “from rags to rhinestones”. She embodies Dolly’s sparkle and charm effortlessly, and the results speak for themselves. It was a privilege to help Donna create imagery to reflect her talents as a performer.

For more information and to keep up-to-date on Donna’s upcoming performances visit her website at https://www.donnacampbell.com.au/

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A great day with the NAPWHA team in Melbourne

In June, I had the privilege of working with the team from NAPWHA  (National Association of People Living with HIV Australia) on a shoot held at Sun Studios in South Melbourne. The session brought together a group of generous and inspiring community members, who volunteered to be models for the day.

The shoot was part of a broader initiative to create a fresh library of imagery for upcoming educational and awareness campaigns.

Shooting at Sun Studios, Sth Melbourne
Ready for the close-up

It was a day filled with energy, purpose, and connection. I’m proud to have played a role in capturing content that will help support NAPWHA’s ongoing work and advocacy. My thanks to everyone involved — especially those who so bravely and openly stood in front of the lens.

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Ned’s renovation progresses

In a previous blog in November 2022, I featured the renovation of the downstairs section of a Melbourne home owned by my friend Ned. (See the link: https://www.johnmcrae.com/neds-place/) Well, Ned is at it again – this time turning his attention to the upstairs area. The transformation continues at this solid, 70s-inspired brick house, tucked away in the charming inner-west suburb of Yarraville.

Pic: from previous downstairs renovation of the kitchen area

This free-standing residence has always had great bones – solid construction, generous proportions, and an unmistakable retro flair. When Ned tackled the downstairs areas last year, he focused on bringing in light, opening up the layout, and adding clean, contemporary touches without losing the character of the home. The results are warm, modern, and inviting.

Ned pictured with his sister, Jacquie, at the front of the Yarraville house.

Now, with the upstairs overhaul complete, the story continues. Once again, Ned teamed up with the likeable and ever-reliable Ali from Featurepoint Constructions – the same builder who brought such care and craftsmanship to the previous stage of the renovation. Ali’s steady hand and eye for detail helps Ned’s vision to materialise, ensuring that the upstairs work matches the quality and style of what had already been achieved downstairs.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s been updated:

  • Bedrooms were reimagined including re-invigorated, clever storage solutions, and a lighter palette that makes the most of natural light.
  • The bathroom received a full makeover, with sleek new fixtures, a more efficient layout, and understated tiling to blend functionality with style.
  • Hallways and common areas were decluttered and refreshed, creating a more cohesive and streamlined flow throughout the space.

Ali and his team at Feature Point Constructions kept things running smoothly, with a hands-on approach and genuine attention to the details that make all the difference. The result? An upstairs space that feels calm, cohesive, and contemporary, crafted with the highest of standards.

Scroll down to check out some of the before-and-after shots. It’s always amazing to see how clever changes – both big and small – can breathe new life into a space.

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Walking the walk with Glynis Trail-Nash: “In These Shoes” heads to Edinburgh

Back in 2022, I had the pleasure of collaborating with the fabulous Glynis Trail-Nash to create a suite of imagery for her debut cabaret show, In These Shoes. A fashion journalist with a razor-sharp wit and a killer sense of style, Glynis was stepping into the spotlight with a cabaret about shoes, identity, and the unexpected turns life can take.

Our photo shoot captured Glynis in full stride—glamorous, cheeky, and unapologetically herself. It was clear from the start that this show had legs (and heels!) to go far. I am very happy and proud that she is representing the best of Australian culture internationally.

Glynis in makeup at the studio
Shoes on display

Fast-forward to 2025, and In These Shoes is hitting the international stage at this year’s Edinburgh Comedy Festival. Through sheer determination—and a wonderfully successful crowdfunding campaign—Glynis is taking her show to one of the biggest comedy platforms in the world.

It’s always a joy to see creative work evolve, and I’m thrilled that the images we created together are still helping Glynis to tell her story. If you’re heading to Edinburgh in July/August, don’t miss the chance to see In These Shoes – a smart, stylish, and sharply observed cabaret from a woman who certainly knows how to make an entrance.

The glamorous Glynis Trail-Nash at the photoshoot at John McRae Photography
The glamorous Glynis Trail-Nash in studio
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A new corporate profile for Adrian Bartels

I recently completed a shoot for Adrian Bartels, the driving force behind Advocate Financial Services. The aim was to create a suite of fresh, professional imagery to reflect the trust, experience, and personal approach that define Adrian’s work ethic.

Advocate Financial Services has built long-standing relationships with financial planners, accountants, estate agents, and solicitors. Through this network, they offer clients tailored financial solutions to align with every stage of life. As Adrian says, he’s on the side of the borrower.

Working with the support of my trusty assistant Nick Jones, we explored the streets and cafés of Potts Point to find locations which reflect the energy and personality of this vibrant community in inner-city Sydney. As well as taking portraits in his offices, these backdrops helped to give a sense of authenticity to the photo-shoot, connecting Adrian’s brand to the people and places his business supports.

Our shoot focused on capturing Adam’s approachable professionalism and calm confidence. The images were designed to reflect his company’s commitment to personalised service, transparency, and meaningful financial outcomes. It was a pleasure to collaborate with Adrian on this project, with a series of new photos aiming to visually communicate the values that make Advocate Financial Services a trusted presence in the finance industry.

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“There’s Nothing Like A Dame”

I had the pleasure of creating the poster art for Nothing Like A Dame, the latest show by Sydney drag icon Minnie Cooper, taking place at the legendary Stonewall Hotel on June 20th and 21st. The lead image featured in the poster is one I shot some time ago—so it’s a real joy to see it brought back and used to front this new production.

I’ve worked with Minnie for many years, capturing her in all her theatrical brilliance. With her rich background in the performing arts and sharp comedic flair, she’s a true force in the world of drag. Our creative collaborations reflect not just her talent, but also the enduring power and legacy of drag in Sydney’s LGBTQI+ history—particularly in venues like Stonewall, which have long been central to that vibrant cultural expression.

For tickets and more info, visit @theminniecooper on Instagram. This show promises sparkle, sass, and plenty of heart—you won’t want to miss it.

Some images from previous shoots of Minnie Cooper
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Family portrait in the house where they grew up

Family portraiture is a universal category in photography … but I do not often get the opportunity to shoot this genre. Although I mostly concentrate on corporate, theatre and general commercial work, I was recently asked to photograph a Sydney family at home.

Jackie and Gerard wanted a photographic document that would be a snapshot recording a time in their family’s life, making an image that they could refer to in the future. They particularly wanted the family to be photographed in front of the family home in Sydney, showing the house where the kids had grown up. I thought that was a great idea.

So, on a temperate autumn evening, I ventured to their family home. We shot a series of portraits of Jackie, Gerard, Majella, Jimmy and Frankie in various combinations and poses, also with their pet dog. It was a great exercise in contributing to part of a family’s heritage.

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Michele’s hidden talent

I invited my friend Michele to an afternoon birthday party on the Central Coast. This is Michele pictured below….

At a certain point in the afternoon, a wonderful 3-piece band started playing. The front-man was the well-known rocker Billy Field – respected singer song-writer, bass guitarist and music producer. He was well-known in the 70’s and 80’s for his top-20 hit singles “Bad Habits”, “You Weren’t in Love with Me” and “True Love”. He’s still going strong!

Given that normally Michele is fairly retiring in her approach (I wouldn’t say shy, but certainly not someone who grabs the limelight) I was impressed that she suddenly took the place of the drummer and started “jamming with the boys”. Apparently the drummer said that he wanted a break and Michele seized this opportunity to take his place.

What was even more astounding to me is that she was fabulous on the drums … I never knew she had this talent. The rest of the band appreciated her as well. The party guests were all up dancing and everyone had a good time. For the rest of the afternoon whenever the drummer wanted a break, Michele was “in” to take his place. The moral of the story is “never under-estimate your friends”.

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“Topping event” at Parramatta

The recent event by Roberts Co at Charles Street, Parramatta was to mark the recent completion of the “top floor” of this residential sky-scraper. Hence the expression “topping”. The views are amazing.

As I have posted before, topping is a ritual in the construction industry to celebrate a landmark, meaning that the building has reached its highest point. Normally a tree hoisted by crane to the pinnacle. The parties involved (executives, project managers, architects, financiers, etc) congregate, speeches are made and everyone takes a moment to discuss the progress and the future completion. The tree is usually planted later in the grounds.

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Kaleido Health Centre opens its doors

We/Us/Ours is the catch cry for this “first in Australia” health facility which caters for sexuality and gender diverse people in NSW.

Funded by the NSW Government as part of their LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy 2022-2027, the centre was established in South Everleigh in Sydney by ACON, NSW’s leading LGBTQ+ and HIV health organization, with a $4.2 million grant.

The Kaleido Health Centre provides a range of primary care and specialist health services, including general practice, sexual health services, mental health support, gender-affirming health care, drug and alcohol interventions, and cancer screening services. 

The building occupies one of the grand, heritage-protected buildings at South Eveleigh, at 6 Cornwallis Street, called “The Bell Tower”. As the name suggests there’s an old bell tower as part of the roof. The building has been renovated and now houses a state-of-the-art medical centre, both modern and welcoming and at the same time, maintaining its historical character.

Michael Woodhouse, CEO of ACON and Interim CEO of Kaleido Health, states:

“ACON established the Kaleido Health Centre because our communities deserve the highest level of care designed by us, for us. Too often we hear stories of people who say they can’t find safe, welcoming care that understands their lives. Kaleido Health will provide integrated care specifically designed to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people and their families, across a wide range of health services, accessible state-wide.”

I was commissioned to photograph the newly opened building and to capture a series of head-shots of some of the staff.

It was also an adventure, since I had never before been to this smartly developed part of Sydney before. The centre is situated within the boundaries of Technology Park which is full of large, converted and heritage-listed buildings. I even managed to find a good coffee shop and barista in the vicinity at the end of the shoot.

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Blanche d’Alpuget launches her latest novel, “The Bunny Club”.

Acclaimed author Blanche d’Alpuget recently stepped into my Sydney studio to create new imagery for promotion aligned to the release of her latest novel, “The Bunny Club”.

What an absolute joy it was to work with this gorgeous and intelligent lady. We were shooting a variety of portraits and basic head-shots, so we concentrated on changing what she was wearing, alternating the colours of her outfits.

Blanche arrived having had her hair already styled by Ivan Chircop, owner of “La Libertine Hair Salon” in the CBD. The next step was for David Cranson (MUA) to take care of her makeup.

Left to right: Ivan (Hair), Blanche and David (Makeup)

Before long we were ready to set about shooting under the lights. Blanche was a wonderful model … professional and willing to duplicate any suggestion I had in terms of pose and mood. Time passed quickly and soon we had a number of looks and configurations from which to choose.

Blanche’s literary repertoire is extensive. There have been biographies, novels, essays and numerous awards. Her best-selling 1982 book Robert J Hawke: A Biography, researched and written after they were no longer a couple, won the New South Wales Premier’s literary award and it remains the definitive work on the former Australian Prime Minister. Her novels Monkeys in the Dark, Turtle Beach, Winter in Jerusalem and White Eye have won the Pen Golden Jubilee award, the Age novel of the year award and the South Australian Premier’s award. She has also written historical novels about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine.

The Bunny Club is something a bit different: a racy detective novel set in the harbourside glass castles of Sydney’s eastern suburbs and at the equestrian estates of the southern highlands. It opens when an ageing morning television host who is fighting to keep her job, Evelyn Sinclair, is found dead at an astoundingly grisly crime scene: hanging upside down from the ceiling, tied-up using shibari, the Japanese art of rope bondage.

I have almost finished reading my copy of Blanche’s book. The novel was launched at the Manly Writers Festival on the last weekend in March. It is available in most bookstores or can be ordered on-line at this link:

Review: The Guardian

Promotional image of Blanche d'Alpuget for the release of her new novel, The Bunny Club