Internationally recognised for propelling authors into the literary spotlight, the shortlist for the regional winners from South East Asia and Pacific has been unveiled in the race to win the influential 2010 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize. Offering an exceptional opportunity for new writers to demonstrate their talent and for authors already on the literary scene to strengthen their reputation – writers across the region – are in pole position to compete with the best authors from, Africa, Caribbean and Canada and South Asia and Europe to win the coveted prizes of the Commonwealth’s Best Book and Best First Book. Read who was shortlisted»

The Australia Project is a series of creative initiatives dedicated to exploring the national Australian identity. How many of us have asked the questions; Who are we? What are we doing here? Where are we going? Do we even belong here? For each of these questions there are potentially 22 million unique responses, answers and opinions.

The Australia Project is asking Australian creatives and the general public, to engage in a national debate regarding the current status of contemporary Australian culture. They are seeking to explore and redefine clichéd national stereotypes in the hope of revealing unique and personal perspectives on Australia today.

The Australia Project is encouraging this debate by organising initiatives such as creative voices, workshops and visions. Works will be exhibited on our мебель в болгарииOnline Gallery as well as a curated selection being included in the travelling Australia Project exhibition. The results of The Australia Project will be curated and presented at the AGIdeas 2010 International Design Week, 26th to 29th April 2010.

Two Flat Whites in conjunction with our friends at Fremantle Press are giving three (3) lucky people the chance to win Alice Nelsons’ fantastic new book titled The Last Sky.

Shortlisted for last year’s Vogel Award, this is Alice Nelson’s first novel. Maya and her husband, Joseph, are academics. She is working on Poussin, he, an archaeologist, has just taken a position at Hong Kong University. It is just a few months before the handover of Hong Kong and Joseph has joined his old mentor to research the lost tribes of the Talamakan Desert. He has become obsessed with the work and in the heady days of the changeover their research has become politically charged. For Maya the move to Hong Kong is a chance to finish her dissertation; a chance meeting with an elderly man leads her to the story of a Jewish Russian émigré, Ada Lang, and a strange and tragic love story.

Please email your name, postal address and where you heard about the competition to info {at} twoflatwhites(.)com for your chance to win!

Competition closes Sunday, 31st January 2010.

Click here to view our recent interview with Alice Nelson.

Welcome to my new column. I’ve joined forces with Two Flat Whites and will be delivering you with a weekly dose of what has been hitting our headlines. Check out the In The News section on the site. Covering everything from politics, the arts, sport, current affairs, entertainment, lifestyle and business, this is your boiling broth of tasty headlines and opinion.

Nothing new about racism hitting the news stands in Australia it seems. The latest issues raised have been attacks against Indian Australians. Earlier in the week there were a couple of attacks in Melbourne and over the last few months an allegation of a murder in South East New South Wales over unpaid wages and a riot in Western Sydney. It’s been over 200 years and we are yet to come to terms with our multiculturalism and realise just how wonderful this country of ours just really is and how much more we could achieve!

Heat waves, Adelaide temperatures hitting the 40’s most of last week, Melbourne and Sydney having the hottest Summers of all time and overall, figures released that 2009 was the second warmest year since measuring began. What is really happening? You ask one set of scientists and we are in deep trouble, ask the other side and we have nothing to fear? Confused, join the club. But what I do know is that we have been treating this planet with contempt for far too long and its time we were all a little smarter.

The anti whaling ship Ady Gil is allegedly rammed by the Japanese vessel Shonan Maru 2. The Australian government are dodging and weaving, it seems the financial interests of this nation are a higher priority than the safety of human life and the whales. Do we really not want to piss off the Japanese that much, as our 3rd largest trading partner it seems so?

Over 40,000 people have bought there first home in 2009 with the government paying over $33 billion in concessions. With the money offered now scaling down, how will this affect the housing market? We will need to keep a close eye on our new Premier Kristina Keneally who not only is the first female Premier of New South Wales but seems to be doing a pretty good job so far since taking over the post in early December.

In other news, the Australian test team beat Pakistan in a remarkable come from behind victory in the Sydney Test Match. Reports have come out that some of the Australian Rugby League players were unhappy with coach Sheens’ tight rains off the field in there recent tour. Are they kidding? What is wrong with some Rugby League players? Wedding anyone? Supermodel Catherine McNeil and MTV presenter Ruby Rose are now engaged. And finally, if your in Sydney you can’t beat the Sydney Festival with plenty to do for all the family. See you next week.

Article written by Annabelle Knight.

Two Flat Whites have today embarked on a writing series called Towns & Places in Australia. The aim of this series is to help our talented writers further promote and showcase their work while promoting this wonderful country of ours.

Check out the wonderful articles and creative skills displayed by our home grown talent over the coming months. It’s not too late to get involved. Whether you are an up and comer or established and experienced writer, we want you!

So why not give it a go! If you are interested, please email me at ben {at} twoflatwhites(.)com and provide your choice of place or town.

The Two Flat Whites Team

Welcome to 2010. I’m never sure what to make of this time of the year. What’s more significant is that one year has come to an end and a new year has begun. It’s generally a relaxed month, its summer and we all have good intentions to get things started on the right foot.

Here at Two Flat Whites, we’re all about giving creative types the chance to share their talent with the world. Two Flat Whites focuses on discovering, promoting & nurturing Australian talent. Whether you are a budding young writer, fashion designer, artist, photographer, musician, restaurateur, chef or film maker this is the network for you!

Our website is full of lively reviews of films, music and restaurants; information about upcoming events, interviews with talented individuals from a range of industries; and lots of creative opportunities & competitions.

Two Flat Whites encourages submissions of articles on a variety of topics from young writers. We have been busy encouraging more writers to get onboard and I’m sure you will notice the difference, with more creative writing from our network of insightful contributors.

Our network while having the same feel, has been transformed adding some new exciting topics; if you are interested in Australian Music, Film, Food and Wine, Art and Design, Towns and Places or obtaining your dose of what is hitting the headlines this is the network for you.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support in 2009 and look forward to seeing you back in 2010. So strap yourself in and enjoy the ride!

The Two Flat Whites Team

The Manly area will be turned into a temporary art gallery as 30 creatively designed and decorated Artboards are displayed for the entire world to see as part of Manly’s National Festival of Surfing from the 5th to 8th November 2009.

Not only will the Artboards create a great cultural and artistic spectacle right in the heart of Australia’s home of surfing – Manly Beach, but all the boards are also going to be auctioned with all proceeds being given to the Disabled Surfers Association & Surf Aid.

Surfing and Surf Culture is an integral part of this beach-side suburb and this Festival is one way of celebrating and sharing the lifestyle with those of you who surf and those who don’t.

The Manly Festival of Surfing encompasses entertaining events both on and off beach, for every skill level from beginners to pros, men and women, boys and girls, young and old. Manly with its beautiful beaches is a great spot to not only participate but admire this pastime and sport. It is all about pure enjoyment!

The bidding has started and you have until the 30th November 2009.

Riverbeats ’09 is a fantastic cultural party with an environmental flavour taking place in Parramatta from the 31st October to the 14th November 2009.

Now in its fourth year, Riverbeats ‘09 is delighted to welcome one of Australia’s most significant musicians, Dale Barlow, as Music Director of the 2009 program. Using his extensive industry experience, Barlow has selected the highest calibre of local and international artists to present a unique and innovative musical program.  The mix includes AFI-award winning Decoder Ring, Synergy Percussion’s new band Moth, The Translators’ and the Blenders.

Riverbeats ’09 has something for everyone with four key streams. The showcase event will be Riverbeats Live on Saturday 31 October: one spectacular night of free entertainment and music along the Parramatta Riverbank. Also on the Riverbeats calendar will be Loy Krathong on Saturday 7 November – which includes performances and a traditional Thai water festival.

For those interested in the science & the environment, there is the Water Project Symposium on Friday 13 November with discussions led by Australia’s favourite scientists, the Sleek Geeks, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and Adam Spencer.  Finally, Riverbeats ‘09 will conclude with the annual family day Carp Fish Out on Saturday 14 November when fisherman of all ages can help rid the River of unwanted carp. See you there!

Speak, scream, howl, whisper or sing your original poem at the Australian Poetry Slam 09 – NSW heats – an electric live event where the audience is the judge!

Slam heats are currently being held in city and regional venues across Australia until November 2009. This year there are 10 regional and metro heats in NSW. Two finalists from each slam heat in NSW will compete in the state final at the State Library of NSW on 13 November.

On 3 December, NSW’s top two performers will battle against state and territory winners for the coveted national title at the Sydney Opera House and some amazing prizes.

Now in its third year, the Australian Poetry Slam has unearthed some amazing talent and enhanced the career opportunities of two previous winners. 2008 winner Omar Musa recently released his first music video, Hemingway. Watch Omar Musa’s video Hemingway. Read about Omar’s winning performance on the ABC website. 2007 winner Marc Testart became the first Australian to compete in the Individual World Poetry Championships in America last December.