-
Requiem for the Australian Dream
‘Requiem for the Australian Dream’ examines the origins of the Australian Dream and its importance to Australian society. Under the Robert Menzies government, the ‘Australian Dream’ became the measure of a mature society, built on the collective values of the ‘fair go’ and the notion that no one will be left behind. Menzies likened it to ‘the greatest expression of democracy is when a man and his family own their own home’. During his tenure as Prime Minister from 1949 to 1966, home ownership would become the cornerstone of his ‘emerging middle class of ‘little capitalists’. He believed if Australians were happy and content, they would not stray to communism, which was gripping the world at the time. At just 50.3% in 1945, home ownership would peak in 1966 at a staggering 72%. The book examines the economic and political factors which made home ownership obtainable in Australia during this ‘golden era’ and then what happened to turn the dream into a nightmare.
From the turbulent 1970s to the 1990s – the final years when housing was affordable in Australia – the book takes you on a journey that identifies the key political, economic and societal decisions which conspire to end the Australian Dream of home ownership for so many. Starting with the Whitlam years and moving to the Hawke, Keating and Howard prime ministerships, we witness the rise of neoliberalism and globalisation and their erosion of wages and employment stability for the majority. Labour reforms, the rise of negative gearing, and the deregulation of the banking industry will all play a role in turning the dream. Other monumental changes, such as Howard’s capital gains reform, will be examined, particularly when combined with negative gearing, which would supercharge property investment from 2000 onwards.
The 2000s, which promised to be a period of safety and stability with the ‘Cold War’ at an end, would prove to be a powder keg of conflict and uncertainty that would drive government decisions and economic policy that would turn against housing affordability. Existential factors such as the September 11 attacks, the war on terror and the global financial crisis and their influence on monetary policy in Australia would create ‘cheap credit’ that would incentivise a property boom that would last for 23 years. The rise of China and immigration into Australia would put pressure on town planning and housing supply, which would fuel property price growth. The 1-in-100-year event of COVID-19 would prove to be the last nail in the coffin for the crisis, causing an unparalleled rise in the cost of housing construction, resulting in a reduced housing supply and record bankruptcy of builders. Collectively these factors, combined with political blunders, would define the crisis that we have today.
The final chapters will examine 8 key initiatives to solve the housing crisis and how housing affordability and the dream of home ownership can be restored to future generations. We reflect on what Australia looks like in 2050 if the crisis continues and examine the importance of home ownership to the future of Australia’s society and democracy. A must-read if you are interested in the housing issue.
£20.99 -
Have you ever wondered what a child like you can do to help protect the ocean so shiny and blue? Dive in with Baz the Bubble on his special quest, where he meets amazing underwater heroes who share their secrets on how every small act of kindness and care can make the sea a safer, cleaner, and happier home for all.
£9.99 -
For decades, many church teachings have been accepted as biblical truth – but are they really? Are tithing and first-fruit offerings for new covenant believers? Are Seed-faith Doctrine, the Prosperity Gospel, and the ‘little ‘g’ God’ doctrine truly rooted in Scripture?
Commandments of Men challenges these five widely taught doctrines, examining the Scriptures often used to justify them. Through rigorous analysis of biblical texts, historical context, and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, this book exposes the extra-biblical nature of these doctrines and calls for a return to the simplicity of the Gospel and faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
£10.99 -
Why did Jacob love Joseph more than he loved his other sons?
What is the reward for possessing honest weights and measures?
How many times did the Children of Israel test God?
What must one do in the presence of an elderly person?
These and over 1000 other questions will test and improve your knowledge of the Bible in an enjoyable and interactive way.
Have fun while you learn the greatest book of all time!
£9.99 -
Worlds Apart is a powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience, a journey that spans continents and cultures, testing the strength of one woman’s heart and the ties that bind a family together.
When skilled nurse Francina leaves her home in Africa for the UK, she carries with her the weight of grief and the hope for a brighter future. Torn between duty and longing, she must navigate the challenges of an unfamiliar world while clinging to the love she left behind. As she builds a new life, unexpected friendships and heartbreaking choices force her to confront the meaning of home and belonging.
A deeply moving story of identity, loss, and perseverance, Worlds Apart is a testament to the courage it takes to chase one’s dreams – no matter the distance.
£9.99 -
When Jamie opens his tea rooms one morning, he finds a young woman leaning quietly against a wall. Rosie has left her partner after losing her grandparents and is feeling isolated. Jamie and friends in the village help her understand why she feels the way she does and how she can move forward.
The journey involves her visiting two elderly sisters, who share their life stories with her. She finds that she is not the only person who has lost loved ones. Working alongside them, she remembers that she had plans for her future, including developing her baking and hamper-making skills, and she discusses this with her new friends.
Rosie learns to listen to them and her heart, allows Philip to enter her life again, and realises that loss can allow for new experiences.
A gentle romance readers could relate to!
£9.99 -
Titanic Conspiracy Beneath the Waves
Dive into the depths of one of history’s most enduring mysteries with Malcolm Tilsed’s “Titanic Conspiracy: Beneath the Waves”. Inspired by a childhood fascination sparked by the classic film “A Night to Remember”, Tilsed embarks on a captivating exploration of the Titanic disaster, a tragedy that continues to haunt our collective memory.
Through a masterful collection of evocative poems, Tilsed unveils the untold stories of those aboard the ill-fated ship, drawing from extensive research, survivor testimonies, and a wealth of historical media. Each verse serves as a portal to the past, inviting readers to experience the hopes, dreams, and heart-wrenching losses of those who faced the icy grip of fate.
As you journey through these poignant reflections, you’ll grapple with the profound questions surrounding the Titanic’s sinking and the myriad conspiracy theories that have emerged over the decades. Tilsed’s heartfelt narrative not only honours the legacy of the Titanic but also challenges you to seek truth in your own life.
Join Tilsed on this unforgettable voyage, and discover why the Titanic’s story remains a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. “Titanic Conspiracy: Beneath the Waves” is more than a book; it’s an invitation to reflect, remember, and reconnect with the past.
£20.99 -
Picture, if you will, a verdant valley .On a small hillside, the owner had planted a beautiful vineyard. He had laboured at this, choosing the very best vines to produce a bountiful crop.
Few know the training the vines undergo—the cutting, pruning, twisting the branches out of the normal way of growth—training the vine to do its owner’s bidding to get a good crop, a precious vintage.
We, the church, are the vineyard of the Lord. Yet many in the church have abused this right, harming the vulnerable among them and, in doing so, causing the precious Name we bear to be despised. And as Israel was judged in the book of Isaiah, so, too, is the church in need of judgement. So we need to submit to the cutting, the training, and the pruning in order to produce the fruit He intends.
That’s what this book is about.
£7.99 -
Join Adesua on a fun-filled safari adventure! Adesua and her animal friends, Muna the Monkey, and Zoba the Zebra, explore the jungle and discover amazing animals like elephants, giraffes, and lions! Along the way Adesua teaches kids interesting facts about the animals and engages them with simple math challenges. With vibrant illustrations and a playful storyline, Adesua's Safari Adventure is the perfect book for young readers to learn about the wonders of the animal kingdom through an exciting jungle journey.
Lena Marie (also known as Leasia Williams) is passionate about sparking curiosity and adventure in children. Through engaging storytelling and captivating adventures, she aims to inspire young readers to explore the world around them and develop a love for nature. With Adesua's Safari Adventure, Lena invites children to join Adesua on thrilling journeys that introduce them to the wonders of the animal kingdom and the beauty of discovery.
£8.99 -
Soulful Brands: Why the Future of Business Is Human
Soulful Brands is a transformative invitation for leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who aspire to build authentic brands in a world where true differentiation lies in human connection.
In this book, Maria Brasil unveils the secrets behind brands that successfully align authenticity, strategy, and impact. Blending theory, practice, and real-life stories, she offers valuable insights for business owners and professionals looking to turn their brands into strategic assets.
Through the innovative Brand Anatomy framework, the book explores the essential pillars of authentic brands. In a practical and inspiring way, Maria bridges theory and reality, demonstrating how businesses—both big and small—can align purpose, values, and results to transform not only companies but also communities and markets.
£9.99 -
Lawrence Raider resides in a world dimly lit by the constant glow of sleepless nights; he has wandered for years as an unwilling insomniac, caught in a cycle of deranged visions and haunted awakenings. Now, as unsettling events unfold around him, the fragile borders between dream and reality begin to disintegrate as he finds himself adrift—a solitary soul teetering on the brink of a nightmare from which there may be no escape.
£6.99 -
Smiling Through Tears is a tale of two friends who are facing difficult situations. Reverend Alasdair Sommersby is losing his fight with cancer. Frances Campbell lives with the threat of violence.
The setting of Smiling Through Tears is what drives this novel. Such a tale of domestic abuse, violence and suffering seems out of place amidst the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, tea-room gentility, the febrile atmosphere of the race course, and garden fête geniality, but that, of course, is the point.
£10.99
Discover