News in brief
Image: Scott Johnson
A cup of EqualiTEA
Just in time for Mardi Gras, new Australian tea company SLURP has launched a range of teas to support LGBTIQ communities. SLURP’s EqualiTEA range features fifteen colourful blends that celebrate the LGBTIQ community with new flavours and cheeky names including Bathhouse Betty, Uncle Gertrude and Queen Bea. 100 per cent of profits from the EqualiTEA range will be split between LGBTIQ health and wellbeing group Healthy Communities, and film producer Chad St James’ upcoming marriage equality documentary. “We chose this time of year to launch EqualiTEA because it’s Australia’s peak season for LGBTIQ people, with Mardi Gras events throughout February and March,” said Dr Matthew Hynd, SLURP’s ‘chief tea guru’. “[And] with marriage equality being so topical, we decided that it’s a great time to promote the issue. Much like in our grandparents’ days, a refreshing, calming cup of tea is the perfect way for people to come together and discuss an issue so many people are passionate about.” Visit www.slurptea.com.au for more information.
Police review gay death case
NSW Police have formed a strike force to review the case of Scott Johnson, a gay man who was found deceased at the base of Manly’s North Head on December 10, 1988. At the time of his death, Mr Johnson – a US national – was 27 years old. A police investigation in 1988 found no suggestion of foul play, and an inquest in 1989 determined Mr Johnson had committed suicide. A second inquest last year referred the case to the homicide squad. A $100,000 reward is now being offered for information which determines how Mr Johnson died, police announced on Tuesday, the day after the case was examined by ABC-TV’s Australian Story. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Call to save Potts Point landmark
“Plans to turn the 61-year-old and 61 metre high, heritage-listed Hammerhead crane at Garden Island into scrap should themselves be scrapped,” says Andrew Woodhouse, president of the Potts Point and Kings Cross Heritage Conservation Society. Commenting on a publicly exhibited proposal by the Defence Department to remove the crane, Mr Woodhouse said the significance of the crane lay in its working harbour history and naval importance. “This crane is part of our industrial working harbour heritage, which is often treated as the Cinderella of heritage,” he said. “Heritage is not a look or about tea and scones in a heritage home. Heritage is not an aesthetic. It’s about one thing: significance.” The crane is believed to be one of only 15 such cranes left in the world.
