Ian Kemish AM is a former Australian diplomat who served as ambassador to Germany, high commissioner to Papua New Guinea, international adviser to the Prime Minister, and head of the consular and crisis management service. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his leadership of the emergency response to the 2002 Bali bombings.
Ian’s first book, The Consul (UQP, 2022), offered a personal perspective on Australia’s foreign affairs challenges over two decades − spanning hostage diplomacy, natural disasters and evacuations from war zones.
Two Islands is his first work of fiction, drawing on both his diplomatic work in the Balkans in the mid-1990s and his strong family links with the western isles of Scotland.
About Two Islands
When a desperate young man arrives on an isolated Scottish isle, the locals view him with suspicion. But Niko is there for a reason – he’s running for his life, pursued by those who want him silenced for what he has seen in the Balkan War. His neighbour is a recluse known to the villagers as ‘Slow Fergus’. As the two men circle each other, Australian war crimes investigator Anita Costello races against sinister forces to locate her key witness.
Against this rugged landscape, where the tight-knit island community holds painful memories close, Niko must weigh his loyalties to his family, his country and himself.
Written with compassion and insight, Two Islands explores how the ripples of distant conflicts can wash up on the most remote shores.
Sita Walker is a high school literature teacher, freelance writer and award-winning author whose first book, The God of No Good (Ultimo Press, 2023), won The Courier-Mail People’s Choice Award at the Queensland Literary Awards and the University of Sydney People’s Choice Award at the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards.
About In a Common Hour
Sometimes the most important lessons are learnt at lunchtime.
Parks State High is a melting pot of misfits. There is Oliver Fish, the teen philosopher hiding a secret relationship; Dev Desai, hopelessly in love with the brilliant Maryam Fadel; and a staffroom thick with gossip, camaraderie and burnt-out teachers. At the centre of it all is well-loved teacher Paul Bush. But when a disgruntled student makes a devastating move – one lunchtime is all it takes for Bushie’s life to change forever.
With a cast of unforgettable characters, In a Common Hour is a smart, funny and wise novel that shows us all the ways we are connected.
On the last Thursday of each month the West Toowong Bowls Club is home to our ever popular Trivia Night! (Bookings are a must..)
The Bistro is open from 5.30pm but the Club itself is open all afternoon so feel free to come early and plan your strategy over a few drinks and maybe a game of pool!
Trvia kicks off from around 6.30 – 6.45pm and all question sheets are provided on arrival.
Get a team together for some great fun, prizes and a delicious meal from our Bistro.
Table Bookings are essential as this is a very popular night!
Be part of the excitement with our weekly Members Draw, where you could take home up to $1,500 in cash every Wednesday and Saturday night – just for being here!
👉 The Bistro on Bywongopens from 3:00pm for snacks and 5:00pmwith delicious dinners. 👉 Member’s Draw & Raffles kick off between 6:30pm – 7:00pm.
Not a member yet? No worries! Visitors are welcome, and with raffles from just $2 a ticket, everyone has the chance to snag some fantastic prizes, including:
🥩 Fresh Meat Trays (thanks to the legendary Village Meats Toowong)
🍷 Bottles of Wine
🍺 Six-Packs of Beer
🍫 A cheeky Box of Chocolates
🍽️ Dinner-for-Two Vouchers
Membership is only $5 for 2 years – you can sign up on the spot and enjoy all the perks of the club. (New members become eligible for the Members Cash Draw pending their membership approval)
✨ Don’t miss out – the cash, the prizes, the meals, and the mateship are all waiting for you. Make Wednesday and Saturday nights your night at the club!
The Bistro on Bywong is proud to welcome acclaimed chef Luke Nelson to lead our culinary team.
Known for his innovative and delectable creations, Luke brings fresh energy and passion to the kitchen.
Our carefully curated menu is crafted to delight, offering a variety of dishes that change regularly to keep things exciting.
Whether you’re planning a cozy Wednesday dinner, a Friday night out, or a weekend indulgence on Saturday, you’ll find something to love here at West Toowong. Our seasonal ingredients and bold flavors promise to make each visit special, with a new culinary experience every time.
The Bistro on Bywong is open for dinner every… Wednesday, Friday & Saturday nights. – Serving bar snacks from 3:00pm. And the full À la carte menu from 5:00pm
(including Gluten free and vegetarian options.) Eftpos available.
Catering is available for group functions such as barefoot bowls and birthdays. Indulge in a selection of Sushi or maybe splash out on the much loved buttermilk fried chicken wings. Our caterers are only too happy to discuss options and special requests.
