Our team of editors have dug through the past ten years' worth of articles to nominate their favourite pieces published between the start of 2010 and today. Check out our list and then jump into the comments to tell us what are your picks of the decade and why.
"What drew me to them were their storytelling and their often political messages about toxic masculinity, racism, anti-fascism and so forth. They backed these ethics up with action."
Tim Kroenert, Editor, Eureka Street: When Celeste — Arrernte woman, trade unionist and social commentator par excellence — joined us as a columnist, she and we were keen that her contributions not be limited to hot takes on race issues, but would allow her space to explore her diverse interests and passions. As a great fan of live music, I connected strongly with this piece navigating the punk scene in my home city of Melbourne circa 2018. The article received a nod in 2019 from the Australasian Religious Press Association at their annual awards.
"Having to accept the damage of what we said or did will never be the worst thing. But it can be the start of better things: a chance to learn and expand, to build rather than destroy."
Neve Mahoney, Assistant Editor, Eureka Street: When I began reading Eureka Street, I fell in love with Fatima's writing. I continue to be awed at the consistent quality of her work. This article exemplifies to me the best qualities of her writing: an incisive, firm but gentle approach that cuts straight to the core of an issue that so often divides us.
"The children wore those notes with such pride. They would stand up straight and stick their bony chests out, and they would finger the note reverently like it was Holy Scripture."
Michael McVeigh, Senior Editor, Jesuit Communications Australia: Brian Doyle was a valued writer at Eureka Street for a long time, and his articles were often the best thing I'd read all week. This one stuck in my memory because it’s a joy to read, and because it brings tears to my eyes at the end. It was a privilege to be able to share Brian’s stories with our readers before he passed away in 2017. May he rest in peace.
"Wintry Scrooge now courts the spirit of spring and renewal."
Michele Frankeni, Associate Editor, Madonna magazine: Many of Gillian's articles either prompt a reread of some favourite books or act as pointers for my next read. Dickens' A Christmas Carol was a childhood favourite. Gillian notes it was originally planned as a political pamphlet to raise awareness of the plight of the poor and children. Dickens, however, was marketer enough to realise that fiction would have more impact. The plight of the poor does not seem to have eased, while others' hearts have hardened. Perhaps we need a new marketing campaign to help change hearts and minds.
"To those whom the Gods wish to destroy, they first assign the wrong tasks."
Andrew Hamilton, Consulting Editor, Eureka Street: Brian Matthews writes beautifully and engages the reader freshly with the story of Burke and Wills. Written at the time of Rudd’s deposition, the article refers sensitively to the reasons behind it, and is a model of encouraging conversation about public figures that is respectful and reflective. It makes the present come alive through telling a great Australian story.