Matt Siegel
Crowd pleasers
An increasing number of independent media outlets are launching via crowdfunding campaigns. But building on this income while delivering on promises is another challenge; we look at seven ventures playing to the crowd.
Grow your own
As populations become more urban and people become more aware of where their food comes from, city farms, whether it’s beekeeping in Brisbane or vegetable growing in Havana, are coming into their own.
Business class
In under three years, Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti rebranded a struggling carrier and now competes as a major player. He tells us how it’s an airline’s staff that helps keep standards high.
Aircraft procedure
Despite over 30 years in Australia’s public health sector, Greg Rochford experienced some turbulence when he became CEO of the country’s iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service. One year on, he’s gaining altitude.
Oceania
Fiji's dictator is this issue's style leader, Australia makes friends to handle cuts to military spending, and why new boats are part of New Zealand's defence forces' shake up.
Erskineville
Erskineville’s rise as an address for urban professionals hasn’t stripped its character. Old workers’ cottages provide creative living spaces, and Erskineville Road offers attractive shops, restaurants, bars and a prized bakery.
New iron lady
Following a disastrous war with Russia, Georgian opposition leaders delayed challenging President Saakashvili. Now, many see power broker and Thatcher fan Nino Burjanadze as the one to replace him.
On the edge
Khabarovsk, a Russian city on China’s border, is booming thanks to its natural resources. But with a history of decline, can this remote economic command centre keep its revival going?
War on truth
In the South Ossetia conflict, both Georgia and Russia managed media access, making the truth elusive. Monocle’s correspondents reported from both sides to navigate the maze of misinformation and reveal the real story.
