Age, Liberation, and New Beginnings: Kathy Lette and Rachel Ward Speak Out

Two Australian cultural icons share candid reflections on aging, career reinvention, and the social pressures facing women today.

Kathy Lette: A Literary Voice Evolves

Author of 21 books, Lette first rose to prominence in 1979 with the co-written novel Puberty Blues, which chronicled the lives of young women in a Cronulla surfing community and was later adapted into a film.

Reflecting on the book's impact, Lette described feeling traumatized by her youth in the area and the overnight notoriety the work brought, including anonymous abusive phone calls her mother received. She observed a generational shift, noting that young women in Cronulla today are pursuing higher education and ambitions.

"I felt traumatized by my youth there and the notoriety that came with the book."

Lette's latest novel, The Sisterhood Rules, focuses on familial bonds and the concept of women embracing a second act in life. The book features a character who embarks on travel and a romance with a younger man. Lette, 67, stated that she identifies with this character.

On Aging: Liberation and the "Fuck-It-I'm-50 Gene"

Lette described a woman's 60s as a period of liberation, enriched by experiences such as marriages, divorces, child-rearing, and financial fluctuations. She cited hormonal changes after menopause as contributing to a sense of freedom from concern about others' opinions.

"Good sex is about comfort and self-knowledge."

Lette stated that she developed what she termed a "fuck-it-I'm-50 gene" that fosters a sense of liberation from the "male gaze." She emphasized that good sex is about comfort and self-knowledge.

Rachel Ward: Beauty Standards and Online Harassment

Rachel Ward, 68, discussed her experiences with online harassment after posting a makeup-free video on Instagram. She stated that most responses were supportive, but some were misogynistic.

Ward said she no longer prioritizes youth and beauty, finding liberation in not meeting those expectations. She criticized cosmetic surgery but clarified she does not judge others for their choices. Ward mentioned having Botox once but decided against continuing.

"I find liberation in not having to meet those expectations anymore."

She discussed a double standard in media, where older male presenters are not required to alter their appearance while older female presenters often are.

Personal and Professional Backgrounds

Lette is currently in a relationship with musician Brian O'Doherty. Her literary works have explored various themes, including single life, living in Los Angeles, pregnancy and motherhood (including raising an autistic son), divorce, affairs, midlife challenges, and the lives of women post-menopause.

Rachel Ward is married to actor Bryan Brown. She lives on a beef cattle property in northern NSW, managing the farm regeneratively. Ward described her career changes due to age-related limitations in the entertainment industry, and her current focus on regenerative farming and her business Farm Thru, a retail platform connecting city consumers with small family farms.

"I'm excited about my new ventures in sustainable agriculture and direct-to-consumer food sales."

Social Observations: A Call for Vigilance

Lette underscored the importance of joy in building resilience amidst daily political, environmental, and social challenges. She advocated for women to become more militant, expressing concern over the erosion of women's rights globally and urging resistance against complacency.

"We need to resist complacency as women's rights are eroded globally."