Damien Cave, our Australia bureau chief, shares insights on Australia, news of the world and reader feedback in this weekly newsletter. Want it by email? Sign up.

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I try to mix things up with this newsletter, to, you know, keep it fresh.

So this week, it’s a new format — the week’s New York Times Australia stories, boiled down to their most memorable quotes and excerpts.

Visit our Facebook group for more discussion. And keep scrolling for more Times stories and a recommendation.

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“He’s the first serious, heavy-hitting U.S. ambassadorial appointment here since Marshall Green came in 1973. That’s a sign of how seriously Washington regards Australia and its broader Asia strategy.”

— James Curran, a history professor at the University of Sydney, on Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., President Trump’s pick for ambassador to Australia. Mr. Trump meets with Malcolm Turnbull on Friday.