Event Highlights in October

Events Manager Chris Gordon shares some highlights from our October program of events.


Roll up roll up… Our October events program is full to the brim with goodness. We are covering all the bases this month…

Do you have a passion for dance?

In anticipation of Sea of Rhythm – a brand new festival of rhythm, music and dance set over three days in November – we’re hosting a Q&A with festival performers about the history of jazz music and dance culture.

Got a hankering to cook or garden?

This month there are a number of opportunities to be inspired including meeting Stephanie Alexander and lunching with Matt Moran.

Are you interested in politics or, should I say concerned?

Paul Daley will talk on his new book, a fast-paced tale of Australian politics, and Shaun Micallef will talk on his new book, which revolves around American presidents. You could also come along to hear Tim Colebatch and George Megalogenis in conversation about how liberal the first state Liberal Leader was.

Want to know what makes our country tick?

Join Sally Warhaft in conversation with Stella prize-winning author Clare Wright or come hear political commentator Barrie Cassidy talk about his father’s experiences as a POW during WWII.

Are you curious to delve deeper into the inner mind?

Award-winning author and emeritus professor at the University of Melbourne Sidney Bloch offers his own views about the state of contemporary psychiatry, followed by an audience Q&A.

Do you have a love for Australian literature?

Come along to hear debut Indigenous author Ellen van Neerven chat with slam poet and author Maxine Beneba Clarke, or attend a lively panel of words with women featuring Kylie Ladd, Maggie Joel and Fiona Higgins. Or attend our award evening for the inaugural Readings New Australian Writing Award.

Are there young readers in your life?

This month is brilliant for kids. Bring them along to meet Derek Landy, author of the Skulduggery Pleasant series, or Australia’s favourite hairy creature, Grug, who’s touring St Kilda, Malvern, Hawthorn and Carlton! Kids can also participate in a Pop-Up Workshop or come get their books signed by the hilarious Andy Griffiths at our Carlton shop at 11am, Tuesday 30 September.

(During the month we’ll have a great window display up at Carlton celebrating Andy so make sure to check it out!)

Finally, it is a great privilege to bring you, together with the Wheeler Centre, an evening with Julia Gillard. She is my wonder woman of the month.


Browse our full calendar of events here.

Cover image for My Story

My Story

Julia Gillard

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