I don’t know about you, but I am not leaving Victoria this year. Travel seems like some sort of far-flung concept of another era. Luckily, however, we still have the ability to hear from authors, artists and thought leaders from all over the world. Coming up in March, I am thrilled to let you know that the Readings event program is reaching across the seas to bring you stories from all over, as well as from our very own vibrant state.

Together with the National Gallery of Victoria’s 2021 Melbourne Art Book Fair, we are honoured to present one of Australia’s leading Aboriginal creators Wayne Quilliam in a discussion about his work and the importance of documenting significant events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Quilliam’s photos have been displayed on a global scale and he was awarded the NAIDOC Indigenous Artist of the Year. Culture Is Life is his new photography book. It celebrates and shares stories of First Peoples across the continent.

I am also delighted to announce that Readings is partnering with the Australian Red Cross’ International Humanitarian Law Advisory Committee to run a book club on the law and the impact of war. We would be so delighted if you could join the first discussion with Professor Philippe Sands as we talk about his latest book, The Ratline. As you may know, Sands is a British and French lawyer and Professor of Laws at University College London, where he is also Director of the Centre on International Courts and Tribunals.

A tad closer to home, we have former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Right Honourable Helen Clark joining Bill Bowtell to discuss his new essay on COVID-19, Unmasked: The Politics of Pandemics. It’s part of an impressive new series by Monash University Publishing titled ‘In the National Interest’ that aims to address the major issues of our times, from public policy to governance and government. This month we also have former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in conversation with Radio National Big Ideas host Paul Barclay. Rudd will be discussing the Murdoch press and its influence on Australian politics.

Speaking of big ideas, we are hosting a conversation between award-winning authors Sarah Krasnostein and Chloe Hooper about an enthralling new work from Krasnostein. Her latest book The Believer weaves together the stories of six extraordinary ordinary people and examines the stories we tell ourselves to deal with the distance between the world as it is, and the world as we would like it to be. I found it completely enthralling and I cannot wait to hear more about it.

These events are only a handful of what we have on offer. Whatever your interests are, I just know there will be a discussion you will want to join. Do have a look at the Readings event web page at www.readings.com.au/events for the full, up-to-date program. My aim is to make our program of events the easiest and most secure way to travel.