Melbourne’s home of writing and big ideas, the Wheeler Centre, is hosting a festival of ideas featuring a stellar line-up of locally and globally renowned writers, performers and creatives.
The third annual edition of the Wheeler Centre’s Spring Fling kicks off on October 3 for an expanded month-long program to help Melbourne shake off the winter chill, regardless of how the actual weather may betray us. Expect panel discussions, lectures, live podcasts and performances.
The festival will take place at the Wheeler Centre, as well as other venues around the CBD including the Athenaeum, the Capitol Theatre and ACMI. There are also a few regional events sprinkled around Victoria.
Hear from stellar homegrown talents like journalist Lucia Osborne-Crowley, who was one of only four reporters admitted to Ghislaine Maxwell’s trial. Filmmaker, satirist and writer John Safran will unpack his new memoir Squat, about the time he spent squatting in one of Kanye West’s LA mansions.
Elsewhere, national treasure Noni Hazlehurst will take us behind the scenes of her career, while Ben Shewry, chef-owner of acclaimed restaurant Attica, will record an episode of popular podcast Marieke Hardy is Going to Die.
Alone Australia winner Gina Chick will share her incredible journey to Victory, while groundbreaking author Bruce Pascoe and partner Lyn Harwood will host a special experience at the Moat, reflecting on sustainable food and land management practices.
Proud Bundjalung and Widubul-Wiabul woman Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts will present her vision for change in the face of Australia’s systemic injustices against First Nations peoples, informed by her own experience of forced removal.
If you’ve got little ones in tow, bring them along to one of the family-friendly events, including a special story-time session with ABC presenter and children's author Tony Armstrong.
For the full Spring Fling program and ticket information, head to the Wheeler Centre website.
Looking for more things to do? Check out our round-up of the best events happening in Melbourne this week.