Challenging women: towards equality in the Parliament of Victoria

Meet Madeline Grey, author of Challenging women: Towards equality in the Parliament of Victoria

When: Thursday 16 July at 7.30pm

Where: Phyllis Hore Room, Kew Library, Cnr Cotham Road and Civic Drive, Kew

How to book: 9278 4666 or online.

In 1908 women in Victoria were granted the vote; Challenging Women explores the history of what happened when women sought to enter Parliament. From the foundation of the Women’s Electoral Lobby to the launch of EMILY’s List, Challenging Women tells the stories, and brings to life, the parliamentary experiences behind some of the 90 women elected to Victorian Parliament since then.

Melbourne historian, Dr Madeline Grey is an Honorary Fellow in the School of Historical Studies at University of Melbourne.

This session is free, however bookings are essential.

Meet the author: Roland Rocchiccioli

Meet Roland Rocchiccioli - author of And be home before dark: a childhood on the edge of nowhere.

And be home before dark is the heart-wrenching childhood memoir set in the dust and desolation of outback Western Australia in the 1950s

Roland writes candidly about his remarkable mother, Beria, whose indomitable spirit could never be broken; of his father Ginger, an underground miner who came to Australia from Tuscany in 1926 and never recovered from the cultural shock; of Beria’s jealous husband Steve and of the domestic violence that cast a dark shadow over tracts of his childhood years.

With his astonishing eye for detail and his sharp recollections, And be home before dark is an illuminating story of optimism and determination which will touch your heart.

This event is free however bookings are essential.

When: Tuesday 10 March at 7.30pm
Where: Kew Library, Cnr Cotham Road & Civic Drive, Kew
Phone: 9278 4666 or book online

Meet the Author - Sara Hardy

author of Dame Joan Hammond: love and music.

Joan Hammond lived an extraordinary life, as dramatic and deeply moving as any of the operatic roles for which she became famous: Tosca, Mimi, Butterfly, Aida, Salome, Rusalka.

No stranger to success, in her youth Joan was a golfing champion, excelling at most sports. But it was her voice that took her on a life-changing journey to Europe where the opulent pre-war theatres became her domain.

Joan Hammond was an inspiring character; yet behind the scenes she faced many challenging twists of fortune. When her own performing and recording days were over, she devoted herself to coaxing Australian opera into life not least through teaching young singers.

Sara Hardy tells Joan's life story in all its glamour and complexity.

Sara Hardy’s first biography was The Unusual Life of Edna Walling. She has worked as an actress and playwright for most of her life.

Tuesday 10 February 2009, 2pm.

Hawthorn Library

Meeting Room, 584 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn.

Phone: 9278 4666

Afternoon tea will be served.

Free event but bookings are essential.

How to book: by phone or in person at any Boroondara Library.

or Click here to book online.