This new series of topical panels feature unique Australian voices from fiction authors and academics to activists and experts. Offering readers and writers diverse perspectives on feminism, climate change, wellness, technology and race, this is a great opportunity to put your questions to the panel and join in the conversation.

This panel explores the diversity of Australia through fiction, memoir and non-fiction writing. The discussion focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives and multiculturalism – tackling the issues of incarceration, sexuality, stereotypes and feminism.

Our panellists

Peter Polites – Down the Hume

Of Greek descent, Peter wrote and performed Three Jerks about the Cronulla riots and has been commissioned to write a play about the migrant experience in Western Sydney. Down The Hume is his first novel.

Jenevieve Chang – Good Girl of Chinatown

Born in Taiwan, Jenevieve worked for China’s first Vaudeville Burlesque club and has performed her family stories for the Sydney Writer’s Festival.

Amal Awad – Beyond Veiled Cliches

Writer, journalist, author and public speaker, Amal has written for SBS Life and ELLE and is a producer for ABC Radio National. She’s authored Courting Samira and Beyond Veiled Clichés: The Real Lives of Arab Women.

Megan Williams – #JustJustice

A Wiradjuri descendant, Megan is a Senior Lecturer at UTS with extensive experience drawing out insights from research. She’s also active in the #JustJustice project, publishing examples of Aboriginal-led solutions to over-incarceration.

Free event suitable ages 18+. Bookings recommended.

Presented by City of Sydney in collaboration with Better Read Than Dead.

Please note, the gallery space at Newtown Library is unfortunately only accessible by stairs.

This event will be Auslan interpreted.