Online Events & Series

The Second Book is a new online series to be released throughout 2023. In conversation with interviewer Michaela Kalowski, ten Australian authors, across different genres of writing, explore their experience of writing their second book, and putting it out into the world. Whether it was the second book in a series, or their second book when they went on to write 10 more, it’s a chance to hear from some of the most captivating authors about what they learned, what they loved and what advice they might share about birthing a second book.

Individual tickets are available for single episodes, or click below to purchase a season pass to watch the whole series. 

As part of the 2022 Art of the Book program, the Author-Illustrator series is an online series that explores the work of illustrators and how they add to, interpret, and change the stories they illustrate. Featuring emerging and established artists interviewed by Sarah Davis, they dive into the creative processes that bring their work to life. 

The series is supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. 

The series is free to watch and available on our YouTube channel. See below for a list of episodes. 

The 1970s: An era of protest, civil disobedience, cultural awakening and free love. The Vietnam Moratorium heralded an intense period calling for revolutionary change, women’s rights and a growing Black Rights movement.

In early 1971, the Australian government invited the Springboks, South Africa’s all white rugby union team, to tour Australia. This resulted in a massive national campaign to oppose apartheid supported by incisive union action, a vocal, organized student movement, and a new alliance with the Black Rights movement.

Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen responded by declaring a month-long State of Emergency in Queensland. In Brisbane, protesters gathered outside the Tower Mill hotel where the team was staying, to demand an end of apartheid and an end to the tour. Aboriginal activists played a leading role in challenging white radicals to recognize and fight apartheid in Australia.

Premier Joh bussed in an additional 600 country police. Police were granted immunity for any action taken. The final Rugby match, Australia vs Springboks on 31 July 1971, was moved to the Exhibition Grounds.

The vigil that night at the Tower Mill was not peaceful. The violent assault on protesters, bystanders and film crew was unwarranted, brutal and whitewashed from history.

Fifty years on we reflect on the Brisbane protests, hear stories from the people who were there, and discuss the legacy of how Australian society changed. 

BWF presents a series of incredible conversations with international authors as part of our 2020 online program. We hope they bring joy and comfort as we all navigate through this time of reshaping our world, now and post Covid-19. Humanity is in the thick of it right now and we all need stories, ideas and rituals for finding beauty, wonder and awe in daily life. Our inner landscapes have been challenged with isolation and uncertainty. Join us for these conversations, presented by Michaela Kalowski as we all delve into the vastness of humanity’s ever present need for connection and wonder.