ANNUAL REPORT 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR 4 MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR 5 ABOUT THE WHEELER CENTRE 6–7 Our Mission Our Principles THE STORY SO FAR 8 2018 SNAPSHOT 9 THE YEAR IN REVIEW 10–11 HIGHLIGHTS 11 DIGITAL ACTIVITY 15 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards 11 Invasion of the Pod People 2018 Gala: Words on Fire 11 So You Think You Can Pod Liane Moriarty 11 Signal Boost Celebrating Peter Temple 12 Talkfest MAYHEM event series 12 Regional Focus 16 MEL&NYC 12 Books and Ideas at Montalto 16 Ronan Farrow: Power, Abuse and Facing Facts Hot Desk Fellowships 17 Emily Nussbaum: Culture, Criticism and TV Today The Next Chapter – A New Writers’ Scheme 17 Collective Spirit: First Nations Poetry 12 The Fifth Estate 18 AFLW 2018 Season Wrap 12 The Next Big Thing 18 Robin DiAngelo: White Fragility 13 Celebrations to mark the anniversary of the marriage equality vote 18 PEN Lecture: The War on Journalism – How 9/11 Changed Everything 13 Going Postal Lee Child 13 Beyond Marriage Equality Joseph Stiglitz: Global Inequality and the 1% 13 Take it From Me Gillian Triggs: Speaking Up 13 Celebrating our City of Literature 19 A Night with Geoffrey Robertson 13 Ten Stories of NEW SERIES 14 Literary Parliament Fame, Feast and Femme Fatale: The Banquet The Show of the Year 19 of Cleopatra FUTURE PROOFING OUR APPROACH 20–21 Dead Calm: Honest Conversations about Death This is Not a Drill with FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 22–23 PARTNERSHIPS 24 THANK YOU 25 OUR PEOPLE 26

ANNUAL REPORT 2018 3 MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR It’s the eternal present and ambitious The most notable among the new My first year as chair of the Wheeler Our digital activity continues to be a future of life at the Wheeler Centre that initiatives was the launch and roll-out of Centre has been a proud and fulfilling one. vital part of our offering, with many gets us bouncing out of bed every The Next Chapter. Our innovative and talks broadcast online and via podcast. From the successful launch of The Next morning (well, most mornings). But it comprehensive grants and mentorship Another successful iteration of our Chapter scheme to the excitement of means there’s something particularly nice scheme, created with the support of the So You Think You Can Pod competition collaborating on the MEL&NYC project, about pausing for a moment and looking Aesop Foundation, allowed us to make was held in December. The Wheeler the centre certainly never stood still. back at the things that defined last year. an intervention into the publishing process Centre also announced its new Signal The team here at the Wheeler Centre – unlike any we’d made before. Genuinely New directors John Gibbins and Will Boost initiative, which will offer tailored now a core of 22 brilliant, extraordinary, national, deeply concerned with finding Hayward were appointed to the board mentorships to up to five entrants from passionate nerds – work so hard, that ways to support artists and elevate this year, joining directors Julie Pinkham, 2019’s So You Think You Can Pod stopping and taking stock sometimes marginalised and diverse voices, we Anita Ziemer, Corrie Perkin, Clare competition, helping them to develop feels like a luxury. couldn’t be prouder of how it has rolled Wright and Marcus Fazio. The board their first podcast episodes. out in its first year. has supported the staff in consolidating Looking over this 2018 Annual Report, One of the key focuses for the board a clear vision for the Wheeler Centre’s one thing that really strikes me is how It would have been easy to say in 2018, has been ensuring that we work future that supports its dual purposes of unique each year has been in the that directly funding and supporting strategically to develop additional bringing conversation and storytelling to Wheeler Centre’s eight years of public writers to give them creative space and funding sources and we were delighted diverse audiences. A sub-committee for programming. We were, back when we resourcing, wasn’t something the Wheeler to welcome many new partners and There’s something about writing a risk and finance has been established, opened our doors in February of 2010, Centre did. That eight years in, we were supporters in 2018. Their support, as director’s message for an annual report too. Through both, we will continue to working out who we were and what our through with defining ourselves and well as our audience’s, will ensure the that concentrates the mind. Here at the engage and honour our promise to our role in the rich cultural community of introducing new strings to our collective Wheeler Centre continues to deliver Wheeler Centre, we’re running on several community: our audiences, our guests, Melbourne might be. We were trying and bow. But that’s not how we roll. The quality conversations with the best local different timelines, and asking ourselves our funding partners and sponsors. experimenting, listening to audiences and Wheeler Centre is passionately committed and international writers and speakers several different questions, on any given artists alike, making it our job to reflect and to raising public conversation to an art I thank the board for their contribution well into the future. day: challenge and amplify the conversations form, and placing it at the heart of civic of time, energy and talent to the 1) What events are on tonight? Which of our community. What’s so exhilarating engagement; to celebrating and fostering Wheeler Centre. writers and speakers are we proudly is that this still describes how we work the community that springs from books, 382 speakers were engaged by the sharing with audiences this week? in 2019. And last year was a year that writing and ideas; to make it easier to live Wheeler Centre in 2018, comprising exemplified this spirit and energy. and work as a reader and writer in this 2) What’s coming up in the months a diverse range of genders, cultural city. 2018 shows us once again pushing ahead? Is everything in place for While we continued to deliver core backgrounds, ideologies and ages. This at our limits. And you should see what upcoming announcements? Can we programming to the amazing and diversity is also reflected in our audience we’re working on now! Susan Oliver start talking about our long-gestating generous audiences – both local and and we are undertaking many initiatives Chair projects with our wider community? digital – that the Wheeler Centre has in 2019 to ensure this continues. accrued over its life so far, we continued 3) And what are the pipe dreams? to push ourselves up and outward in What are our grand schemes? a range of exciting ways. Backed by a Where are our collaborations – with largely new board, headed up by our cultural colleagues, partners and imaginative and steadfast new Chair, industry – taking us in the years Susan Oliver, we identified the areas ahead? where we’d excelled and built upon Michael Williams them, determined not to be complacent, Director determined to reach audiences across Melbourne, Australia and beyond who would connect with the conversations we were lucky enough to host.

4 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 5  Championing  Exemplifying  Engaging ABOUT THE WHEELER CENTRE Writers and Inclusion and Audiences Writing Accessibility Conversations require multiple voices and perspectives. Writers develop new OUR MISSION We celebrate the contribution Australian We are dedicated to the principle vocabularies, hone their argument and authors make to our cultural and of universal accessibility. We strive test character; audiences probe ideas, intellectual life. We offer new channels to reach the broadest communities The Wheeler Centre exists to drive the development and celebration and ask questions that expose dark for writers to engage with readers, aim possible and are committed to areas to light. Together this constantly to make it easier to live and work as embracing linguistic and cultural of literature in Melbourne and beyond, and fosters broad public evolving community advances a professional writer in this country, diversity on stage. We programme knowledge and recommits to a culture and promote the achievements of eclectic and inclusive subject matter engagement in books, writing and ideas. of analysis, curiosity and connection. writers across all genres. Writers are and literary styles that appeal to as wide We endeavour to engage audiences the backbone of Australia’s literary an audience as possible and deliver We aspire to be nationally and internationally renowned as a through a variety of channels that reputation; their work permeates our our programme in accessible locations embody our commitment to dialogue. leading institution for the art of conversation, and a champion of the society and without them, the Wheeler across Melbourne and Victoria, with a Centre wouldn’t exist. growing focus on digital content for our transformative power of informed public discussion and debate. national audiences. As a central tenet of accessibility, around seventy percent  Future of the Centre’s year-long programme is  Elevating free and over seventy percent is filmed Proofing our OUR PRINCIPLES Public for digital broadcast. Approach Conversation We are building a national and international reputation as a high- The Wheeler Centre pursues a variety of activities, which are We are dedicated to supporting and  Supporting the performing and unique cultural strengthening conversations throughout institution. Our achievements to date underpinned by six principles. Our principles express our aspirations our community. We aim to raise the act Literary Sector have required significant resources and of public conversation to an art-form as a leading Australian literary arts and cultural institution. They We aim to be Australia’s leading literary an accelerated mode of operating. In and be a major catalyst for engaged organisation and a hub for Melbourne’s the next stage of its life, the Centre will cultural discourse in Australia. We are give shape to our creative initiatives and drive our relationship with vibrant writing sector. In this capacity, continue to be ambitious and innovative a key facilitator for the conversations we support the health and vitality of the while consolidating the means required that matter for engaged citizens: these audiences and the community. entire writing and publishing ecosystem. to do so. We must maintain our current conversations enrich lives, change From individual writers and small literary level of output, build capacity for new mindsets, and build social cohesion and organisations to publishers, booksellers ventures, and ensure that we have identity. and readers, we support our partners, created the best possible conditions for colleagues and stakeholders to create the company’s future. their best work.

6 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 7 THE STORY SO FAR 2018 SNAPSHOT

2201 173 Facebook 33,799 Twitter 50,200

12,768 Since our inception we have held In addition to 1198 videos of talks, Instagram 2201 public conversations and To date, we have supported 142 performances and interviews, events, giving 3913 speakers a Hot Desk Fellows from Victoria and we now offer over 1284 podcast platform for their writing and ideas, around Australia. Over 650 writers episodes, alongside over 350 173 public conversations and 7080 and payment for their participation have been employed as judges for longform and 2100 shortform events, giving 382 speakers a Youtube 31,916 audience members joined in our programme. awards to date. articles. platform for their writing and ideas. in our public conversations.

70% FREE 70% Youtube 49.7K

844,991 sessions took place on 7 literary organisations are housed 383,954 audience members joined our website from 559,375 unique in the Wheeler Centre hub. More our conversations, with 58% residing 515,689 views and 6,234,812 users. 70% of our events are free each than 300 other arts and community in Melbourne’s inner city. 92% of the minutes have been spent on 51% of events have taken place in year. Furthermore, 70% of our organisations have utilised the total audience were located in greater YouTube, with 24% of those views Our wonderful community of partnership with other major cultural events are available digitally for building facilities for their own Melbourne, 7% from regional Victoria, from Australia, 38% from the US and Wheeler Weekly newsletter institutions, community groups, anyone to access online. endeavours. 1% interstate and 1% internationally. 14% from the UK. subscribers reached 49,659. festivals and arts organisations.

8 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 9 THE YEAR IN REVIEW 2018: A diverse range of speakers and events in Melbourne and beyond, presented with a broad range of new partners.

The Wheeler Centre’s 2018 was We proudly contributed three events welcomed the creator of the bestselling the deadliest bushfire disaster in extremely successful across all to MEL&NYC, a State Government Jack Reacher thrillers, Lee Child, for two Australia’s history. HIGHLIGHTS measures. Ticket sales remained initiative administered by the NGV. Two back-to-back events at Deakin Edge. The series Stories From Home included consistently high across all events and of these talks – conversations with Academic and journalist Peter Greste, three events presented in partnership budget targets were achieved. New Yorker writers Ronan Farrow and who was himself imprisoned in Egypt with Melbourne International Arts Victorian Premier’s 2018 Gala: Emily Nussbaum – were presented New voices and new talent were on terrorism charges, examined the way Festival. These series of discussions in collaboration with the Melbourne Literary Awards Words on Fire themes of the Victorian Premier’s press freedom has been steadily eroded unravelled the thinking behind three Writers Festival. The third event, The New voices and new talent were The Wheeler Centre probed a blazing Literary Awards (VPLAs) ceremony as part of the 2018 PEN Lecture, while shows, each part of the 2018 festival, Big Grapple: Loving and Loathing New the themes of the 2018 Victorian hot topic at the 2018 Gala Night of at MPavilion, with Sarah Krasnostein friends, colleagues and admirers of the that arose from the meeting of different York City, was a night of storytelling Premier’s Literary Awards (VPLAs) Storytelling: the power of the written winning the overall prize for her debut, late Peter Temple gathered to celebrate cultures and artforms. from some of our favourite Melburnians with Sarah Krasnostein winning the word and the loaded tenets of speech. The Trauma Cleaner: One Woman’s his legacy. who don’t heart NY. They shared horror Events included Gabrielle Wang: A overall prize for her debut book, Extraordinary Life in Death, Decay & When do words inspire and when do stories of gridlocked traffic, closet-sized YA superstar Veronica Roth joined us to Ghost in My Suitcase, a kids writing The Trauma Cleaner: One Woman’s Disaster. they incite? When is speech free and apartments and dumpster-flavoured discuss fantasy worlds, fan fiction and workshop following the themes of Extraordinary Life in Death, Decay when is it hateful? Fighting words, funny Our programme of events – released coffee and so much more. fate-deciding forces while Liane Moriarty culture, identity and the paranormal; & Disaster. Krasnostein won the words, insulting words and incendiary across four seasons throughout shed light on the Hollywood success a discussion on music and song in $100,000 Victorian Prize for Literature, Our MAYHEM series saw us explore words – for better or for worse, the year – continued to champion she’s experienced with Big Little Lies. Persian storytelling with musicologist Australia’s most lucrative literary old and new stories through great language moves us and it matters. public conversation, facilitated by an Aida Huseynova who consulted award, as well as the $25,000 Prize conversation: from revitalised classics Two years after the launch of LGBTI+ extraordinary line-up of speakers who on Layla and Majnun; and a panel for Non-Fiction. For our first event of 2018, we brought to cutting-edge fiction, incisive History Month, a panel comprising are worth listening to on topics that discussion with collaborating artists together 10 superb speakers to reflect memoir to razor-sharp perspectives Daniel Marshall, Dennis Altman, Laniyuk The Prize for Fiction, the Prize for Writing deserve our time. on the incredible Chinese-Australian on the words that have changed their on the world of today. We welcomed Garcon and Sally Goldner discussed for Young Adults and the People’s Choice project, One Infinity. lives. They shared captivating insights The year began with our eighth annual international writers including; André ideas for marking LGBTI+ History Month Award were also won by debut authors: from the great writers and orators. night of storytelling from across the Aciman (Call Me by Your Name), Tayari in Australia and the work of Australians Our Wheeler Kids programme featured Melanie Cheng, Demet Divaroren and And reflected on enraging – even region. Our speakers responded to a Jones (An American Marriage), Robert who have shaped our queer past and the return of Andy Griffiths and Terry Alison Evans respectively. endangering – insults from the bullies, provocative theme: Words on Fire. Webb (How Not to Be a Boy), Jennifer present. Denton. The popular pair also joined us The VPLAs celebrate the best the provocateurs and the well-meaning, Over the course of the year, host Ali Egan (Manhattan Beach), Jeff Kinney on our regional tour, which extended The Wheeler Centre headed to the contemporary Australian writing and are but not well-informed. Moore presented a series of powerful (Adventures of a Wimpy Kid), Katy Tur throughout the second half of the year. NGV for three Sundays in October administered by the Wheeler Centre on hypothetical panel challenges, This is on reporting on Trump, and Glory Edim with a series focused on the legend of We continued our successful Invasion behalf of the Premier of Victoria. Not a Drill, which were also broadcast on her Well-Read Black Girl bookclub.      Cleopatra. The Banquet of Cleopatra of the Pod People series, presenting on the ABC. In June, we brought The winning entries were announced at It was with huge excitement that the (1743-44) by Giambattista Tiepolo is a some of the world’s best and brightest together some brilliant writers to an awards ceremony on 1 February 2018. Wheeler Centre launched The Next prized painting in the NGV Collection. podcasters to share their thoughts discuss their experiences of growing up Chapter in May with support from Senior Curator Ted Gott presented three and insights on the art (and business) Liane Moriarty Aboriginal in Australia. In July, former the Aesop Foundation. The Next panel discussions on the provenance of listening. The Memory Palace’s    Liane Moriarty is perhaps the most Western Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy Chapter was launched with the intent of and meaning of this painting. Nate DiMeo gave a free talk at the successful novelist in Australian history. joined sports journalist Martin Flanagan discovering the Australian stories that Geelong Regional Library & Heritage She once had three books on the to discuss life after football. Later in the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre founder aren’t being published and nurturing Centre whilst Slate’s June Thomas New York Times bestseller list at the year, Gillian Triggs gave a compelling Kon Karapanagiotidis spoke about his a new generation of writers from all chatted about the value of niche same time, and her books have been account of her tenure as president memoir The Power of Hope, which backgrounds. More than 1000 entries culture, the maturation of podcasting translated into 40 languages. At the of the Australian Human Rights describes how he prevailed against were received from emerging writers and what makes a conversation worth Athenaeum Theatre in September, Commission and cult literary hero a childhood of racism, bullying and across the country and the initial cohort eavesdropping on. Toni Jordan joined Moriarty to discuss Gerald Murnane made a rare public isolation and went on to create one of of ten Next Chapter recipients was Hollywood success, Moriarty’s most appearance at the Wheeler Centre Australia’s largest and most influential announced in September. recent novel, Nine Perfect Strangers, where he talked about his extensive human rights organisations. and the universal stories that spring body of work. The closest thing in the world to a Chloe Hooper discussed her from the suburbs of Sydney. celebrity economist, Nobel Prize- extraordinary book, The Arsonist, taking winner Joseph Stiglitz appeared at the audiences through the hunt for the Athenaeum Theatre to discuss global     man whose actions caused devastation inequality and what we can do about throughout the Latrobe Valley during reducing the enormous gap. We also

10 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 11 Celebrating Peter MEL&NYC Collective Spirit: Robin DiAngelo: Lee Child Gillian Triggs: Temple MEL&NYC was a State Government First Nations White Fragility The author of the Jack Reacher novels, Speaking Up initiative administered by NGV Lee Child, is a publishing phenomenon. Celebrated crime writer Peter Temple Why is it so hard for white people to talk Gillian Triggs became a household celebrating all things New York and Poetry It’s said that a Jack Reacher novel is died in March, a couple of days shy about racism? And what does it mean name as president of the Australian Melbourne. The Wheeler Centre This discussion, hosted by Ali Cobby sold somewhere in the world every nine of his 72nd birthday. To celebrate to be white in a society that proclaims Human Rights Commission. Her announced three major events in May. Eckermann, featured three emerging seconds. Due to popular demand, we his contribution to Australia’s crime that race is meaningless? US-based tenure, from 2012 to 2017, was Two of these events, conversations with Victoria-based Indigenous poets – held back-to-back sessions at Deakin fiction canon, the Wheeler Centre writer, researcher and educator Robin unexpectedly controversial. The Emily Nussbaum and Ronan Farrow, Monica Karo, Ryan Prehn and Emily Edge with this popular author. brought together some of Temple’s DiAngelo presented a talk on these commission’s inquiry into children in were presented in partnership with Munro-Harrison – fresh from a residency contemporaries, friends and admirers topics before being joined by a panel immigration detention made Triggs Melbourne Writers Festival. The Big at Kalang Retreat. They discussed their for a night of readings from his work – discussion and Q&A session with Jack     some powerful enemies in the federal Grapple: Loving and Loathing New York writing, the residency and poetic licence, and stories from his own life hosted by Latimore and Odette Kelada. government. Later, she became a kind City involved a night of storytelling from and performed readings of their work. the Age literary editor, Jason Steger. of human flashpoint for debates about some favourite Melburnians who don’t DiAngelo’s first two books, Is Everyone Joseph Stiglitz: racial vilification and free speech. heart NY.     Really Equal? and What Does it Mean     to Be White?, examined notions of Triggs discussed her life, career and Ronan Farrow: Power, Abuse Global Inequality equality and white racial literacy. Her and the 1% convictions with in front of and Facing Facts AFLW 2018 third book, White Fragility, is a New York a booked out Atheneaum Theatre. MAYHEM event New Yorker investigative reporter Ronan Times bestseller. DiAngelo challenged In Australia to receive the 2018 Sydney Farrow has been one of the foremost Season Wrap the audience to find constructive ways Peace Prize, Nobel Prize-winning     series to see, acknowledge and respond to economist Joseph Stiglitz discussed reporters documenting the culture of For the AFLW 2018 season, the talent Throughout May, the Wheeler racism in the 21st century to a booked global inequality – and what we can do silence and impunity around sexual pool deepened, competition intensified Centre hosted 20 events with major out event at the Wheeler Centre. about it – with Mary Kostakidis at the misconduct in Hollywood and beyond. and the stakes were higher, following international writers and speakers direct Athenaeum Theatre. This booked-out A Night with As industry after industry attempts to the league’s first trade and draft period. from the Sydney Writers’ Festival. The event was presented in partnership confront long-unexamined demons in The women’s game is rapidly evolving,     Geoffrey speakers included Jennifer Egan (author with Sydney Peace Foundation, Oxfam this area, Farrow offers fresh ideas for trialling new rules and refining playing of Manhattan Beach and the Pulitzer Australia and the Reichstein Foundation. Robertson creating a new culture of accountability. standards. Prize-winning A Visit from the Goon To a full house at the Athenaeum PEN Lecture: Alongside his distinguished career Squad), André Aciman (whose debut Theatre, Farrow discussed the poignant Award-winning journalists, Sam Lane     as a human rights lawyer in London, novel Call Me By Your Name inspired personal stories of abuse, in his family and Karen Lyon joined journalist, The War on Robertson has, for more than 30 years, the Oscar-winning film of the same and beyond, that led him to report so television presenter, radio personality, Journalism – enjoyed a parallel career as an author name by Luca Guadagnino), bestselling passionately on the topic. author and MC, to and broadcaster. His books on war children’s author Jeff Kinney (author unpack the highs and lows of the year How 9/11 crimes, free speech and the Vatican of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books), Emily Nussbaum: Culture, in women’s footy with the fans, and have shaped public debates. His scholar Emily Wilson (the first woman Criticism and TV Today shared their insights and predictions on Changed famous TV series, Geoffrey Robertson’s to translate Homer’s The Odyssey into the future of the game. Hypotheticals, schooled generations in As the New Yorker’s TV critic, Everything English) and, actor and author Robert the discipline of Socratic questioning. Nussbaum has won a large and Webb (from the award-winning British 2018’s PEN Lecture was presented by devoted international audience by giving     This formidable Australian intellectual sitcom Peep Show). academic and journalist Peter Greste, contemporary television the incisive, who was himself imprisoned in Egypt talked life, career, hypotheticals and sophisticated and entertaining criticism on terrorism charges. Greste discussed humanity at the Athenaeum Theatre.     it deserves. Nussbaum spoke to a the erosion of press freedoms and the packed Deakin Edge about art and troubling implications of Australia’s new     storytelling on screen. national security laws.        

12 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 13 NEW SERIES DIGITAL ACTIVITY Fame, Feast and The Whitewash Grief This is Not a Drill A Hypothetical Pandemic Femme Fatale: Both Antony and Cleopatra are light- The second event covered the topic with Ali Moore A highly infectious disease that started skinned and shown in incongruous of Grief and the quest to find more in the tropics of Southern China is Invasion of the The Banquet of 16th-century costume in Tiepolo’s supportive and compassionate ways for The four events in this series were sweeping the globe, with a rapidly vision of The Banquet of Cleopatra. people communities, workplaces and supported by Asialink, the University of rising death toll. So, how does Australia Pod People Cleopatra In this last talk of the series, Ted Gott governments to deal with lives ending. Melbourne and were broadcast on the protect itself? And how well placed are In the last few years, podcasts have A series of talks and performances, explored race, representation and the Speakers included grief counsellor and ABC. we to cope with a true pandemic? matured into the storytelling format Renaissance with Odette Kelada and author Eliza Henry-Jones, community hosted by NGV’s senior curator Ted Ali Moore and our expert panellists – du jour. Yet the surge of interest and Abdul Abdullah. health worker and ‘death talker’ Molly A Hypothetical Crisis in the Gott, were held across three Sundays including Gary Lum, Malik Peiris, Rod excitement around audio features and Carlile and medical anthropologist, South China Sea in October on the provenance and Pearce, Kanta Subbarao, Sharon Lewin podcasts has been gaining momentum Gregory Phillips. meaning of Giambattista Tiepolo’s     What if maritime forces of the United and Russell Basser – confronted a for even longer, propelled by a diversity of formats. painting, The Banquet of Cleopatra Memorials States and China clash in the South hypothetical public health emergency. (1743-44). Presented in partnership China Sea, and Australia is called on They devised a plan to protect the The Wheeler Centre’s Invasion of the with NGV, these talks were held at In the third event, Hilary Harper explored Dead Calm: to come to America’s aid? How far population and stem panic in the face of Pod People series brings audiences NGV International. the role, relevance and relief offered by would we be willing to go in a skirmish a pandemic. some of podcasting’s best and brightest Honest memorials after death and disaster. The The legend of Cleopatra has everything: between our strongest military ally and to share their thoughts and insights event questioned how do our memorials A Hypothetical Supercity, 2033 opulence, power, seduction and our biggest trading partner? on the art (and business) of listening. Conversations and commemorations differ across celebrity. Australia’s population hit 25 million this Guests in 2018 included Nate DiMeo cultures and how are they changing Ali Moore and our expert panellists – about Death year and – if the forecasts are correct – (The Memory Palace), June Thomas The audacious power plays and in the 21st Century with co-author of including Chen Hong, Gareth Evans, In this series of conversations – it’s heading to 38 million by 2050. (Slate) and Rachael Brown (Trace). tumultuous love affairs of the last Death and Digital Media, Bjorn Nansen, Charles Edel, Chris Barrie, Merriden curated and hosted by Hilary Harper queen of Egypt have captivated artists, Lydon Ormand-Parker, ARC Research Varrall, Sow Keat Tok and Sam Mostyn Ali Moore and the panellists – including – we explored how we die, grieve and musicians, filmmakers and writers for Fellow in the Indigenous Studies Unit, – steered the audience through choppy Lucinda Hartley, Bernard Salt, Shara     commemorate in Australia today. more than 2000 years. Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne diplomatic waters, and formulated the Evans, John Brumby, Ishaan Nangla This new events series tackled the School Population and Global Health at best strategic response. and Rob Adams – looked through The Legend taboos head-on – with some forthright the University of Melbourne Professor of A Hypothetical Cybersecurity their crystal balls and puzzled through So You Think You discussions about the process, the History at the University of Melbourne, a hypothetical population explosion. The love affair between Cleopatra and Crisis Can Pod Roman general Mark Antony is among mystery and the meaning of death Joy Damousi. What will our hypothetical metropolis of today. What happens when critical 2033 look like? Will it be sustainable, Eugenia Zoubtchenko (Terra) was the most famous in history, and has Bodies been told again and again for centuries. infrastructure comes under attack, and and will it be truly global … with global announced as the winner of the Transitions In the first of three discussions, Ted In our final event in this series, Hilary risks escalate with each passing hour? problems? And who gets to decide? Wheeler Centre’s third annual podcast Gott, discussed why this tragic story The first of this event series, explored Harper discussed the important topics How could we respond to multipronged competition, So You Think You Can continues to inspire creative people with the topic of Transitions, where Hilary of organ donation, artistic intervention, cyber-attacks, crippling power supply     Pod (SYTYCP), at an event at the Ali Alizadeh, Mark WIlson and Sophie Harper delved into the detail of the bioethics and more with ethical and public institutions? And what if the Wheeler Centre in December. The Lampel. process of dying with a panel of experts taxidermist and artist Julia deVille and threat appears to have been instigated judging panel included podcasting – doctor and author Sarah Winch, bioethicist Dominique Martin. by one of our regional neighbours? luminaries such as June Thomas (Slate) The History and Josie Long (BBC). The three other hospice designer Efterpi Soropos and Ali Moore and our expert panellists SYTYCP finalists – Silvi Vann-Wall Giambattista Tiepolo’s Banquet of death doula Denise Love – who witness, – including Marlene Kanga, Alastair     and Izzie Austin (Chronically Chill) and Cleopatra scene is drawn from Pliny’s ease or facilitate the transition from life MacGibbon, Megan Haas, Tobias Annaliese Redlich (All Ears) – were given account of the feast in his book, to death in a professional capacity. Feakin, Dottie Schindlinger and Craig the opportunity to be part of the Wheeler Natural History. In this discussion, Ted Lapsley – confronted a high-stakes Centre’s new podcast mentorship pilot Gott, Matt Smith and Rhiannon Evans hypothetical security hack, weighing up programme, Signal Boost. questioned how reliable was Pliny’s threats and options and devising the version of events, and revealed how best tactical response at pace. Tiepolo’s work become part of NGV’s     collection.

14 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 15 The Next Chapter

The Next Chapter recipients have been Signal Boost Regional Focus Books and Ideas Hot Desk The Next Chapter matched with the following mentors: Signal Boost is a new initiative that Our 2018 Regional Programme at Montalto Fellowships – A New Writers’ Evelyn Araluen with Tony Birch builds on the Wheeler Centre’s legacy saw involvement from 25 local and On eight Fridays throughout the year, The Wheeler Centre’s Hot Desk of supporting storytellers in the medium international writers across five regional Scheme Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen with from March to November, the Wheeler Fellowships returned in 2018, once Michele Lee of podcasting. The initiative sees us locations, delivering 14 events that The Next Chapter writers’ scheme Centre brought the best of Australian again made possible by the generous matching up to five podcasters with reached audiences of up to 3000 launched at the 2018 Sydney Writers, Jean Bachoura with Maria Tumarkin writing to the Mornington Peninsula. support of the Readings Foundation. external mentors over six-month children and adults. Festival (SWF) in May, and received Guests were able to swap the hustle Twenty writers were offered fellowships Ennis Cehic with Nam Le fellowships. Looking ahead to 2019, the more than 1100 entries from writers Alexander McCall Smith kicked off the of the city for an unhurried, immersive and an additional Playwright Hot Desk Nayuka Gorrie with Alison Whittaker programme will also include an intensive all over the country. The scheme, year in Warrnambool and was quickly look at the stories behind the stories Fellowship was offered to an emerging Lian Low with Rebecca Lim training/workshop programme for the supported by the Aesop Foundation followed by YA authors Patrick Ness and – all while enjoying outstanding food female playwright, supported by the participants with a view to helping over three years, was set up to support Yamiko Marama with Sisonke Msimang Jesse Andrews at Kyneton Town Hall. and wine, fascinating company and the generosity of the Just Pretending underrepresented stories find – and voices that aren’t getting heard through opportunity to hear from writers in an theatre group. Ara Sarafian with Nick Earls develop – an audience. Warrnambool kids were offered an conventional publishing channels. Ten intimate and relaxed setting, with series Adrian Stanley with Melissa Lucashenko interactive writing workshop with The fellowships, which include a $1000 outstanding writers receive $15,000 host Elizabeth McCarthy. Adam Thompson with Cate Kennedy       children’s author and comedian Oliver stipend and workspace in the Wheeler each to develop their work. Writers Phommavanh, who talked the audience 2018’s line-up included Chloe Hooper, Centre over a ten-week period, were are then matched with mentors and Thanks to the support of Varuna through the secrets of writing exciting Bri Lee, Krissy Kneen, Ceridwen created to give emerging writers the – across the twelve-month period of Writers’ House in Katoomba, NSW, Talkfest characters and stories. Dovey, Michael Mohammed Ahmad, space to write and create. Hot Desk the scheme – they are connected with writers selected for the scheme have In July, Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton Alexis Wright and Robyn Davidson. Fellows also have the opportunity to peers, publishers and readers. The the opportunity to attend a three-night Hosted by director Michael Williams, performed an interactive live version of Clementine Ford rounded off the meet and network with the Wheeler scheme also endeavours to invest time (four-day) residency at Varuna and given Talkfest delves into the Wheeler their book, The 104 Storey Treehouse programme with a special event at Centre’s resident organisations. All and expertise in writers who reflect the an alumni membership each as part of Centre’s live recordings and curates that appealed to a broad range of Montalto’s recently acquired Tucks writers and their projects were featured diversity of Australian identities and their involvement in The Next Chapter. the most compelling moments from vineyard. She joined host Jamila Rizvi on the Wheeler Centre’s website, as experiences. It offers opportunities to children and families. For the first-year recipients, the scheme our best public discussions. Episodes for a robust discussion of masculinity, well as in a special Hot Desk Edition of writers from marginalised communities. spanning a diverse range of topics were For Benalla, we brought together a privilege and power, before opening to our live Next Big Thing series. officially concludes in November 2019. The inaugural year’s intake (determined broadcast Australia-wide on ABC RN prominent philosopher and a climate- an audience Q&A. The writers will be assisted in talks with each weekend in 2018, and featured on change activist who just happen to The 2018 fellows were: by judges Christos Tsiolkas, Ellen Van potential publishers and their work will the ABC Listen app. Talkfest was an be from the same family: Raimond       Asiel Adan Laura Jean McKay Neerven, Maxine Beneba Clarke and be showcased in the form of published important initiative in fulfilling our charter and Katerina Gaita. Together the pair Sanchez Leah Jing Benjamin Law) was announced at extracts or online interviews. of expanding our audience reach discussed civics, sustainability and Amanda Anastasi McIntosh the National Young Writers Festival in beyond our physical events programme. legacy to an engaged audience. Rachel Ang Fiona Murphy Newcastle in September.       Alistair Baldwin Thuy On           Candy Bowers Stephen Pham Shu-Ling Chua Harry Reid Georgina Harriss Ella Skilbeck- Triana Hernandez Porter Jamie Lau Christian Taylor Magan Magan Jem Tyley-Miller Melissa Manning Ra Chapman was the recipient of the Playwright Hot Desk Fellowship.      

16 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 17 The Fifth Estate Celebrations Beyond Marriage Equality Celebrating our The Show of the The marriage equality vote brought a Sally Warhaft has been the Wheeler to mark the lot of romance and rejoicing – as well City of Literature Year 2018 Centre’s in-house news anchor since as a surprising number of heterosexual In November, we marked the tenth As always, the 2018 season came to 2012. In 2018 the anthropologist, anniversary of the politicians lining up to claim credit – anniversary of Melbourne’s designation a close with the annual Show of the broadcaster and intrepid interviewer’s marriage equality but the campaign period came at a as a UNESCO City of Literature over Year where a stellar line-up comedians, fortnightly live series continued as significant emotional and personal cost three days of celebrations. We presented musicians, writers and raconteurs came she responded to the most important vote to many LGBTIQ+ people, too. a storytelling event, Ten Stories of together to remember the year that was. debates of the day. Every second Throughout November, the Wheeler Melbourne, and a two-day event Tuesday, Sally hosted a dizzying array In this discussion, hosted by Lee The Wheeler Centre’s Show of the Year Centre held three key events to modelled around the idea of a City of of guests from the worlds of politics, Carnie, our panellists chewed over helped audiences reflect, review and celebrate the one year anniversary of Literature Parliament. These events culture, international relations and these questions and propose new revel in the year that was. Remember the Marriage Equality Postal Vote. were presented in partnership with the beyond. frontiers in the fight for real equality for the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics? Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Going Postal: Reflections on the LGBTIQ+ Australians across all areas Meghan Markle at the alter? The Thai Guests in 2018 included Australian office. of life. They thrashed out questions on soccer team cave rescue? Yet another journalists Kerry O’Brien, Greg Sheridan Marriage Equality Vote how can we improve health care for prime ministerial sacking? and Tracey Spicer, and Australian On the anniversary of that historic Ten Stories of Melbourne queer Australians and what can we do politicians including Jacqui Lambie announcement, we brought together Hosted by the extremely talented for adolescent, and ageing, LGBTIQ+ We kicked off the celebrations with a and Stephen Smith. International a stellar line-up of LGBTIQ+ talent to Casey Bennetto and a cast of writers, communities and those in rural and gala night of readings and storytelling guests included American heavyweight share writing inspired and provoked comedians and musicians, including remote areas. at Federation Square’s Deakin Edge. journalists Masha Gessen and Katy Tur. by last year’s survey. Hosted by Quinn Ten brilliant writers – both established Mama Alto, Steph Tisdell, Shaun Events covered a wide range of topics Eades and Son Vivienne, we heard Take it From Me and emerging – shared where, for them, Micallef, Jan Fran, Michele Lee, Candy from industrial farming, #metoo and readings from the new anthology, Going Melbourne comes alive on the page. We Bowers, waˉni Le Frère, Rebecca Shaw, Our panel of unqualified strangers facism to drug policy, journalism and Postal: More Than ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, a asked which classic stories and scenes Ash Flanders, Laura Jean McKay, Dilruk puzzle over audiences problems before Christianity in Australia today. collection of essays, comics, poetry and of Melbourne are part of our literary Jayasinha and Alan Duffy if there was a live audience, then dish out some ill- artwork from creative queer and gender- DNA, and how are a new generation of one show to remember in 2018, it was informed and context-free advice.     diverse Australians. writers remaking the city with words? The Show of the Year. For this edition, our panellists – including host Jess McGuire, Amy Literary Parliament at the     The Next Middleton, Gregory Phillips and Dion Wheeler Centre Kagan – specialised in queer romantic For our Literary Parliament, we brought Big Thing conundrums. This was an opportunity together writers, librarians, publishers and A Wheeler Centre stalwart, our Next for audiences to pour their hearts out booksellers to dive into various questions Big Thing series showcases the best so advisors could bring their wealth across four events held over two days: in fresh Australian writing with a focus of experience from mostly irrelevant What literary trends were we preoccupied on a different genre each month. fields, and nut out some solutions to with ten years ago, and what will our Over 11 events in 2018, guests heard audiences’ dilemmas. bookish future look like? What’s it like to from future favourites while enjoying a live here – are we complacent or spoiled? drink and a bite to eat in the intimate       And what does it really mean to be surrounds of The Moat cafe. named a City of Literature – does it help or hinder our culture? Guests included Hot Desk recipients as well as artists from the Emerging Writers’ Festival and Voiceworks      contributors.    

18 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 19 Redamancy (n.) the state of (adj.) bright, lustrous, shining Nitid loving the one who loves you; Humdinger (n.) a person or Numinous (adj.) describing Collywobbles (n.) queasiness thing of remarkable or reciprocal love (n.) an incantation, a divine or aesthetically Abracadabra or pain in the stomach; anxiety outstanding effect Rodomontade (n.) vain boasting; a magical word or word charm overwhelming quality or nervousness Hyperbole (n.) a fi gure of speech or experience empty bluster Abstergent (adj.) cleansing, Compossible (adj.) compatible in which obvious exaggeration is Obambulate (v.) to wander Rubicund (adj.) inclining to detergent or potentially consistent, as with used for emphasis or effect Olid (adj.) foul-smelling, fetid redness; ruddy Agathist (n.) one who another theory or statement Ideogeny (n.) the science dealing believes that things tend Oniochalasia (n.) buying or Rumbustious (adj.) uncontrollably Concinnity (n.) a harmony of with the origin of ideas shopping as a method of toward ultimate good exuberant; irrepressible; utterly tone, design or logic in the Impavid (adj.) unafraid, stress relief Agrestic (adj.) rustic, lacking in restraint or discipline arrangements of parts with without fear Oolite (n.) egg-stone, a variety unpolished, rural respect to the whole islomania (n.) obsessive of concreted carbonate of lime; Sententious (adj.) given to Ailurophile (n.) a cat-lover Cynophilist (n.) a dog-lover enthusiasm for islands oviform limestone pompous moralising Alliteration (n.) the repetition Doromania (n.) a preoccupation Jejunator (n.) a fasting person Oppugnant (adj.) antagonistic, Sesquipedalian (adj.) polysyllabic; of similar or identical sounds with giving gifts Jejune (n.) lacking matter; empty; contrary; tending to long-winded at the beginning of words or awaken hostility Conversation Duende (n.) the ability to attract void of substance Skirr (v.) to scour; to run hastily in stressed syllables other people through personal Ken (n.) one’s range of knowledge Opsimath (n.) a person who learns or studies later in life Skulduggery (n.) underhand Apodeictic (adj.) incontestable; magnetism and charisma or understanding Starters demonstrably true Parallelogram (n.) a right-lined proceedings; trickery Dundreary (n.) an extravagant Kerplunk (adv.) falling with, or as quadrilateral fi gure, whose Splendiferous (adj.) splendour- Appetence (n.) an intense, style of men’s facial hair if with, a sudden muffl ed thud opposite sides are parallel, and Conversation instinctive desire characterised by sideburns bearing; splendid Knavery (n.) the practices of a consequently equal Atrabilious (adj.) morose, extending across the cheek knave; petty villainy, fraud Subtopia (n.) suburban Parasitaster (n.) a malicious peevish, melancholy and jaw, also known as development that encroaches Starters Lollapalooza (n.) something or pitiable parasite Balter (v.) to dance artlessly or Piccadilly weepers on rural areas, promising the outstanding; a particularly Peon (n.) a low-ranking person clumsily but with enjoyment Embrangle (v.) to embroil, impressive example of its kind who performs mundane or attractions of country life to Beauteous (adj.) beautiful implicate or entangle Magniloquent (adj.) speaking repetitive tasks city-dwellers Betwixt (adv.) between; in a Oenology (n.) the science of pompously; using bombastic Periapt (n.) a charm worn as a Taradiddle (n.) a fi b; a trivial lie middle or unresolved position winemaking language protection against disease or Transmogrify (v.) to change or mischief; an amulet Bibliopoly (n.) a bookseller, Exuviate (v.) to shed or cast off Malaise (n.) an indefi nite feeling transform into a different shape especially one who deals in Finifugal (adj.) fearful of of uneasiness or discomfort Philistine (n.) a person who is Troth (n.) belief, good rare or old volumes endings; one who tries to Malison (n.) malediction, curse hostile towards, or unconcerned faith, fi delity Bloviate (v.) talk at length, prolong the fi nal moments of Mansuetude (n.) tameness, with, culture and the arts especially in an infl ated or ADOPTa story, relationship or journey gentleness Pique (n.) a feeling of hurt, Usurp (v.) to seize and hold by vexation, or resentment, pompous way Flapdoodle (n.) a silly person Melancholy (n.) depression force or without authority awakened by a social slight or of spirits; a gloomy state Bombastic (n.) grandiose or Froufrou (n.) fussy ornamentation injury Verbomania (n.) an excessive turgid expression or dress continuing a considerable time; enthusiasm for words deep dejection Polynya (n.) an area of open Caducity (n.) the infi rmity or AFubsy WORD (adj.) short and chubby water surrounded by sea ice Vilipend (v.) to value lightly, frailty of old age; senility Melange (n.) a mixture or medley, Gallivant (int.v.) to roam about Quadragenarian (n.) a person to depreciate, to slight, particularly of incongruous Callipygian (adj.) having for pleasure and entertainment between 40 and 49 years of age to disparage elements shapely buttocks without any defi nite plan Quagmire (n.) soft, boggy land Melodiousness (adj.) the quality Wordy (adj.) expressed in an Catawampus (adj.) positioned Gramercy (int.) used to indicate that yields under the feet; a of being agreeable to the ear by excessive number of words diagonally; askew gratitude or surprise muddled or awkward situation a sweet succession of sounds Xenolalia (n.) the ability to speak Caterwaul (v.) to utter long Raconteur (n.) a skilled and witty Griseous (adj.) pearl-grey Miasma (n.) a dangerous, wailing cries like a cat storyteller in a language one has not learnt Guffaw (n.) a loud, boisterous foreboding, or unwholesome Rapscallion (n.) a rascal; Xesturgy (n.) polishing Chatelaine (n.) the mistress burst of laughter atmosphere of a castle or a large, a good-for-nothing fellow Zappy (adj.) zippy, lively or Hither (adv.) to this place – Misanthrope (n.) a hater fashionable household Recrement (n.) a secretion that is used with verbs signifying of mankind fast-moving Collocate (v.) to set or place reabsorbed by the body motion, and implying motion Niddering (n.) a coward together in particular relation; toward the speaker to arrange side by side

03 8415 0000 [email protected] WHE049 Conversation Starters TELEPHONE EMAIL FILE NAME © ACTUAL SIZE PTY LTD 2013 FUTURE PROOFING Trust and Private Giving CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION Foundations Major Giving Programme Adopt AThis Word is to certify that Trusts and foundations continued to The Wheeler Centre inaugurated its Our AdoptAbracadabra a Word program (n.) an incantation, continues OUR APPROACH a magical word or word charm provide significant support to new private giving programme in 2014 with to be successful raising a total of programming and venue optimisation. Has been formally adopted from Our community of over 200 sponsors the establishment of Conversation $17,263 thein 2018,Wheeler with Centre a total of 212 Corporate Partnerships Starters, a group of donors giving words adopted for that year, an and donors are essential partners in The Helen McPherson Smith Trust and $5000 annually. The support of these increase Byof [insertapproximately name of donor] $5108 and of bringing transforming conversations The Wheeler Centre has in its short life This year, we wish to pay particular the Ian Potter Foundation made multi- individual patrons ensured a diverse and 69 wordsWho from has the agreed previous to protect year. and The and shared literary experiences to developed strong, mutually beneficial attention to the Centre’s ongoing year pledges of support to reimagining vibrant programme of over 200 events most effectivepreserve campaigns this word. of 2018 were over 352,038 people, both in the partnerships with organisations that are partnerships with RTR Productions and the Centre’s regional programme and each year. Mother’s OnDay this in XX April day of(for Month May) 2015 raising Wheeler Centre’s performance space, passionate about playing a key role in Meltwater. optimisation of the Performance Space in Melbourne’s iconic venues and our city’s cultural and intellectual life; $4554 andSigned the byEOFY (Tax Appeal) in Meltwater provides the Wheeler Centre respectively. Both foundation partners In 2018 the Centre made significant increasingly in community settings organisations that are enmeshed in our June raising a similar total of $4540. with ongoing print media, online news completed their pledges of support to progress in widening the circle of throughout Victoria and online. community, not sitting apart from it. and social monitoring in real-time, the Centre this year, with lasting impact major giving donors and securing the The Christmas period, which is another Until 2018, Development income In the 2017 Annual Report we accompanied by statistics on audience for the Centre and its audiences for highest level of philanthropic support significant time for the Adopt a Word contributed between six to eight highlighted three long-term collaborative reach and engagement that assist many more years to come. by individuals in the Wheeler Centre’s campaign, saw obscure yet cheerful history. words being given as gifts, such as percent of income annually. However, sponsorships that have helped us with our targeted marketing and The Centre’s Regional Victorian efficacious (adj.) effect producing the Development income for this year deliver extraordinary conversations communications strategies. Programme formed an important The centre welcomed 20 new major represented seventeen percent of to all Victorians over the years: intended results, zoetic (adj.) of or RTR Productions is an essential partner component of our public activity for over donors and established donor groups recurrent funding due to a significant Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, our pertaining to life; vital or essential and to the Wheeler Centre’s commitment 2000 adults and children in five tour across giving levels - Enquiring Minds, expansion in our philanthropy accommodation partner since 2012, apricity (n.) winter sunshine. to the highest standards of live event locations – Ballarat, Benalla, Bendigo, Bright Sparks, Conversation Starters programme, in particular our major Montalto, the Centre’s major wine experience and broadcast recording. Kyneton and Warrnambool. The and Big Thinkers. giving program, and the introduction of sponsor since 2014, and Aesop upgrades to the Performance Space In-Cart Donations Over almost 10 years, RTR has been We are deeply grateful to all our donors, in-cart donations for all ticketed events, Commercial, the Centre’s programming allowed the Centre to respond to the our enthusiastic partner in delivering and delighted to acknowledge them In April 2018, the Centre introduced whether free or fee-paying. partner and campaign partner for the changing nature of the work we present production excellence. Like all our individually in the honour roll within this a platform for audiences to add a Adopt-a-Word program since 2015. and our commitment to presenting Greater investment in staffing, with ongoing partnerships, RTR shares in our report. We would like to mention in donation to their ticket booking across our events through a broad range of the appointment of an administrative In 2018, Milligram - Telegram Co. commitment to long-term collaboration particular, however, George and Rosa free and paid events. This was a highly mediums. support position for the programme, supported our Adopt-A-Word campaign and understands whats make a Wheeler Morstyn and Michael and Radhika successful initiative raising $13,360 over and Board activation, saw immediate by providing in kind support in the Centre event truly unique. The Readings Foundation continued its Santhanam-Martin who helped establish the eight months since inception, and positive change in this regard with shape of stylish notebooks, pens allowing the Centre to raise awareness support of the Hot Desk Fellowships our Big Thinkers donor group through an increase in donor and partner and pouches for three fundraising this year, providing 21 writers, their significant support of the Next of the need for financial support at every engagement activities translating to campaigns and one EOFY acquisition established and emerging alike, the Chapter writers scheme. We thank level. greater financial investment in the campaign in 2018. opportunity to work on their writing from these donors for their philanthropic The Wheeler Centre will continue to organisation. their own desk at the Wheeler Centre leadership and hope many more will be deliver the important message to our for a period of 10 weeks and time to inspired by their generosity. outstanding community of supporters, nurture their work and see it grow. We look forward to inaugurating our that every gift, big or small, enables In 2018, these funding partners were highest level donor group in 2019, the Centre and its programme to reach joined by the Copyright Agency Cultural Game Changers, and reporting on the further and impact more strongly on Fund and Creative Partnerships impact philanthropy plays at this level, in the lives of all Victorians. Together we Australia, in pledging financial ensuring the Centre’s capacity to deliver are future proofing the art of writing commitments to expanding professional its mission to be Melbourne’s home of and conversation by creating a vibrant development opportunities for writers books, writing and ideas. community of writers, thinkers and and speakers in 2019. We look forward talkers around Victoria and increasingly to reporting on these programs and around the globe. the impact of this support in our next Annual Report.

20 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 21 Income FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Demand for our talks and special events continues to grow. Likewise the The Wheeler Centre is a key medium-sized organisation in the cultural sector, with support we provide to the sector has become invaluable to partners, publishers, an annual turnover of $3.9m. The Wheeler Centre values fiscal accountability, with a booksellers, writers and literary organisations. The Centre is focused on securing focus on generating new revenue streams and managing our cost base responsibly. income levels that enhance our ability to deliver on this demand. The Board, and its audit and risk sub-committee, monitor performance against We have five main revenue streams: budget for all activities and oversee the long-term security of the company. The following breakdown provides a snapshot of our 2018 financial operations. It is not Box Office: Private Support: intended to replace or modify the content of the centre’s independently audited The Centre has consistently achieved 17% of the centre’s income comes from Annual Financial Statements. ambitious box-office targets and major Donors, Trusts and Foundations increased this income stream since as well as corporate sponsors/partners inception. Box office and project fees and fundraising campaigns. account for 12% in 2018. Expenditure Government Funding: Resource Utilisation: The Centre’s annual expenditure patterns in 2018 demonstrate the high levels The Centre receives support for our of resourcing required to support our mission: A steady income stream comes from activities from federal, state and local Public Programming: Marketing and rental rates and venue hire, accounting government through the arts and culture Communications: for 7% of overall income. portfolios, accounting for 43.8% of Artists’ fees and production and travel income. costs account for 31% of expenditure 15% of expenditure was spent of Auspiced Projects: Fundraising: marketing, communications and digital The Wheeler Centre administers the activity Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards Various fundraising activities account for Administration and Building (VPLA’s) on behalf of the Premier of 8% of expenditure Victoria, houses the City of Literature Operations: Digital: office and in 2018 received Project The remaining 36% was spent on Funding for regional activities. 10% of expenditure was spent on building operations, staffing and digital activities including video, audio, administration. and written content and website development. Auspiced Projects 20.2%

Digital 10%

Fundraising 8% Programme 31%

Box Office 12% Government Grants 43.8%

Marketing 15%

Philanthropy & Donations 17% Resource Utilisation 7%

Admin & Building Ops 36%

22 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 23 PARTNERSHIPS THANK YOU As a cultural institution, we rely on the vision and generosity of our partners and supporters. Their contribution and commitment Venues, Publishers and Cultural Collaborations enables us to champion writers and writing, support the literary sector, elevate public conversation and produce an Bookshops Energetic and imaginative collaborations extraordinary year-long programme with seventy percent of events free to attend. We take this opportunity to say thank you. The Wheeler Centre is proud to partner with community and cultural partners with a number of local and regional enable us to enhance our offerings to venues across our yearly programme of the community. Working with partner GOVERNMENT DONORS Conversation Starters organisations also allows us to engage events. Our ongoing collaboration with Conversation Starters Eric and Sue Beecher, Australia’s diverse publishing industry more broadly with diverse audiences. 2018 Inaugural and our support of local bookshops Heather Carmody demonstrates our commitment to Thank you to our donors Elke Gjergja bringing writers and ideas to our past and present: Andy and Jill Griffiths, audience. Enquiring Minds Inaugural Tony and Wendy Hudson, David Bardas Inaugural Mary Beth Bauer Margaret Jackson AC Resident Organisations Robin and the late Peter Jopling AM QC & Marylou Friday Samuel Mandeng Melbourne’s designation as a UNESCO Alongside these organisations, a range MAJOR PARTNERS Catherine Heggen Ellen Koshland City of Literature recognises the of volunteer-led entities operate within Noreen Megay Naomi Milgrim AO invaluable contribution made by the the Wheeler Centre, from our Hot Desk Helen Murdoch The Late Patricia O’Donnell, following organisations, all of which residencies. These organisations are Anonymous Inaugural reside in the Wheeler Centre. a vital component of the ecology of Anonymous Susan Oliver our literary and publishing sector. The Mark and Wendy Rubbo, Wheeler Centre is proud to support their Bright Sparks Inaugural activities. Sally McRae Carol Schwartz AM and Ricci Swart Alan Schwartz AM Anonymous Craig Semple PROGRAM PARTNERS Brigitte Smith, Inaugural Wendy Whelan, Inaugural Janet Whiting, AM and Phil Lukies, Inaugural

SUPPORTING PARTNERS Big Thinkers George and Rosa Morstyn Just Pretending Michael and Radhika Theatre Group Santhanam-Martin Thank you also for the TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS generosity and support of previous Conversation Starters and other Friends of the Wheeler Centre donors who contributed to our tax appeal and those friends who adopted a word or became a regular giver.

24 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 25 OUR PEOPLE Our Patrons Our Staff Maureen and Tony Wheeler Director Michael Williams Our extraordinary front and back of General Manager Lauren Bialkower house team who ensure our events run seamlessly night after night: Head of Programming Our Board Helen Withycombe Abby Alexander Millie Baylis Susan Oliver – Chair Head of Marketing and Aaron Bradbrook Belinda Duarte (Resigned 28 June) Communications Emily Harms Anne Bravos Marcus Fazio Head of Development Fiona Dunne John Gibbins (Commenced 21 October) Jacqueline Williams Monica Enriquez Will Hayward (Commenced 21 October) Head of Publishing Sophie Black Jonathan Epstein Russel Howcroft (Resigned 7 June) Office Manager Sally Rosevear Else Fitzgerald Corrie Perkin Eric Gardiner Julie Pinkham Programming Manager Melinda Herron Clare Wright Veronica Sullivan Jessica Hutchison Anita Ziemer Programming Coordinator Adalya Nash Hussein Stella Charls Shamini Joseph Special Projects Coordinator Charlie Kerekes

Hiroki Kobayashi Kate McHugh Senior Digital Editor Jon Tjhia Leah Jing McIntosh Marketing Manager Shannon Hick Nicole McKenzie Angela McMurray Development Coordinator Linh Nguyen Ngaire Freeman Mark Nowak Ticketing and CRM Coordinator Xanthea O’Connor Claire Flynn Niklas Pajanti Publicists Jane Watkins (until April) and Owen Phillips Sallie Butler (from May) Ritchie Plunkett Senior Writer/Editor Sophie Quick Bronwyn Pringle Autumn Royal Digital Producer Scott Limbrick Jen Squire Events Manager Gabrielle Ryan Inez Trambas Production Manager Billie Tumarkin Johnboy Davidson Saaro Umar Technical Coordinator Jose Eveline Nikita Vanderbyl Dylan van Oirschot Venue Coordinators Mel Herron and Tim White Fury Telford (until August) Katie Wilkins Receptionist Harry Reid (from August) Nevo Zisin Accounts Sam Ryan

26 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 27 176 Little Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia T +61 3 9094 7800 F +61 3 9650 6473 Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas trading as The Wheeler Centre. wheelercentre.com

176 Little Lonsdale Street T +61 3 9094 7800 Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia F +61 3 9650 6473 wheelercentre.com

Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas trading as the Wheeler Centre: Books, Writing, Ideas ABN 97 134 682 189