Arts + Culture

Dr. Clare Wright: “I’m drawn to women’s history because equity and justice demands it”

Dr. Clare Wright: “I’m drawn to women’s history because equity and justice demands it”

Tues 22 Nov Dr. Clare Wright is an award-winning historian and author who has worked as an academic, political speechwriter, historical consultant and radio and television broadcaster. She is an integral part of the history faculty at La Trobe University, which has been a pioneering institution in the academic field of Gender Studies for decades. La Trobe University is a key partner of Breakthrough 2016. Clare will be delivering a keynote address Making Waves, Making History on Day One of Breakthrough. We had a chat to Clare on the importance of learning about and from women's history. As a historian, you...

22nd November, 16 Read more
Say hello to Susie from the Grand Magoozi

Say hello to Susie from the Grand Magoozi

Fri 18 Nov The Grand Magoozi are Melbourne based band with a sound rooted in folk, blues and country. Their first self titled LP features original compositions written by beguiling lead vocalist Susie Scurry. Her music has been described as "smoky vocals and simple song writing [that] deliver tenderness and subtle wit in equal measure". Sounds like a dream. The Grand Magoozi will be performing during our Breakthrough Get Together on Sat 26 Nov, featuring MC Jan Fran and music from the Brunswick Women's Choir. We chatted to Susie about her music and the...

18th November, 16 Read more
New Breakthrough Performer Mojo Juju Sings Tunes ‘Loaded With Sin’.

New Breakthrough Performer Mojo Juju Sings Tunes ‘Loaded With Sin’.

Fri 11 Nov Mojo Juju is a musician, raconteur and bona fide expert in “vintage rock ‘n’ roll licks, howling jazz and grinding juke-joint blues” (Sydney Morning Herald). With a sound to make the devil in you to come out and play, Mojo Juju is the perfect addition to Breakthrough 2016. Mojo Juju will be performing during our Breakthrough Get Together on Fri 25 Nov, featuring performances from Judith Lucy and Georgia Fields. We spoke with Juju about the music world, what gender equality really means and got some choice advice for future music makers. Read...

16th November, 16 Read more
Comedy Queen Judith Lucy will be Performing at Breakthrough!

Comedy Queen Judith Lucy will be Performing at Breakthrough!

Tues 8 Nov Drum-roll please….not only can you hear Judith Lucy’s take on male dominated industries in the #NotAllMen breakout session (looking at you, Australian comedy scene), but she will also be delivering a comedy set in the Melbourne Town Hall on Friday 25 November. Lucy has been part of the stand-up comedy arena for over 20 years and has been described as “painfully honest, sharply observed and with a joke rate second to none”. She has sold out countless theatrical runs in Australia and has taken her shows to Montreal, Edinburgh and...

16th November, 16 Read more
Ella Hooper: Star Musician + Now — VWT Board Member!

Ella Hooper: Star Musician + Now — VWT Board Member!

Goodness, this is exciting! The one and only, Ella Hooper, musician, radio host and all round superstar, is joining Victorian Women’s Trust. She will also be speaking at #Breakthrough2016. We are over the moon about her appointment. Welcome to the team, Ella! We had the happy task of interviewing Ella about her work, gender equality, and what this new role means to her. You’ve had a illustrious and varied career in the music industry from your work as the lead singer of Killing Heidi to MC gigs, regular radio and TV spots....

16th November, 16 Read more
GRL PWR: We’ll Tell You What We Want, What We Really Really Want

GRL PWR: We’ll Tell You What We Want, What We Really Really Want

Girl Power is the gender equality motto of young women everywhere. And for good reason. Today’s girls are unstoppable, and they are not putting up with any crap! Join Yassmin Abdel-Magied, Brodie Lancaster, Jess Kapuscinski-Evans, Freya Bennett and Dinochip in GRL PWR at Breakthrough 2016 to hear how they are kick-starting their own activism, and how you can too. BUY TICKETS Girls are changing the world for the better, and bringing other young women up with them. No longer content to sit by the sidelines, these young women are speaking up and out, advocating for their...

14th November, 16 Read more
#QForLeigh: Brodie Lancaster + Anne Summers Turn the Mic on Leigh Sales

#QForLeigh: Brodie Lancaster + Anne Summers Turn the Mic on Leigh Sales

Mon 14 November 2016 Written by Brodie Lancaster. During a screenwriting class at university, someone once told me that a character becomes more likeable the better they are at their job. While I don’t think that’s always true (for starters, female characters who spend a lot of time at work are almost always punished for giving up maternal pursuits in the process), there is something to be said for the impact growing up with a “character” like Leigh Sales on TV has had (and will continue to have) on young girls growing...

14th November, 16 Read more
The One and Only Rachel Griffiths is Joining Breakthrough!

The One and Only Rachel Griffiths is Joining Breakthrough!

Hold onto your hats everyone, the beloved Rachel Griffiths will be appearing at #Breakthrough2016! Rachel Griffiths first captured our hearts in the iconic Muriel’s Wedding, and has gone on to have a prolific career as an actor, and more recently as a director and producer. She is best known internationally for her roles in Six Feet Under (for which she won a Golden Globe) and Brothers and Sisters. Her role in Hilary and Jackie earned her an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress. Recently Griffiths portrayed Julia Gillard in the TV movie Stalking...

19th October, 16 Read more
Gathering Space: #Breakthrough2016

Gathering Space: #Breakthrough2016

Fri 25 + Sat 26 Nov 2016, over 1200 people will gather in the Melbourne Town, the Athenaeum and Baptist on Collins to talk about how we can create an equal society for all. Under the banner of Breakthrough, we will meet, exchange ideas, gather momentum as a group — in some of Melbourne's most charming public spaces. Take a peek inside our 2016 Breakthrough venues:   Melbourne Town Hall Completed in 1970, the Melbourne Town Hall was designed by Joseph Reed, a hugely influential Victorian era architect who also designed the State Library...

28th September, 16 Read more