About The Wheeler Centre

The Wheeler Centre exists to support writers, readers and thinkers. Through live and digital conversations, debates, readings, performances and discussions, it deepens public engagement with the most pressing topics of the day. It is dedicated to creative collaboration, community engagement, diversity, and innovation.

Melbourne was designated a UNESCO City of Literature in 2008 and this heralded the establishment of the Centre for Books, Writing and Ideas – a vibrant new hub for a diverse range of literary- and ideas-based organisations and activities. The aim: to provide a home and important focal point for the conversations that matter to Victoria, and indeed, Australia. As the Centre itself took its physical shape within a newly renovated and dedicated wing of the State Library of Victoria, our position was secured ahead of the official opening with the commitment of our patrons, Maureen and Tony Wheeler of Lonely Planet. From that day, the Centre of Books, Writing and Ideas became the Wheeler Centre.

Since 2009, the Wheeler Centre has been firmly established at the heart of Victoria’s rich cultural life. Based in the Melbourne CBD on Little Lonsdale St, the Centre is also a hub and home for writers and key literary organisations, including the Melbourne Writers’ Festival, Writers’ Victoria, Express Media, Emerging Writers’ Festival and Australian Poetry.

Our Purpose

The Wheeler Centre exists to honour and amplify the culture of ideas, stories and debate that has existed in Victoria for millennia. We serve writers, storytellers, thinkers, readers, listeners – the diverse ecology of people, communities and cultures that keep ideas alive and evolving.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a globally renowned home for storytelling and ideas that is sought after and celebrated by writers, readers, speakers, listeners and decision-makers.

Our Mission

To connect, support and promote Victoria’s unique culture of writing, storytelling and ideas. We seek to open up writing, reading, storytelling and inclusive public discussion to everyone, everywhere and in doing this, we also elevate Melbourne’s status as Australia’s original UNESCO City of Literature.

Delivering Our Goals and Strategic Priorities

Storytelling and ideas for everyone, everywhere 2024 - 2028 Strategic Plan is an ambitious and expansive plan that aims to open pathways to reading, writing and debate to the broadest possible audience. We want to continually grow the number of people experiencing and engaging with The Wheeler Centre. 

The new strategy is framed around guiding principles that:

1. Realise The Wheeler Centre as a leading physical and digital hub for writers, readers, storytellers and listeners.
2. Facilitate thought-leading conversations and constructive debates that reflect, inspire and build community.
3. Initiate new partnerships to diversify the Centre’s profile and audience base.
4. Build our professional and creative development programs to secure ongoing investment and provide meaningful opportunities to writers and creators.
5. Ensure the role and functions of The Wheeler Centre are transparent and accessible and removing barriers to entry.
6. Partner with the Centre’s resident organisations through structured collaboration, allyship and support.
7. Build our financial sustainability by cultivating new income streams and meaningful collaborations with donors, sponsors and partners.
8. Participate in national strategy, advocacy and new initiatives relating to writing, storytelling and sector sustainability, in partnership with resident organisations and sector stakeholders.

Click the link below to read the Storytelling and ideas for everyone, everywhere 2024 - 2028 Strategic Plan.

strategic plan