A Week in the Country

Life in the country has a lot going for it. There’s the solitude, the scenery, the extra brain space available when your mind is not jammed with parking and public transport-related neuroses. Many of Australian literature’s best loved writers, from Henry Lawson to Miles Franklin to Colin Thiele, have taken life in the bush as their inspiration.

In a week of events with a special regional focus, we’ll get past the romance – and past the past – to focus on the realities of contemporary country Australia. We’ll find out from writers,  regional leaders and political figures about what matters in regional areas, from infrastructure and innovation to creative expression, cattle exports and climate change. In the heart of the city, join us for some conversations about life in the regions.

Stream it from the regions

By popular demand, we’re offering everybody the chance to contribute remotely to Question Time: Regional Focus. We’ll stream the event live via Periscope (download the app to your Apple or Android phone or tablet), and relay some of your questions to the panel in Melbourne on your behalf. Follow @wheelercentre or keep an eye on our Twitter feed to see when it’s getting started.