Every powerful woman has someone who inspired her. This March, we’re highlighting those heroes — the mothers, mentors, and icons who’ve lifted us up and showed us what’s possible. From life lessons to moments of sheer grit, these stories are tributes to the women who make us stronger. Join us in celebrating female role models who’ve changed lives.

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s Skye Cusack is a Dulgubarra-Yidinji and Indonesian writer who has somehow made a career out of ‘constructive complaining’ — otherwise known as activism. Skye founded the creative advocacy agency Project Loudly, is a reporter for the ABC and is working with the publisher Magabala Books to develop a fiction manuscript.

Team 30s Dr Morley Muse is an award-winning Chemical, Environmental, and Renewable-Energy Engineer, co-founder of iSTEM Co. and DEIR.AI, and Board Director at Women in STEMM Australia. A champion for equity and diversity in STEM, she drives innovation in energy transition and workforce inclusion, earning accolades for her transformative leadership and social impact.

Team 40s Jaclyn Crupi is a book editor, author, event moderator and bookseller. Her book, Garden Like a Nonno, was shortlisted for an Indie Book Award and longlisted for an ABIA. Her children’s book, The ABC Kids Guide to Loving the Planet, won the Environment Award for Children’s Literature.

Team 50s Sarah Hayden is a qualified social worker, equine-assisted psychotherapist, author and Mayor of Golden Plains Shire. She is also mum to five amazing kids, including actor, author and autism advocate Chloé Hayden. Her first book is Parenting Different: How to raise your neurodivergent kids to be their authentic, awesome selves. 

Team 60s Jo Peck worked in advertising for 35 years, co-running Melbourne's first female-led agency, Working Girls Advertising, for 20 of those years. She is now retired and writing for pleasure. Suddenly Single at Sixty is her first book.

Team 70s Mig Dann is a Naarm/Melbourne-based artist, writer and researcher who completed her PhD in 2022. Her work is informed by memory and forgetting, absence and presence, feminism, queer culture and decades of lived experience. Her work has been exhibited both internationally and nationally in solo and group shows.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018 and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

HOWLER

7-11 DAWSON ST, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056

DOORS AT 6.30 PM, SHOW AT 7 PM

Want access to discounted tickets? Become a Generation Women Member to get $10 off the price of your ticket. More info here.

Get ready to swoon and giggle as our storytellers share their ‘meet cutes’ — those serendipitous, sometimes awkward moments that sparked new relationships. From romantic fumbles and instant friendships to hilarious first impressions, these tales remind us that love often comes wrapped in laughter. Come for the feels, stay for the heart-fluttering moments and life changing connections that remind us why first encounters matter.

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Jazz Frost is a proud queer writer and creator from Lutruwita/Tasmania who now calls Naarm/Melbourne home. They have published a book of poetry, been in art exhibitions and facilitated expressive art groups. Their passion lies in using art to improve mental health — and they have a story to tell.

Team 30s: Tigist Kebede is a passionate counsellor, community leader and advocate for mental health equity. She’s the co-founder of Pola Practice, working to ensure marginalised identities have access to world-class support. She is also co-chair of the African Communities Advisory Committee and was a finalist for the Victorian African Refugee Awards. She’s known for her straight-talking style, infectious laugh and dedication to creating spaces of healing and empowerment.

Team 40s: Devi (Dee) Palanisamy is a multicultural storyteller based in Melbourne. She weaves her Singaporean-Tamil background in telling Asian folktales and stories to children and adult audiences. Dee is also a coach/trainer and is grateful to connect with people and different communities through stories.

Team 50s: Hilary Harper has been a writer and broadcaster for over 30 years, covering everything from traffic reporting to health, science, finance, education, relationships — everything that affects us personally and collectively. Her life goal is to one day own enough bookshelves. She's your daily guide to programming on ABC Radio National.

Team 60s: Nicky Barry is a standup comedian from Naarm/Melbourne. She’s also a storyteller par excellence, fulltime goddess and mother to four wonderful kidults. Nicky has worked for many years in projects supporting marginalised communities. She is a founding member of the Comedy Women’s Association and a passionate practitioner of wanton misbehaviour. Nicky will celebrate her 60th this year.

Team 70s: Dr Paula Durance lives in Newstead, Central Victoria, following a long career as teacher and academic at institutions in Victoria and Queensland. Her PhD thesis examined the relationship between international students and their contribution to place. Most recently, she’s been doing her own creative writing and volunteer work for local community activities.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018 and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

HOWLER

7-11 DAWSON ST, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056

DOORS AT 6.30 PM, SHOW AT 7 PM

Want access to discounted tickets? Become a Generation Women Member to get $10 off the price of your ticket. More info here.

Sometimes, life throws you a curveball. This September, get ready to hear six performers from the deaf/hard of hearing and deaf/blind community share stories of change. New paths can be invigorating and exciting, or confusing and downright scary. Regardless, the only constant in life is change, so come hear a night of stories about forging your own path, wherever that path takes you.

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Nyanakuek Kuol, also known as Anna, is originally from South Sudan and is studying for a BA in Psychology, with a special passion for helping deaf individuals with mental health issues. She is also a disability support worker, currently working on a project to support deaf migrants. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, being in nature, hiking, going to the beach and spending time with loved ones.

Team 30s: Julia Murphy is a qualified Teacher of the Deaf, working in early education, and is also a certified deaf interpreter. Deaf from birth, her first language is Auslan (Australian Sign Language). Her passion lies in language development and empowering young deaf and hard of hearing children to discover their identities. She also loves travel, nature, sport and the Carlton Blues.

Team 40s: Catherine Miller is from a deaf family in Hobart. She grew up with both Auslan and English and was mainstreamed — an experience that significantly shaped her perspective on life and who she is. Catherine then moved to the mainland to become a teacher of the deaf. Catherine became a parent for the first time in her late 30s, which was a delightful surprise. She moved away from education during that period and focused on supporting deaf children outside of the schooling sector as well as working as a policy writer for Deaf Australia, and hasn’t looked back.

Team 50s: Joanna Agius OAM is a profoundly deaf and proud Narungga woman with connections to the Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri and Wirungu nations in South Australia. A strong advocate for deaf and hard of hearing Aboriginal people in Australia, Joanne founded Deaf Aboriginal Services in 2020. She was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2020 for her contributions to people who are deaf or hard of hearing and to the deaf Aboriginal community.

Team 60s: Heather Lawson has been involved in the deaf community all her life. She was born deaf and Auslan is her first language. During her early 20s, Heather started to lose her vision as a result of Usher Syndrome Type 1, which is genetic. During that challenging time she learned to use tactile Auslan, and was able to develop the confidence and the skills to achieve many goals, including skydiving, rock climbing /abseiling, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and more. She has presented at various deaf, deafblind and disability related conferences and passionately advocates for deafblind people to have access to information and training to improve their knowledge and skills.

Team 70s: Breda Carty worked in deaf education for many years and is now a historian. She has lived in three Australian states and the USA. She has seen (and worked toward) many changes in deaf people’s lives over the years. The older she gets, the more stories she has!

Cocurated by:

Irene Holub is a multidisciplinary artist driven by a profound belief in the transformative potential of creative expression, enabling others to experience this.  She believes storytelling is a powerful medium of sharing these experiences and is excited to be part of producing this event.

Melissa Bryson is a qualified Teacher of the Deaf and has worked in various school from early to higher education.  She’s a mum of two deaf adult daughters and grandma of three deaf grandsons with another one on the way.  She is a qualified Auslan tutor, and provides signs for the wider community to learn on Instagram at @auslanrocks. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, travelling, doing DIY projects and walking in nature. 

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

This event is proudly presented by Generation Women Australia, founded by Donna Logue, and is held in support of National Week of the Deaf. The event has been curated by Irene Holub and Melissa Bryson who will also host. Generation Women was created by Georgia Clark.

HOWLER

7-11 DAWSON ST, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056

DOORS AT 6.30 PM, SHOW AT 7 PM

Want access to discounted tickets? Become a Generation Women Member to get $10 off the price of your ticket. More info here.

This month, we're diving into "Throwing Caution to the Wind"! Get ready for daring adventures, bold choices, and unexpected twists. Join us for a night celebrating fearless women who embrace risks and live life to the fullest. If you're craving a fresh dose of excitement and adventure, don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event. Grab your tickets now and get ready for a night of stories that'll leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on the world!

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Asha Clementi is a gender equality advocate creating access and opportunity for young women. In 2018, she attended the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, an experience that inspired her to found Girls Run The World – a program that encourages young women to engage in diplomacy. In 2022, she was named the ACT Young Woman of the Year and one of the 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians.

Team 30s: Velma Vouloir is a nationally award-winning cabaret/burlesque artist, teacher, historian, writer, model and solo parent. Velma also hosts the award-winning podcast Cntroversy, which explores the history of eroticism in art, pop culture and society. Her work centres largely around advocacy and creative expression of the feminine through performance and storytelling.

Team 40s: Erika Cramer, also known as the Queen of Confidence, is an award-winning coach, international speaker and author, empowering individuals worldwide to create confidence and transform their lives. Her award-winning podcast The Confidence Chronicles has over 3 million downloads. Erika's story of recovering from childhood and adult trauma is a testament to the power of resilience and healing, showing that one can overcome any challenge and emerge stronger than before.

Team 50s: Nicky Barry is a standup comedian from Naarm/Melbourne. She’s also a storyteller par excellence, fulltime goddess and mother to four wonderful kidults. Nicky has worked for many years in projects supporting marginalised communities. She is a founding member of the Comedy Women’s Association and a passionate practitioner of wanton misbehaviour.

Team 60s: Annie de Monchaux is a writer and former nurse, mural artist and Hollywood scriptwriter. Her first novel, Audrey's Gone AWOL, was published by Ultimo Press earlier this year. She is also the author of Cray Tales, which was shortlisted for the Western Australia Premier's Award. She has three children, one husband, one dog and one (bad-tempered) cat and is currently writing her second novel.

Team 70s: Renata Singer’s most recent book is Older & Bolder: Life after 60, a rallying cry to live audaciously in the last third of your life. She is doing her very best to live up to her own advice. She is on the board of the Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and, along with Marion Webster, founded the organisation Fitted for Work.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

HOWLER

7-11 DAWSON ST, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056

DOORS AT 6.30 PM, SHOW AT 7 PM

Want access to discounted tickets? Become a Generation Women Member to get $10 off the price of your ticket. More info here.

This month, we're shining a spotlight on stories of sheer determination in the face of all odds. Whether it's personal challenges or navigating the political landscape, we're diving deep into tales of persistence. Expect to hear about those moments where persistence paid off big time, or maybe even a hilarious take on a situation where persistence probably wasn't the best idea. Join us as we celebrate the unstoppable courage and grit of women from all corners of the globe.

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Tamala Shelton is a Bundjalung (northern New South Wales) and Lama Lama (far north Queensland) actor, audiobook narrator, writer and spoken word artist based in Naarm (Melbourne). She has worked in film, television and theatre for over twelve years and recently began her journey as a spoken word performer. Tamala has narrated over thirty audiobooks for companies including Penguin, Bolinda and Audible, the majority written by First Nations authors.

Team 30s: Caroline Kell is a proud sovereign Mbarbrum woman whose family hails from far north Queensland, but she was born and raised in Melbourne/Naarm on Kulin Lands. A TedX speaker, qualified counsellor and coach, consultant, podcaster and writer, Caroline passionately champions the well-being of Aboriginal people, helping to improve outcomes in mental health, justice, community engagement and Treaties. When she's not working with her community, she loves spending time on Country and prioritising collective liberation, rest and joy.

Team 40s: Karen Pickering is a feminist writer and organiser. Her work includes the feminist talk show Cherchez La Femme, the Girls On Film Festival, and the books About Bloody Time and Doing It. Her next book, The Mother of All Shocks, examines the impact of new motherhood and will be published by Pantera Press. She’s a proud single mum and sole carer, late diagnosis neurodivergent, and frequently erased bisexual who wants to make the world better for her son, herself and everyone else.

Team50s: Karen Garton supports women to have confidence in their voices. She’s a WomanSpeak Circle Leader, the host of Story Nights (an open-mic storytelling event for women), a retreat convenor and author. She shares her story of childhood sexual abuse to disrupt the stigma and taboo too often associated with the topic.

Team 60s: Sara Timms is a storyteller who enjoys sharing stories about her many journeys, her love of cooking Middle Eastern food and the many small pleasures of life. Sara is a schoolteacher working in Special schools where she has a number of different roles that focus on student welfare. 

Team 80s: Brigid Arthur is a Brigidine Sister who trained as a primary and secondary teacher. She both taught and was principal of schools for many years. Brigid is the joint coordinator of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers’ Project. She was awarded an AO in 2022. 

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

HOWLER

7-11 DAWSON ST, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056

DOORS AT 6.30 PM, SHOW AT 7 PM

Want access to discounted tickets? Become a Generation Women Member to get $10 off the price of your ticket. More info here.

Join us this June for an unforgettable evening as Generation Women presents: 'Coming of Age: Stories of Wising Up'. Delve into the timeless theme of aging as our esteemed storytellers take the stage. Are we truly getting wiser as we grow older? Find the answer in this heartfelt celebration of female voices across generations. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and uplifted as we explore tales that challenge norms and inspire change. Don’t miss out on being a part of this empowering event!

Our performer line-up:

20s Esmé Louise James

Esmé Louise James is creator of the social media series #Kinky History, which has amassed 3.5 million followers across all platforms. She is author of Kinky History: The stories of our intimate lives, past and present and host of the top-rated podcast Kinky History. Esmé was named one of the Top 30 Emerging Writers by SBS Australia, a Rising Star Alumni by the University of Melbourne and received an AACTA nomination for Best Digital Creator. 

30s Rebecca Willink

Rebecca Willink is a mum, special education teacher and founder of Make the Space, a movement committed to inclusion and greater representation of women of colour in Australia. Her petition for supermarkets to begin stocking make-up for dark skin tones, with  support from the public and the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, led to Coles and Woolworths introducing a new range of shades for the first time. 

40s Emma Fulu

Dr Emma Fulu is a feminist activist, founder and CEO of the Equality Institute, and leading expert on gender-based violence, appearing widely across the media, including on CNN, the BBC and Q+A. She is the author of Domestic Violence in Asia and is currently writing a memoir. She lives in Naarm (Melbourne) with her three children.

50s Kerry Pietrobon

Kerry Pietrobon is a vibrant, silver-haired fashion designer who strives to design pieces that make women feel powerful and confident. As a member of the Peripausers, Kerry advocates for women's health, challenging silence and sparking change. Committed to authenticity and kindness, she shares her life stories in the hope of inspiring and helping others feel less alone. 

60s Cherie Scott

Cherie Scott, aka ‘Chez’, is a celebrant, Certified NVC Trainer, storyteller and host of Story Wise Women. For her, empathy and compassion are crucial, learnable skills much required in today’s world. Cherie loves the circular economy and supporting people in their journey of Advance Care Planning. Travel, trees, dancing and the beach are her bliss.

70s Kathleen Mary Fallon

Kathleen Mary Fallon is an award-winning writer and academic. Her film Call MeMum won several AFI awards and was short-listed for a NSW Premier’s Award and an AWGIE. She has written for theatre and opera, has a PhD and has worked as a creative writing lecturer at the University of Melbourne, a book editor and a special education teacher

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

HOWLER

7-11 DAWSON ST, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056

DOORS AT 6.30 PM, SHOW AT 7 PM

Want access to discounted tickets? Become a Generation Women Member to get $10 off the price of your ticket. More info here.

Melbourne: The city of culture, coffee, and creativity. From its laneways to its vibrant arts scene, there's nowhere quite like it. This May, we're thrilled to showcase a diverse group of storytellers who embody the spirit of Melbourne. Get ready for an evening of authentic stories that reflect the heart and soul of our beloved city. Join us for a night of laughter, inspiration, and a whole lot of Melbourne magic!

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Skye Cusack is an emerging Dulgubarra-Yidinji creative writer. But this doesn’t mean that she’s new to writing – in fact, she’s been a copywriter for over eleven years. In February 2023 she founded her own copywriting and marketing agency, BluSkye Marketing. You may see her around Naarm, performing yarns that will make you laugh, cry and wonder why she’s admitting to these things in front of a live audience. She is currently trying to publish her first novel, which is a YA fictional work that speaks about mental health, trauma, being First Nations, and experiencing fatphobia in the medical industry.

Team 30s: Daizy Maan is a Punjabi Australian founder, advocate and speaker. Her work focuses on empowering diverse women. She is the founder of Australian South Asian Centre - an organisation dedicated to empowering women founders, creatives and professionals. Most recently she produced and performed in Brown Women Comedy at Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Team 40s: Jade McKenzie is a passionate entrepreneur and one half of Zea, an Australian profit-for-purpose and certified B Corporation that is innovating clean pain relief and personal care. With a strong dedication to supporting not-for-profit organizations and women in business, she also mentors and coaches female business owners to create meaningful and enduring enterprises.

Team 50s: Lucy Best is an Australian-based British comedian, compére, writer and producer. She performs Stand Up Comedy, Cabaret, Music and Theatre around Australia and internationally. Lucy’s work regularly includes her hilarious hot takes on themes of feminism, mental health, social justice, sex positivity and gender and sexual diversity. Lucy only recently qualified for Team 50s, as she turned 50 in early May

Team 60s: Sunderai Felich is a multifaceted performer, writer, and speaker with a rich background in comedy, storytelling, and public speaking. From captivating audiences at The Moth StorySLAM to delivering insightful talks at national conferences, Sunderai's engaging performances are drawn from a wealth of personal experiences and diverse interests.

Team 70s: Sylvie Leber has worked in education, science, community, media, the performing and visual arts, most notably in the music industry. She's a human rights activist involved in setting up Victoria's first rape crisis centre, the Women's Theatre Group and RRR's Give Men-a-Pause show. Her song 'Intoxicated' is on the Brazen Hussies doco soundtrack.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

HOWLER

7-11 DAWSON ST, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056

DOORS AT 6.30 PM, SHOW AT 7 PM

Want access to discounted tickets? Become a Generation Women Member to get $10 off the price of your ticket. More info here.

Mistakes are inevitable, but sometimes a misstep can take us down the right path. This month, our talented ensemble of multigenerational performers will present true tales of life-changing moments born from a mistake, an error, a beautiful blunder. Expect stories of mishap that ended up being miraculous and tales of triumph over travesty. Sometimes, two wrongs can make a right! Join us in April and enjoy an evening celebrating hard-won wisdom and unexpected luck.

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s - EVA MAY is a psychology student with a passion for travel, holistic health, wellness and mental health advocacy. As a self-confessed “energiser bunny”, when she’s not planning her next adventure, you’ll find her on a run, in the ocean, or on a coffee walk with her besties.

Team 30s - SOM PURI is a writer, a keynote speaker and an only child with a rich inner life. She recently spoke at TedxMornington, where she explored how being intentional about how we narrate, highlight and link the stories from our lives can help us create powerful personal narratives. If she had a superpower, it would be championing people to better express the diverse parts of their personality and identity, and tell their non-linear stories in aligned, memorable and impactful ways. She also runs a copywriting business where she works with brands to align their words to their brand voice, their community and their business goals.

Team 40s - JACKIE KATSIKIS is a lifelong traveller, learner and behavioural expert. She’s a scientist, facilitator and coach by education, intuitive and spiritual guide by journey. She takes a conscious approach to life blending the realms of spirituality and science with her real-world experiences to drive positive change in people’s lives.

Team 50s - SALLYANNE HARTNELL is award nominated podcaster and Relationship & Divorce Coach - supports clients feeling challenged in their relationship or marriage, navigating separation or divorce - she is the woman no-one wants to need. She is a fiercely proud single mother to two big-hearted, adventurous, young adults, and happiest sharing good food and conversation with the people she cares about most.

Team 60s - MARY SCOTT, With over three decades of experience, Mary is a seasoned Confidence Coach and Entrepreneur. Her expertise empowers individuals to reach their full potential. Recognized for her authenticity and wisdom, Mary inspires lasting change, guiding others to reclaim their power and thrive in their personal and professional lives

Team 70s- Irene Mooney’s passion has always been singing and acting and she has been a member of many local amateur theatre companies and groups. Irene began performing in plays and musical theatre in1966 (she played Meg in Brigadoon) and has never looked back! She has played the lead in many stage classics - Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, Pyjama Game and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

HOWLER

7-11 DAWSON ST, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056

DOORS AT 6.30 PM, SHOW AT 7 PM

Want access to discounted tickets? Become a Generation Women Member to get $10 off the price of your ticket. More info here.

Join us this month for a lively celebration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day with our event theme, 'The M Words - Menstruation, Motherhood, Menopause'. We're sharing stories about the ups and downs and everything in between when it comes to the moments that touch women's lives.

Our performer line-up:

TEAM 20S - Taylor Griffiths is a playwright, performer and director in improv and sketch comedy. She was recently nominated for Best Comedy at the 2023 Melbourne Fringe Festival and debuted her solo show 'No Thoughts' at The Malthouse Theatre during the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Team 30s - Kit Richards is a comedian and musician from Naarm/Melbourne. She has written and performed 3 solo shows for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and is mounting her 4th in 2024. She has written for TV Programs Hard Quiz and The 1% Club.

Team 40s - Nandita Chakraborty, an Indian-Australian author, disability advocate, and keynote speaker, was born in Kolkata, India. She overcame a traumatic brain injury from a rock climbing accident to become a best-selling author, winning numerous awards for her work. Currently based in Melbourne, she continues to inspire through her writing and advocacy efforts.

Team 50s - Dr Celia Torres-Villanueva leads parallel lives across multiple universes. She juggles careers from molecular immunologist to lawyer, board director to social entrepreneur, and more. With a PhD in molecular genetics, she's a lawyer and founder of a social enterprise empowering women of color. Across three countries, she's a lawyer in Australia and the Philippines, raising three children while pursuing her dreams. Now, with two fur babies, she dreams of more parallel universes yet to explore.

Team 60s - Glenna Thomson. After a successful corporate career, Glen moved to a 500-acre cattle property and blueberry orchard in northeast Victoria. She’s a mother and grandmother. In her 60s she’s published three novels with Penguin Random House. The latest novel is titled Gone, and was released last month.

Team 70s - Anita Roleff, decided to pursue art at the age of nine. She graduated from Swinburne Art School in 1961. In addition to raising six children, she continued her artistic journey, exhibiting solo, teaching various crafts, and joining artistic societies. She co-designed and published "Southern Star - Mercedes-Benz in Australia" with her husband, Paul.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

HOWLER

7-11 DAWSON ST, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056

DOORS AT 6.30 PM, SHOW AT 7 PM

Want access to discounted tickets? Become a Generation Women Member to get $10 off the price of your ticket. More info here.

If laughter really is the best medicine, then we definitely have a healing evening planned. This February, we’re bringing “It's Funny You Ask: Stories of Life's Most Hilarious Moments,” to Howler, where we’ll share the tales that keep us laughing well after the fact. From the awkward to the absurd, you can expect hilarious stories told by our dynamic community of multigenerational storytellers. Join us Wednesday, February 28th in Melbourne!

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Taylah Whelan is a writer and comedian. In 2023 she premiered her first solo comedy show A Pleasure to Have in Class at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Taylah performs stand up comedy multiple nights, weekly at comedy clubs across Melbourne. In 2024 she will return to MICF with a brand new show, this time with her dear friend and comedy partner Helena Hogan by her side.

Team 30s: Lena Moon has been working in Film and TV in various capacities for over a decade. A writer chameleon; her TV writing credits are varied in content, from adult skewed animated series YOLO: Crystal Fantasy (Adult Swim) to children’s sketch comedy series, Definitely Not News (ABC Me), as well as working in the script department of projects such as Thank God You’re Here, Utopia, Aunty Donna’s Coffee Cafe and Aunty Donna's Big Old House of Fun.

Team 40s: Taku Mbudzi is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and podcaster. When she's not writing or teaching, she loves performing. Her debut solo comedy show Shine My Light is a celebration of womanhood through humour, and plays at Melbourne’s La Mama Theatre in the week of International Women’s Day, 6-10 March 2024.

Team 50s: Mira Gladovic is the mistress of reinvention. After a science degree, she changed paths a number of times working in corporate, small business, entrepreneurship, disability before returning to her nerd roots as a digital and e-commerce professional. She contributed to her own generation of women by raising three daughters as a single mum.

Team 60s: Loretta Smith is a writer, committed feminist and environmental activist. Her best-selling biography, A Spanner in the Works: The extraordinary story of Alice Anderson and Australia’s first all-girl garage, was published in 2019 by Hachette. Her memoir, Corpus in Extremis will be released in mid 2024 by Spinifex

Team 70s: Jude Marshall. Married for 63 years with four children, I balanced family life with education and work. After raising my kids, I pursued higher education, teaching senior English until retirement. I then coached students and worked in palliative care. Now, my husband and I enjoy traveling the outback and spending time with family.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

HOWLER

7-11 DAWSON ST, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056

DOORS AT 6.30 PM, SHOW AT 7 PM

Want access to discounted tickets? Become a Generation Women Member to get $10 off the price of your ticket. More info here.

Sometimes, life throws you a curveball. In our last show for 2023, we invited our line-up to tell us stories of change. It might be a transformation they initiated, or a transition that happened to them. New paths can be invigorating and exciting, or confusing and downright scary. Regardless, the only constant in life is change, so this November, come hear a night of stories about forging your own path, wherever where that path takes you…

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Katha Villanueva is a recent University of Melbourne graduate, now a software engineer. In her spare time, she attempts to navigate adulthood and her own ever-changing passions. Casually, she is a writer, reader, artist, and just about anything creative. She has won and placed numerous writing competitions and hopes to fill the next chapters of her life with as much wonder as written in her stories.

Team 30s: Claire Tonti is a singer/songwriter, Matrescence activist & podcaster. Her debut album Matrescence released in February 2023 explores the process of becoming a mother - including themes of love, loss, overcoming birth trauma & mothering as a creative. She also hosts two podcasts Suggestible & TONTS. a series of in depth interviews with women & diverse voices including writers, activists, experts, thinkers & deeply feeling humans.

Team 40s: Emma McMillan is a former Dance and Drama teacher turned entrepreneur who loves a good story. Emma works as a copywriting coach and small business mentor, building writing confidence and capacity in others. Her long-running podcast ‘Not Just About Copy’ blends actionable marketing tips with insightful small business conversations.

Team 50s: Gamuchirai Goronga has 33 years of experience as a teacher, social worker, and senior manager in child protection across Australia, Zimbabwe and the UK. She was the Child Protection Director for Victoria's Central Highlands area until late 2022. Currently, she is a consultant and is pursuing a Professional Doctorate in Social Work at Latrobe University.

Team 60s: Sue Grieshaber is Professor of Early Childhood Education in the School of Education. Her research interests are informed by a range of critical, feminist, and feminist poststructural theories that address social justice and equity, and include early childhood curriculum, policy, pedagogies and families; women in higher education; and qualitative research approaches.

Team 70s: Anita Jawary is an artist, poet, short story writer, speaker and storyteller. She is also a fan of the writer Charles Dickens. When asked why she named her website, ‘The Dickensian Challenge’? Anita explained “Dickens wrote his novels in regular instalments, to a deadline. If we could live our lives in that way, remembering that we have a deadline, how much more productive might they be?”

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

We don’t need another hero—we’re already looking at one in the mirror. This October, we bring you stories of the time we inspired ourselves. Stories of courage and of self-care. Of audacity and action. These six true tales from our multigenerational line-up will inspire you, surprise you, and entertain us all. Join us in community at the iconic Howler for a life-affirming evening that’ll leave you feeling empowered and ready to take on the world!

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Jacklyn Foster. For almost three years, Jacklyn has worked as a full-time artist from Mildura, regional Victoria, wearing multiple hats as an artist mentor, art teacher, and content creator as well as receiving recognition as an emerging talent after leaving a Health Degree early, and rediscovering her childhood dream of becoming an artist again. She enjoys reading, traveling and baking.

Team 30s: Anneliz Marie Erese is an award-winning writer of short fiction and poetry. She was named the 2023 Melbourne Scholar at the Faber Writing Academy. She is also one of the recipients of the Hot Desk Fellowship at The Wheeler Centre where she is at work on her first novel.

Team 40s: Nelly Thomas is a multi-talented, award-winning Australian comedian and author. She is well-known for her media commentary, speaking and MCing. Nelly is a regular guest on ABC Melbourne Radio, Radio National, News Breakfast and elsewhere. She was listed as one of Australia’s “most innovative thinkers” in The Age and was featured on the ABC’s Big Ideas: The Smartest Stuff on TV, Radio and Online. Her podcasts The Single Life of Us and Dear Nelly: sex, relationships and dating from the other side of 40 are incredibly popular. Nelly lives in Melbourne with her two daughters and a grumpy poodle.

Team 50s: Jane Riley is a former Private Investigator who has recently achieved Diplomas in Positive Psychology and Health/Wellbeing. Jane Embraces a vibrant alcohol-free life and finds immense fulfilment in her role as a dedicated caregiver to her cherished mother, a true testament to her compassionate spirit.

Team 60s: Amanda Hampson is the author of eight novels published by Penguin, each of which champions resourceful older women. Her recent release, The Tea Ladies, is set in Sydney’s fashion industry in 1965, and is currently a top ten bestselling Australian novel.

Team 80s: Maxine Barry is an octogenarian trailblazer who defies stereotypes. Passionate about progressive causes, she champions the Voice and environmental stewardship, debunking notions of generational apathy. Maxine exemplifies a forward-thinking legacy.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

As women, we experience a complicated, life-long relationship with our bodies. Our society has strict if often unspoken guidelines as to how a woman must present herself and monitor her body. Weight is a constant source of anxiety for many of us as walk the tightrope of pleasure and discipline in a world where thin privilege and fat prejudice is undeniable. The colour of our skin affects so much of our experience and identity, often coming with an entire universe of preconceived notions. Some of us will have children, where the biological functions of the body reign supreme. All of us are aging, transforming our skin with brushstrokes of wrinkles, another strange experience we must face in the mirror every single day.

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Sophie Hardy is a 21 year-old aspiring film-maker. Throughout her teenage years, Sophie starred in the soap opera 'Neighbours' as Lacy Lane and has partaken in several other acting and modelling roles. Sophie cares very strongly for women's rights and hopes to make films depicting the messages she is most passionate about one day.

Team 30s: Ana Uribe (she/her) was born in the lands of the Muiscas, Colombia, travelled parts of the world since the age of 11 and now lives on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung country. She works as a trauma-informed somatic therapist, educator and embodiment facilitator and specializes in mental health, trauma healing and plant medicine integration. Ana is on a mission to create safer spaces in our bodies and out in the world.

Team 40s: Anna Manuel is a children’s storyteller, voiceover narrator and educator. She jazzes up children’s programs with stories to keep children and adults alike curious, engaged and creative. She continues to navigate the intricate influence of her own skin - colour, smell and shape - on the fascinating twists of her life's path.

Team 50s: Tania Dalton is a 55-year-old post-menopausal woman, on a mission to empower others. With nearly 30 years as a Personal Trainer and recent accreditation as a Health Coach, she is driven by her father's early passing. Tania is dedicated to unraveling the secrets of aging well and wants to spread awareness about the transformative changes post-menopause.

Team 60s: Jacinta Halloran is a novelist, family therapist and medical doctor who believes wholeheartedly in the power of words – both written and spoken – to transform, heal and deepen our understanding of each other. A former Board member of the Stella Prize, her latest novel is RESISTANCE (Text Publishing, 2023).

Team 70s: Suzanne McCourt’s debut novel, The Lost Child, (Text Publishing) was a finalist in the 2015 Miles Franklin Award. Her latest novel, The Tulip Tree, begins in Ukraine as Russia invades 100 years ago. She is currently completing a short story collection that includes her prize-winning novella, The Last Taboo. Suzanne introduced the Story Dogs Literacy Program into Victorian primary schools and has also published a series of gift books on old dogs. She has recently taken up swimming. In the bay. In winter. Without a wetsuit. 

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

This month, our multi-generational line-up share outrageous, funny, and jaw-dropping tales of dramatic action.

Our performer line up:

Team 20s: Vish Pillai is a young Indian woman who embarked on an exciting journey to Australia at 18 to pursue her dreams in chemical engineering. However, destiny had other plans for her. Today, she is a proud business owner, running a delightful bakery in Elwood. She's truly passionate about her work and believes in spreading joy through her acts of service. Interacting with people is her happy place, and she loves creating wonderful memories through her delectable treats.

Team 30s: Ellen Mahoney is a fierce and fearless woman in her thirties. As a writer and comedian, Ellen has honed her craft to combine wit, satire, and a keen feminist perspective into her work. Her life's journey has shaped her unique viewpoint, surrounded by the strength and resilience of women.

Team 40s: Iolanthe Gabrie is a sought-after digital marketing authority, business mentor, speaker and author with a focus on the startup space. Iolanthe shares her passion and expertise for business via her social media agency Ruby Assembly and on her podcast, Sell Less. Mean More.

Team 50s: Gayelene Carbis is an award-winning Australian/Irish/Cornish/Chinese writer of poetry, prose and plays. Her first book of poetry Anecdotal Evidence (Five Islands Press) was awarded Finalist in the 2019 International Book Awards for Poetry. Recent awards/shortlistings include: first prize in the My Brother Jack Poetry Award; finalist in the Bruce Dawe Poetry Prize; and finalist in the Woorilla Poetry Awards (Commended).

Team 60s: Donna Ward has been a social worker, psychotherapist, editor and publisher. She advocates for single women without children, and she is published in the Griffith Review, Westerly, Southerly and Island Magazines, Huffington Post, and The Big Issue. Her memoir is, She I Dare Not Name: A Spinster’s Meditations on Life.

Team 70s: Jane Sullivan came to Australia from England in 1979 and worked for the Age as a reporter, feature writer and editor of various sections, including the books pages. Jane won the inaugural Australian Human Rights Award for journalism. She has previously published two novels, The White Star (Penguin Australia) and Little People (Scribe Publications), which was shortlisted for the Encore Award for a second novel. Jane's first non-fiction book, “Storytime”, was published by Ventura Press. Jane currently writes ‘Turning Pages’, a Saturday column on books and writing, for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

This month, we invited our superstar line-up to share with us a story of hope—something big or small that gave them a reason to have faith in this world. Maybe they found hope in a practice, or a place, or some hard-won personal growth. Their little light of hope might be tied to the emotional, the political, the social, or the sexual (you know we love a sexy story at Generation Women!). Whatever our line-up cares to share, you can expect our usual blend of warmth and wisdom from performers of all ages, here to provide some inspiration and insight as we journey through this mad thing called life.

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Ashleigh Streeter-Jones is an activist, founder, speaker, writer and advisor lifting the floor to close gender inequality gaps locally, nationally and internationally. Ashleigh has been recognised by the Foundation of Young Australians as one of the Young Social Pioneers, was named the youngest ever Australian Capital Territory Woman of the Year and on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2018.

Team 30s: Sunanda Sachatrakul is a Melbourne International Comedy Festival Best Newcomer nominee and screenwriter. They’re from New Delhi, Bangkok, New York and Los Angeles all at once. Sunanda moved to Melbourne for love in 2019, and now performs stand up around Melbourne, collaborates with award-winning groups, and is currently developing some screen projects.

Team 40s: Clementine Ford is a writer, broadcaster and feminist community builder. She is the bestselling author of the feminist manifestos Fight Like A Girl and Boys Will Be Boys, which have also been published to great acclaim in the UK and the US. In 2017, she won the Matt Richell Award for Best New Writer of the Year at the ABIAs. Her most recent book is How We Love: Notes on a life.

Team 50s: Emilie Collyer writes poetry, plays and prose, published and produced widely in Australia and internationally. Her poetry book Do you have anything less domestic? (Vagabond Press 2022) won the Five Islands Press Prize. She is currently under commission with Red Stitch Theatre and is the 2023 Melbourne Athenaeum Library writer-in-residence.

Team 60s: Lyn Yeowart is a consulting writer and editor, and author of the award-winning bestseller The Silent Listener, a psychological thriller based on events from her childhood. She’s self-assured and shy…boisterous and mild…hilarious and solemn…fascinating and boring…profound and shallow…hard-working and lazy…honest and deceptive…it all depends on her perspective—and yours.

Team 70s: Mig Dann is a Naarm/ Melbourne-based artist, writer and researcher who completed her PhD in 2022. Her work is informed by memory and forgetting, absence and presence, feminism, queer culture and decades of lived experience. Her work has been exhibited both internationally and nationally in solo and group shows.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Devi Palanisamy. Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

This month, we’re inviting our sassy storytellers to tell us about the time they broke the bias and didn’t act very “ladylike” AT ALL. Maybe they (gasp) were rude, lewd, or very, very nude. Maybe they realized they weren’t “ladies” at all (we all know gender is a construct). Maybe they spoke up, spoke out, and stuck it to the man. We’re here for all of it, and you should be too. Join us for a joyful night of dancing around a roaring bonfire of gender expectations!

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Nicole Conception is a business coach who is on a mission to help women move out of the hustle and into more flow, teaching them to work with their mind and bodies to access new levels and possibilities with ease.

Team 30s: Jen Ward is a writer, comic, procrastinator, black belt in Karate, Family Feud auditionee and garlic bread aficionado. She uses comedy to navigate complexities of life, and tries to see the lighter side. Jen is intensely proud of her ‘willpower’ but not so much her ‘won’t’ power especially around free samples.

Team 40s: Katia Ariel is an author, book editor and educator from Melbourne/Naarm. She was born in Odessa, Ukraine. She was a recipient of the Varuna Residential fellowship in 2022 and has been published in a variety of literary journals, including Womankind and Antithesis. Her memoir, The Swift Dark Tide, published by Gazebo Books in 2023, chronicles the discovery of queerness later in life, as well as the history of desire and rebellion in her female line.

Team 50s: Maha Sidaoui has been writing for more than thirty years. First letters, then lyrics and later stories. Maha has a deep passion for words and a desire to explore her own personal journey through her stories. Maha searches her childhood and early years for whatever it was that made her the person and author that she has become. 

Team 60s:  Wendi Bradshaw is a recently retired nephrology nurse, of forty years ‘vintage’. She now enjoys a relaxed life of art, writing, reading and friends. In 2021 she was nominated ‘Autumn Digital Writer in Residence’ for Peninsula Writers’ Club, and she made the longlist for the 2022 ‘Furphy literary awards’.

Team 70s: EV Ratnam (Enid Ratnam-Keese) is a Visual artist, Printmaker and Writer. She has works in Public collections in Australia, France and Italy. She counteracts the major setbacks in life by writing and creating micro gardens around her home . So far, a moss garden, a fern garden and a red garden.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister, Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

This month, we want to hear what’s in our performers’ hearts. A Love Letter To… invites our superstar storytellers to share with us an ode to something that they hold dear, that’s an important part of their story. Maybe it’s birth control or being brave or babka. Maybe it’s something that’s always sparked joy for them, or maybe they’ll share with us a more complex idea, person, or theme that they’ve come to love over the years. One things for sure: you’re not going to want to miss this lovely show.

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Grace Zhang is a comedian and writer. Her comedic style is much like her concept of identity and selfhood - she doesn't quite know what it is yet, but she's having a great time finding out.

Team 30s: Tess Birch is the first ever lawyer to become a comedian. In 2023 performed her standup comedy show 'Work Life Balance' at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. When she's not doing law or comedy, Tess volunteers with Girl Guides Victoria and helps run Loch Hart Music Festival.

Team 40s: Cath Moore is an award-winning filmmaker and author. Her debut novel Metal Fish Falling Snow won the 2021 Prime Minister’s award for YA fiction. She is a contributing author in the recently released anthology Family, out now through Text. Cath also teaches in the creative writing department at Melbourne University.

Team 50s: Ingrid Laguna is an award-winning novelist and educator. She has published a memoir and numerous books for children. Her work has been published internationally, featured by Reading Australia and given Notable recognition by the CBCA.

Team 60s: Donna Ward has been a social worker, psychotherapist, editor and publisher. She advocates for single women without children, and she is published in the Griffith Review, Westerly, Southerly and Island Magazines, Huffington Post, and The Big Issue. Her memoir is, She I Dare Not Name: A Spinster’s Meditations on Life.

Team 70s: Kate Rowe. Pommy by birth, Aussie by choice, ageing lesbian feminist, 78er, clean and sober 45 years, childhood sexual abuse and rape survivor, travel adventurer, health and exercise nut, retired triathlete, recent ukulele player, tactless direct talker and all-round pain in the butt with a sense of humour.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister, Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

We're all wild at heart. This, month, we invited our superstar storytellers to tell us a story of courage. A brazen moment, a fearless act, a time you stuck it to the man (or woman), and did things their way. Maybe they got divorced or quit their job or had a one-night-stand. Maybe they spoke up or acted out. Took the road less traveled or demanded more. These six true tales from our multigenerational line-up will inspire you, surprise you, and entertain us all. Join us in community at the iconic Howler for a life-affirming evening that’ll show you it’s never too late to make a bold move or big choice.

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Maziela Jorneo is an influencer, entrepreneur, and model who won Miss Don Bella Australia 2019. Maziela has collaborated with many well known Australian brands on media campaigns for television. She loves tattoos ,cars and food.

Team 30s: Isobelle MacFarlane works in Public Health, in the field of Breast Cancer. She would say she has had a colourful life, enduring many challenges including multiple chronic illnesses which can render life a juggling act at times. Isobelle describes herself as optimistic about the contributions she can make, and the joy she can find in life.

Team 40s:  Alexandra Collier is an award winning Melbourne writer who worked in New York for over a decade in theatre, TV, print and advertising. Her memoir Inconceivable, about becoming a solo mum by choice, will be published by Hachette in April 2023. In Australia, her plays have been produced and developed at Sydney Theatre Company, La Mama and the Hayes Theatre Co.

Team 50s:  Jo Deeker, aka Cherry Charleston, is a senior IT leader by day. In her 40s she discovered burlesque and by night is a professional performer and director of Phoenix - an over 50's burlesque troupe. She has learned to love her body, and proves that you are never too old to try something new!

Team 60s: Sally Goldner is an educator, speaker, MC and occasional performer. Her involvement in Victoria’s queer community has spanned more than twenty years. She has worked as executive director and treasurer of Transgender Victoria, presenter of 3CR’s queer program ‘Out of the Pan’, co-facilitator of Transfamily and treasurer of Bisexual Alliance Victoria. She is also a contributor to the 2018 book Living and Loving in Diversity.

Team 70s: Jen Jewel Brown. Author of Skyhooks Million Dollar Riff and co-author, with Tina Hutchence, of Michael, my brother: lost boy of INXS, Jen Jewel Brown has walked the planet for 70 freaking years. She's a bisexual, singleton, single mum of two young adults with five poetry books out and an ex-A&R Manager of Mushroom Records and Publishing, now working on a memoir.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, and Melbourne in 2020. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+.

Hosted by Rebecca Lister, Produced by Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

This month, we're celebrating success so we’ve invited our superstar line-up to tell us a story about an achievement of any kind. Life is often marked by “big” achievements—getting published/sober/to the top of Mt Everest—but small achievements can also represent significant progress. Maybe the fact they kept a fig plant alive or finally reorganized that bottom drawer is a metaphor for positive change in their life. Whatever they care to share, you can expect our usual blend of warmth and wit in a feel-good show that’ll inspire you to keep striving for your achievements!

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Jenny Tian burst onto the stand-up comedy scene in 2016 and has since become a regular around the Comedy circuit. If you’re wondering why she looks familiar, you’ve probably seen/heard her on your Instagram reels, TikTok, triple j, ABC Breakfast Radio and Celebrity Letters and Numbers on SBS.

Team 30s: Elyse McInerney is a former amateur musical theatre star, a current amateur urban gardener, and a willing servant to the two cats she spontaneously adopted during lockdown. Her career has focused on the pursuit of social justice and gender equality, and she is a strong believer in the power of stories to create connection and positive change.

Team 40s: Laura Conti is an AAICD, a CA and a CPA. She worked for 17 years in Finance, starting out in consulting, and moving to Industry as a Finance leader inside small high growth business and digital/technology corporate teams. In 2019 Laura Co-founded social enterprise #GoKindly – a bed and bath brand which supports women from underrepresented backgrounds with meaningful employment and uses the proceeds to support women experiencing homelessness and housing stress. She also works in advocacy for women from/leaving Fundamentalist Christian groups.

Team 50s: Dr Pauline Manley. Dancer, academic, teacher and writer. Feminist, music lover and gardener.  But most of all she is a survivor and a thriver. Pauline describes herself as "Burnished by life, I am a midlife woman doing what the hell she wants. If not now, when?"

Team 60s: Leah Nischler is a published writer and playwright, comedian, performer and political tragic. She regularly watches re-runs of the West wing and for the past year has written content for online campaign, The Age of Visibility, which seeks to highlight beauty as we age.

Team 70s: Jaynie Anderson AM OSI FAHA is Professor Emeritus at the University of Melbourne. She is an art historian, curator of exhibitions and fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities. She is known for her research on Giorgione, a sixteenth-century Venetian painter.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, Melbourne in 2020, and Canberra in 2022. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+. 

Hosted by Rebecca Lister, Produced by Brooke Farmer & Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.

In honour of our fourth year in Australia (!!!), we're celebrating all things "anniversary." Technically an anniversary celebrates something that happened on a certain date in the previous year, but we’re bending the rules. Perhaps we'll hear a story about a one-week anniversary or one-day anniversary. Maybe our storytellers will unlock a memory in their past and have the chance to reflect on the fact this year is the 10 or 20 or 50 year anniversary of becoming a working woman/Royal super-fan/fighter pilot/former smoker. Maybe something memorable happened at an anniversary event they attended, or maybe someone's parents’ wedding anniversaries inspired a funny or poignant story. Regardless of the inspiration, it's party time on the Generation Women stage as we end the year, and you're all invited to the celebration!

Our performer line-up:

Team 20s: Montana Papadinis is an Actor and Comedian from Melbourne. Being a woman in comedy can be hard but she won’t let that stop her from making people laugh and inspiring other young women to chase their dreams. Photo credit: Liv Morison 

Team 30s: Armita Abdollahyan works with refugee and migrant women helping them in their settlement journey in Australia. Armita herself came to Australia from Iran seven years ago. Armita is recently involved in the Australian Women- Life-Freedom campaign supporting the current revolution in Iran.

Team 40s: Nicole Gurd is a mother, a lover, a student, a friend, and a work in progress. Nicole facilitates mindful movement workshops and develops programs for public high schools. She feels all the feels, all the time - and loves to write about it!

Team 50s: Jo Devlin was born in England to an Irish father and English mother in a very working-class area. She's had 3 lives; hairdresser; psychiatric nurse and social worker. Her passions are attachment theory, family violence, and dogs.  Jo is currently a national family violence specialist for The Salvation Army, after leaving the role of director at Safe Steps. Jo is a staunch feminist for many years, also known for bar fights and heavy drinking.  

Team 60s: Karyn Siegmann is a librarian who spent most of her career managing public libraries. After being made unexpectedly redundant three years ago she continues to consult to public libraries and is a qualified celebrant.

Team 70s: Sylvie Leber has worked in education, science, community, media, the performing and visual arts, most notably in the music industry. She's a human rights activist involved in setting up Victoria's first rape crisis centre, the Women's Theatre Group and RRR's Give Men-a-Pause show. Her song 'Intoxicated' is on the Brazen Hussies doco soundtrack.

Generation Women is an award-winning cross-generational storytelling night founded in New York in 2017, Sydney in 2018, Melbourne in 2020, and Canberra in 2022. Each month, six women of note read an original piece on a theme. Of those women, one is in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, her 60s, and her 70s+. 

Hosted by Dee Palanisamy, Produced by Brooke Farmer & Donna Logue, Hopepunk Productions. Created by Georgia Clark.