Straining the Social Contract
ABOUT THE SHOW
George Megalogenis, Lucinda Holdforth, Debra Dank & Jessy Wu in conversation with Ellen Fanning
A political system that fails to meet the moment. An ever-growing wealth gap. A cultural obsession with longevity. A persistent inability to reckon with our national past. In the face of these seemingly intractable challenges, how do we chart a path forward? Join four exceptional minds as they explore the problems and potential panaceas of contemporary Australian life.
PART OF BRISBANE WRITERS FESTIVAL
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
George Megalogenis is an award winning author and journalist with more than decades’ experience in media. He is the author of six books, four Quarterly Essays and the writer and presenter of two ABC documentaries. His latest book is Three Shocks, Who We Are Becoming in the 21st Century.
Lucinda Holdforth is the author of four books examining what makes good societies flourish. While working as a speech writer and adviser to senior leaders across government and business, she has written with wit and insight about the women who shaped the culture of Paris, the enduring value of manners, the language of democratic leadership and, most recently, the downside of modern virtues in 21st-Century Virtues: How They Are Failing Our Democracy (2023). Her books are lively provocations – wake-up calls – to think more clearly about the forces and conditions that make for a civilized world.
Dr Debra Dank – Gudanji/Wakaja and Kalkadoon writer, Dr Debra Dank’s first book, We Come with This Place, was awarded a record four out of fourteen NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, the Australian Literature Society (ALS) Gold Medal as well as several other awards in 2023. She published Terraglossia and Ankami in 2025.
Jessy Wu is a writer and entrepreneur based in Sydney. She is the founder and Managing Director of Encour, a communications and video production agency that specialises in the tech sector. Previously, she was a venture capital investor in early-stage tech startups. Good Intentions is her debut novel.
Ellen Fanning is an ABC broadcaster and journalist. She presents the Drive program on 612 ABC Radio Brisbane.
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
VENUE
TICKETS
DURATION
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Suitable for All ages
18 months and under free on the knee; all other ages must hold a valid ticket
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
George Megalogenis is an award winning author and journalist with more than decades’ experience in media. He is the author of six books, four Quarterly Essays and the writer and presenter of two ABC documentaries. His latest book is Three Shocks, Who We Are Becoming in the 21st Century.
Lucinda Holdforth is the author of four books examining what makes good societies flourish. While working as a speech writer and adviser to senior leaders across government and business, she has written with wit and insight about the women who shaped the culture of Paris, the enduring value of manners, the language of democratic leadership and, most recently, the downside of modern virtues in 21st-Century Virtues: How They Are Failing Our Democracy (2023). Her books are lively provocations – wake-up calls – to think more clearly about the forces and conditions that make for a civilized world.
Dr Debra Dank – Gudanji/Wakaja and Kalkadoon writer, Dr Debra Dank’s first book, We Come with This Place, was awarded a record four out of fourteen NSW Premier’s Literary Awards, the Australian Literature Society (ALS) Gold Medal as well as several other awards in 2023. She published Terraglossia and Ankami in 2025.
Jessy Wu is a writer and entrepreneur based in Sydney. She is the founder and Managing Director of Encour, a communications and video production agency that specialises in the tech sector. Previously, she was a venture capital investor in early-stage tech startups. Good Intentions is her debut novel.
Ellen Fanning is an ABC broadcaster and journalist. She presents the Drive program on 612 ABC Radio Brisbane.
