Ideas under southern skies.
Discover carefully curated public lectures, author talks, debates and intellectual events in Sydney, Australia — selected by The Mindful City editorial team.
Last updated: August 10, 2026
Anna Funder · Museum of Contemporary Art Australia · August 11, 2026
Anna Funder reads from her new book and talks about the intersection of personal memory and historical research. She will explore how narrative forms shape public understanding of …
Tara June Winch · Museum of Contemporary Art Australia · August 11, 2026
Author Tara June Winch explores the intersections of Indigenous knowledge, landscape and contemporary storytelling in a public conversation. She will read from new work and discuss…
Peter Singer · Sydney Ideas, University of Sydney (Mallett Street Theatre) · August 11, 2026
Philosopher Peter Singer explores ethical responsibilities in an interconnected world, from animal welfare to global poverty. The session will include time for audience questions a…
Gillian Triggs · State Library of New South Wales · August 12, 2026
Lawyer and human rights advocate Gillian Triggs examines the current challenges to human rights protections in Australia and internationally. The event includes time for audience q…
Brook Andrew · Museum of Contemporary Art Australia · August 12, 2026
Artist Brook Andrew discusses recent projects that engage colonial archives and Indigenous memory. The talk includes a gallery walkthrough and audience Q&A.
Tim Flannery · Australian Museum · August 12, 2026
Palaeontologist and climate scientist Tim Flannery outlines the most urgent environmental challenges Australia will face over the next decade and practical policy responses. He wil…
Anna Funder · Museum of Contemporary Art Australia · August 12, 2026
Anna Funder explores themes of exile, political witness and the role of the writer in documenting repression and resistance. The talk pairs readings from her books with conversatio…
Tim Flannery · Australian Museum · August 12, 2026
Tim Flannery discusses the latest science on climate impacts for Australia and the urgent policy responses required. He will outline practical pathways for resilience and mitigatio…
Peter Singer · Sydney Ideas (University of Sydney) · August 12, 2026
Philosopher Peter Singer examines pressing ethical questions from climate responsibility to global inequality. The talk will probe how ethical theory can inform public policy and i…
Tim Flannery · Australian Museum · August 12, 2026
Renowned scientist Tim Flannery explores the latest climate science and practical pathways for adaptation in Australia. He outlines policy priorities and community actions that can…
Richard Flanagan · State Library of New South Wales · August 12, 2026
Acclaimed novelist Richard Flanagan reads from and discusses his latest work, exploring memory and history in contemporary Australia. The session includes a short Q&A and book sign…
Hetti Perkins · Art Gallery of New South Wales · August 12, 2026
Curator and writer Hetti Perkins speaks about Indigenous curatorial practice and the ways contemporary art reconfigures national histories. The talk will be followed by a moderated…
Helen Garner · City Recital Hall · August 15, 2026
Helen Garner discusses her literary life, the practice of close observation and the ethical stakes of nonfiction writing. The event includes readings and an audience conversation a…
Helen Garner · City Recital Hall · August 15, 2026
Helen Garner explores memory, narrative and the craft of non-fiction in a public reading and conversation. Attendees are invited to a post-event book-signing in the foyer.
Tim Winton · Art Gallery of New South Wales · August 15, 2026
Tim Winton discusses landscape, memory and the role of place in contemporary Australian fiction in conversation with a moderator from the gallery. The event pairs a short reading w…
Tim Flannery · Australian Museum · August 15, 2026
Renowned scientist and environmentalist Tim Flannery discusses the latest research on climate impacts in the Australasian region and practical pathways for mitigation and adaptatio…
Anna Funder · State Library of New South Wales · August 18, 2026
Author Anna Funder discusses her research-driven approach to non-fiction and the moral responsibilities of writers engaging with history. The event is free and open to the public w…
Tim Flannery · Art Gallery of New South Wales · August 18, 2026
Environmental scientist Tim Flannery outlines the latest climate science and what rising seas mean for coastal urban planning. He offers a vision for adaptation strategies that bal…
Helen Garner · State Library of New South Wales · August 18, 2026
Beloved author Helen Garner reads from her recent work and discusses craft, truth-telling and the ethics of memoir. The session includes an audience Q&A and is free to attend.
Richard Flanagan · New South Wales State Library · August 18, 2026
Novelist Richard Flanagan reads from his new work and discusses the interplay of history, memory and fiction in contemporary Australian literature. The event offers insights into h…