Program of Events

Talks & Tours

Free guided tours

Take a guided tour for an overview of the exhibition’s highlights.
Time: Tues & Thurs 1–1.30pm (also Sun 2–2.30pm, 20 July–10 August only)
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: Not required (except for groups; 03 8664 7279)
Free

Half-time tours

Join Sport and War curator Rebecca Britt, from the Australian War Memorial, for an engaging introduction to the exhibition, highlighting some of the unique items on display and the stories they tell.
Time: Fri 11 and Sat 12 July, 2.30–3pm
Venue: Keith Murdoch Gallery
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Sport in a Time of War: Panel discussion

The commemorative Anzac Day football matches, the 1945 VFL Grand Final known in footy folklore as the ‘Bloodbath’, and the sad story of boxing champion Les Darcy are among many stories that reveal the long association of sport and war. Join Melbourne writer and broadcaster Tony Wilson, cricket writer Gideon Haigh, historian Professor Joy Damousi and Pattie Wright, author of The Men of the Line, as they reflect on the shared ideals, language and stories of sport and war.
Time: Tues 15 July, 6.30–7.45pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette (Entry 3, La Trobe Street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Foundation Members’ event

Prior to the Sport in a time of war panel discussion (above), State Library of Victoria Foundation members are invited to enjoy complimentary drinks with the guest speakers.
Time: Tues 15 July, 5.45–6.30pm
Venue: Conference Centre (Entry 3, La Trobe street)
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free (Foundation members only)

Les Carlyon and Barrie Cassidy in conversation

Join writer Les Carlyon in conversation with journalist Barrie Cassidy as they discuss the interplay between sport and war. Les Carlyon is the author of The Great War and Gallipoli, and Barrie Cassidy hosts the sports panel program Offsiders.
Tues 19 August, 6.30–7.30pm
Venue: Village Roadshow Theatrette, (Entry 3, La Trobe St)
Bookings: 03 8664 7016 or bookings@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Football @ the Library

Join David Flegg, mild-mannered librarian and AFL goal umpire, as he introduces the State Library’s extensive football archive, highlighting significant items such as the first Victorian Rules rule book.
Thurs 14 August, 6.30–7.30pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Grand Final fever at the Library

Watch the big men fly on the big screen in Experimedia. Don’t forget your scarf and beanie!
Sat 27 September, from 2pm
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

School Holiday Activities

Sporting heroes

Kick the winning goal or hit the ball for six! Using stop-motion animation and their own illustrations, children can create sensational sporting stories to take home on DVD. (For ages 7 to 13.)
Mon 29 Sept–Fri 3 Oct, 10.30am–4pm daily
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Cost: $40

Super-action storytelling!

Hear exciting tales of the Trojan War and Gallipoli, followed by a fun workshop creating digital picture-books. (For ages 5 to 12.)
Sun 28 Sept & Sun 5 Oct (10.30am–2pm)
Venue: Meet in front foyer
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or email learning@slv.vic.gov.au
Free

Chess for kids

Test your skills in the original game of sport and war, using the large-scale chess sets in the Play Pod.
10am–5pm daily
Venue: Experimedia
Bookings: Not required
Free

School Programs

The tour for school groups (45 minutes; $3 per student) is suitable for students at all year levels. The free teachers’ preview (Tues 29 July, 5.30–7.30pm) includes a guided tour, free education resource, refreshments and wine.
Bookings: 03 8664 7555 or education@slv.vic.gov.au