Rare access to some of Australia's most influential voices: Beyond the Page returns to State Library Victoria
Media release
Tuesday 16 June 2026
Three of Australia's most influential voices in politics, publishing and health will make their only Melbourne appearances at State Library Victoria this winter as part of the 2026 Beyond the Page series.
Returning for its 2026 winter edition, Beyond the Page brings audiences face-to-face with leading writers, thinkers and cultural voices through thought-provoking live conversations and audience Q&As.
Featuring Melbourne-exclusive appearances from award-winning political commentator Amy Remeikis, New York Times bestselling romantasy author Stacey McEwan and medical broadcaster Dr Norman Swan, the series explores the ideas, stories and issues shaping Australia today.
Spanning politics and public discourse, fiction and creativity, and health and wellbeing, Beyond the Page reflects the breadth of conversations taking place across Australian society while reinforcing the Library's role as a place for curiosity, learning and cultural engagement.
On Wednesday 5 August, Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute and one of Australia's most respected political commentators, joins author and Cheek Media founder Hannah Ferguson for a timely conversation inspired by Remeikis' new book, Screw Nice: How the Politics of Civility Shuts Us Up (Hachette 2026). Together, they will discuss power, public discourse and how civility may be dampening social debate.
Bestselling Australian romantasy author Stacey McEwan will join award-winning broadcaster and author Dee Salmin on Thursday 13 August to celebrate the release of A Forsaken Prophecy (Simon & Schuster 2026), the second instalment in The Artisan Trilogy. The pair will delve into storytelling, world-building and the global rise of romantasy. McEwan's books have built a devoted international following and established her as one of Australia's most successful fantasy authors, with a passionate readership across BookTok.
The series concludes on Thursday 3 September with one of Australia's most prominent medical communicators, Dr Norman Swan, in conversation with practising GP, broadcaster and author Dr Preeya Alexander. Inspired by Swan’s newly released book The Brain Cliff (Hachette 2026), the discussion will unpack brain health, ageing and practical ways to support cognitive wellbeing throughout life.
All events will take place in the Conversation Quarter at State Library Victoria and include audience Q&A opportunities.
2026 BEYOND THE PAGE SERIES
Amy Remeikis in conversation with Hannah Ferguson
6.30pm, Wednesday 5 August 2026
Conversation Quarter, State Library Victoria
Stacey McEwan in conversation with Dee Salmin
6.30pm, Thursday 13 August 2026
Conversation Quarter, State Library Victoria
Dr Norman Swan in conversation with Dr Preeya Alexander
6.30pm, Thursday 3 September 2026
Conversation Quarter, State Library Victoria
All tickets are on sale now at slv.vic.gov.au