Oma, bubba, nanna, gran - whatever we know them by, our grand and great grandmothers leave an indelible mark. Yet their matriarchal reach and rich histories are often untold or defined by stereotype, undermining the complexity and vibrancy of their lives. In this panel, three writers re-imagine their grandmothers' lives across genre, from poetry to prose vignette and theatre performance.

Speakers:

Barbara Kamler: Melbourne-based poet and university educator. Her recent works include "Leaving New Jersey" (2016), a memoir in prose poetry, "Love, regardless" (2022), featuring long-love portraits in syllabic verse based on interviews, and "Sophie stories" (2024); a multi-voiced narrative about her grandmother's journey to New York City in 1907.

Ramona Koval: writer, journalist, and author of "A Letter to Layla: Travels to our deep past and near future" and "Bloodhound: Searching for my father." Her essays appear in collections like "Split: True Stories of Leaving, Loss and New Beginnings" and "Grandmothers." Ramona serves as an honorary fellow at Deakin University.

Elise Esther Hearst: Melbourne-based, award winning playwright, author, and performer on Boon Wurrung country. Her debut novel, "One Day We’re All Going to Die," was shortlisted for The Age Book of the Year Award 2024. She's also known for acclaimed theatre works like "A Very Jewish Christmas Carol" and "Yentl," which won the Green Room Award for Outstanding Writing 2023.

Magdalena Ball (moderator): prolific writer, reviewer, and moderator, also serving as Vice President of Flying Island and Managing Editor of Compulsive Reader. Her work spans various journals and anthologies, earning numerous awards. Magdalend recently published "Bobish," a verse-memoir about her great-grandmother Rebecca Lieberman, through Puncher & Wattmann in 2023.

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