In Conversation with Rosalie Ham
Description
Step into the quiet beauty of The Convent Daylesford for an afternoon of intimate reflection and dialogue.
Settle in to hear award-winning local playwright, host and social worker Rebecca Lister (On the Couch, Generation Women, co-author of Growing Pineapples in the Outback) in a warm and witty conversation with the one and only Rosalie Ham.
Rosalie grew up in the tiny Riverina town of Jerilderie (population 800), where she learned to take an interest in what everyone was doing, form an opinion, and say nothing. That sharp eye and warm but dark humour would go on to shape her novels – from The Dressmaker (the beloved film starring Kate Winslet) to The Year of the Farmer and The Dressmaker's Secret. Her latest book, Look After Your Feet, is her first non-fiction: a howlingly funny, unflinching look at getting older.
This is your chance to hang out with Rosalie as the effervescent and experienced host Rebecca draws out her stories, her take on community, retribution and what makes a life worthwhile.
Relax with a glass of bubbles (or non-alcoholic fizz) on arrival. Stay afterwards for a book signing with Rosalie.
Lineup
Meet Rosalie
Rosalie Ham is a Melbourne based retired teacher and aged care nurse. She is the author of six novels, most notably her debut novel, The Dressmaker, which was adapted to film (2015), starring Kate Winslet, Judy Davis and Hugo Weaving. Look After Your Feet is her first non-fiction book and employs Rosalie’s signature wit and dark humour to reflect how her experiences from rural childhood to a literary life – and all in between – influence her writing. Look After Your Feet is an extended metaphor for fearless self-preservation, and presents the upside and advantages of ageing.
Meet Rebecca
Rebecca is the Co-artistic Director of arts company Anvil Productions and works as a social worker in private practice and as a sessional worker for Eating Disorders Victoria. She is the founder and host of live chat show ‘On the Couch with Beck Lister’ and the monthly MC of intergenerational storytelling show Generation Women. Her book, co-written with Tony Kelly, ‘Growing Pineapples in the Outback’ was published by University of Queensland Press in 2020. Rebecca is a co-founding member of Feral Arts (QLD) and Salamander Theatre (VIC). In 2006 she received an AWGIE Award for her play 'Through the Mist.' Rebecca’s most recent play 'big beautiful female theory' had its first reading as part of Words in Winter in August 2025. Rebecca has worked as a theatre maker for many years and has made many large scale community theatre works and projects and toured work across Australia and internationally.
Books
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