Launches @ the Library is back for 2026!

Join us to celebrate the publication of Professor Julie Andrews’ latest publication, Where’s All the Community?: Aboriginal Melbourne Revisited.

A groundbreaking account of the people and places that have shaped Aboriginal Melbourne

In Where's All the Community? Aboriginal Melbourne Revisited, Julie Andrews paints a vivid portrait of the Aboriginal community in Melbourne, from 1835 to today.

Drawing on extensive interviews with community members, her research in anthropology and her own family's story, Andrews traces the bonds that have shaped and sustained Aboriginal Melbourne. She explores the importance of kinship, geographic mobility and ties to other First Nations communities. She considers health, education and housing, including the crucial role played by Aboriginal-led organisations. And she describes the ongoing campaigns for social justice, land rights and self-determination.

The result is a social history deeply rooted in place. From inner-city Fitzroy and Collingwood to regional missions and interstate connections, this is an evocative introduction to the past, present and future of Aboriginal Melbourne.

Professor Julie Andrews OAM is Director of the La Trobe Gabra Biik Wurruwila Wuja Indigenous Research Centre. She will be in conversation with La Trobe Professor of History Kat Ellinghaus. The event will be hosted by Professor Public Engagement, Clare Wright, and recorded for the Literary La Trobe podcast.

There will be audience Q&A, book sales, author signings and complimentary refreshments.

A wonderful chance to gather on campus and honour the work of our literary community!

If you would like to pre-purchase a book to be signed on the day, please use the following link: https://afa-development.myshopify.com/cart/43149505495175:1?discount=LT,FREE. Please note we cannot guarantee books will arrive in time for the event.

Hosted by DVCRIE with support from University Events, University Library, the School Locker and La Trobe University Press, an imprint of Black Inc.

Contact the host of Launches at the Library: Where’s All the Community?: Aboriginal Melbourne Revisited