Hi, just following up on my prior email... :)

Celebrate the launch of Olivia De Zilva's debut poetry collection, Sick Note (Pink Shorts Press) as part of the NO WAVE reading series.

An office party (with a twist), enjoy readings from local writers Carissa Fischer (of rewind poetry) and Katerina Bryant (Hysteria) on the theme of work, corp-core and imbibing / dissociating at daycare for adults. In keeping with the work theme, legendary Australian poet Ken Bolton will share a few words and some work from Moya Costello, whose posthumous novel, The Office as a Boat, was recently released through Pink Shorts Press.

Then, hear from Olivia and Walter Marsh (Young Rupert, The Butterfly Thief) as they discuss the collection, the wider ramifications of work culture, being chronically ill / online and why wearing peplum and power blazers to the club have been sadly phased out by modern capitalism. The two will touch on themes of hauntologies, colloquial poetry and why stream-of-consciousness stanzas adhere to the digital-enshitification of expression, culture and morality.

Wear your shoulder pads (name tags will be provided) and enjoy this mandatory team bonding exercise with company-catered food and drink.

About Sick Note:

‘Patient is seeking support for work-related stress and has engaged employee support. She is exhibiting delusions of grandeur (proclaiming to be the Jennifer Lawrence of the office) and experiencing major fatigue (using paid lunch breaks to aura farm at the vending machine).’

Is this book:

a) An ode to the G10 bus line and Li-Shang from Mulan?

b) A lament on employment, capitalism and chronic health issues?

c) A precise, hilarious and original collection of poetry from Olivia De Zilva, author of Plastic Budgie and Eggshell?

d) All of the above?

‘De Zilva has the native talent of the true writer.’ Declan Fry, ABC Best Books of 2025

‘An impressive new voice.’ Hellai Gul, Meanjin

‘Achingly funny and cleverly inventive.’ The Australian Women’s Weekly

‘Bold, bright and steeped in complicated nostalgia.’ Books+Publishing

‘Sick Note is a confident debut that dreams of something beyond late-stage capitalism. This collection may attract readers who might not otherwise consider poetry.’ Books+Publishing

All ticket sales will go towards Hutt St Centre's life saving support and service for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in South Australia.

Contact the host of Sick Note Launch

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