Business Professional Women Coffs Coast says gender equality remains an issue, despite progress in some areas. The group points to an ABC Four Corners investigation published on 18 October, in which more than 100 women described job losses, reduced hours and unfair treatment linked to pregnancy or having a child. The group will host a panel discussion titled "The Equality Conversation: Women, Feminism and What Comes Next" under the theme "Equality in 2026: Where Are We Now?" The group has also asked any woman who has faced such discrimination to get in touch.
PIP Theatre's queer dark comedy Trophy Boys is coming to Melt Festival, with a cast of female and non-binary actors performing in masculine drag. Director Anne Pensalfini says her own time as drag king Biron Bothways shaped the production. The play follows an all-boys debate team from an elite private school, which is asked to argue that feminism has failed women. Pensalfini says the comedy acts as a Trojan horse, drawing audiences in before the themes become provocative. The show runs from October 21 to 31 as part of the festival.
Comedy trio Sugar Bits are bringing their Green Room-nominated show Feminist Trash to the Geelong Comedy Festival. The hour-long show mixes sketches, characters and songs, and pokes fun at both feminists and their critics. Stephanie Beza, Tessa Luminati and Nicola Pohl met while studying at Federation University Ballarat in 2016. The show plays at Here & Now Lounge on 23 October. Tickets are available through an online ticketing page.
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Brisbane playwright Kathryn Marquet is co-adapting Louisa May Alcott's Little Women for the Queensland Theatre Company's 2027 season. The adaptation explores themes of female rage and the struggles of young women, resonating with contemporary audiences. Marquet identifies with Jo March's character, who rejects gender constraints and seeks a creative life. The production aims to create a cozy, escapist world while addressing relevant social issues. Queensland Theatre Company's artistic director Daniel Evans emphasizes supporting local artists and addressing challenges facing the drama industry in Queensland.
Hilary McPhee, a prominent figure in Australian publishing, has passed away at 85. She co-founded McPhee Gribble with Dianne Gribble in 1975, fostering emerging Australian authors. McPhee's work brought attention to notable works like Cloudstreet and Puberty Blues, as well as writers such as Helen Garner and Kaz Cooke. Her contributions significantly shaped the literary landscape. The news of her passing was shared on The Wire.
