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Aug 13 2026

Culture and Creativity Seminar – The Role of Literature in a Time of Polarization: Post-Oct 7, Writing about Family, War and Erased Histories

Speaker: Jane MesserDate\Time: Thursday 13 August 2026, 12:30-13:30Location: Building 1 Level A Room 1A21, University of Canberra (NB Room 1a21 is accessed from the foyer joining Building 1 and Mizzuna café); or Zoom: http://zoom.us/j/95029077504 AbstractHow does a writer respond when family history collides with a political present? This paper explores how researching and writing my memoir, Raven Mother: War, Family and Inheritance (NewSouth Publishing, March 2026), revealed that my writing honestly about family history was an inherently political act. It examines the challenges of writing about Israel, Gaza and the West Bank after October 7 for readers in a deeply polarised Australia.My book Raven Mother traces the many ways war, persecution and dispossession shaped my German Jewish family across twentieth- and twenty-first-century Germany, British Mandate Palestine, Israel and Australia. After October 7’s terror attack by Hamas and the catastrophic violence that followed in Gaza, I was faced with the question ‘What is the responsibility of a memoirist when private family history becomes entangled with public history that is still unfolding?’ I felt compelled to bring two painful and contested histories into dialogue—not to equate them, but to resist erasure and acknowledge the suffering embedded in both.While many readers have welcomed the final approach which I took in Raven Mother, responses within the Australian Jewish-identified community have ranged from engaged disagreement to silence, and I’ve lost long-held friendships.This paper reflects on these responses and silences and considers what responsibilities writers bear when personal history enters contested political terrain.All are welcome!BioJane Messer is a Visiting Fellow, Centre for Creative and Cultural Research and former Associate Professor and Director of Creative Writing, Macquarie University. Raven Mother: War, Family and Inheritance: a memoir is her first full length nonfiction work, following on from the acclaimed novels Hopscotch, Provenance and Night By Night, and academic research on mother and work. She is the Creative Director and founder of StorySALOON: Short Stories, Centre Stage, and mentors creative and academic authors.Supports and fundings  This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, and by the NSW Government through Create NSW. OthersGenerous support of DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service; in-kind support provided by the Centre for Creative and Cultural Research, University of Canberra, and Macquarie University; and Visiting Fellowships at the Centre for Transdisciplinary Research, Humboldt University of Berlin, and University of Potsdam.Book: https://unsw.press/books/raven-mother/The Culture and Creativity Seminar Series is hosted by the Centre for Cultural and Creative Research (CCCR), Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Canberra. To discover upcoming seminars, please follow us on Facebook @uccccr, or Instagram and Twitter @uc_cccr. Alternatively, join our mailing list by emailing cccr@canberra.edu.au. Any questions and accessibility requests please contact: cccr@canberra.edu.au.

12:30 - 13:30
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Aug 19 2026

Employer Connect | Careers & Job Expo

Employer Connect | Careers & Job Expo This is your chance to meet dozens of local and national employers in one afternoon! ??Wednesday 19 August?11am – 2pm??UC Refectory Whether you're looking for part-time work, internships, graduate roles, or simply want to discover new industries and build your network, this event has something for every UC student – all years and disciplines welcome!What's On Offer???Meet employers face-to-face and chat directly with recruiters??Discover graduate programs, internships, part-time jobs, and more??Free merch, food & giveaways??Networking opportunities and career advice??Register to receive the full employer contact list after the event Plus: Complete the post-event survey for your chance to win a Visa Gift Card! Register here! ?? Student Registration LinkWho's Attending?A wide range of organisations across sectors including: ??Multi-Discipline / Professional Services AECOM, Accenture, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, NAB, Nestlé, Uni Super, and many more. ???Government & Public SectorAustralian Federal Police, Australian National Audit Office, Department of Finance, Department of Home Affairs, and others. ??EducationACT Education Directorate, Canberra Grammar School, Catholic Education, Teach NSW, and more. ??HealthAbility Action Australia, Calvary Bruce Private Hospital, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Early Bird Therapy, Perinatal Wellbeing Centre, Qscan Group, and others. ??Tourism & HospitalityCasino Canberra, Doma Hotels, Hyatt Hotel Canberra, Meriton Suites, National Convention Centre Canberra, and more. ??Jobs on Campus & OtherInnovation Central Canberra, Library & Study Skills, Student Centre, UCX, and visa/international support organisations.  FULL LIST OF 2026 EXHIBITORS AVAILABLE ON THE EVENT PAGE! Bring your friends and make the most of this fantastic on-campus opportunity. It’s a low-pressure way to explore what’s out there and take the next step in your career journey. Don’t miss out – register today! ??Register for Employer Connect Need more information?Contact careers@canberra.edu.au

11:00 - 14:00
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Aug 20 2026

Impact after Hours: A monthly gathering for good people doing good things

Impact After Hours is a relaxed monthly gathering bringing together social entrepreneurs, founders, students, researchers, and community-minded supporters in Canberra and the region.It’s a chance to step outside lectures, labs, and busy schedules to connect with others who care about creating positive change—and to hear real stories from people turning ideas into impact.Hosted by The Mill House Ventures, each session features a short, informal founder conversation sharing honest insights, lessons learned, and the realities of building purpose-driven projects and ventures.Why come?Connect with local founders, social entrepreneurs, and community leadersMeet like-minded UC students and staff who are passionate about making a differenceHear real, unfiltered stories about building impact-driven ideas and careersShare what you’re working on—whether it’s a research idea, side project or startup (totally optional!)Get inspired, find collaborators, and grow your network beyond your course or facultyBe part of a growing impact community connected to UC and the wider Canberra regionWho's this for?Early-stage or established social entrepreneurs, and curious founders with an idea (or just thinking about one)UC students (undergrad, postgrad, HDR) interested in innovation, sustainability, or social impactAcademic and professional staff exploring research translation, partnerships, or community impactCreatives, researchers, policy thinkers, and anyone keen to connect ideas with actionPast and current participants of The Mill House Ventures programsAnyone who wants to be part of a community creating meaningful change in CanberraRegistrationThis event is free, please just register so we can plan for numbers.We know life (and study) can be full—so if you need to bring kids along, they’re welcome too (you may just need to agree on a biscuit limit!).

16:30 - 18:00
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Sep 19 2026

Zach Bryan Tribute Show: Zak Plays Zach

All ages patrons 13-17 must be accompanied by a responsible adult 25+ and patrons 12 and under are required to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian only.1 adult can supervise a maximum of 4 underage attendeesAdults must stay with their group of underage patrons during the eventChildren under 5 are not permittedNo pass outs available at the venueZak Plays Zach is the World's #1 Zach Bryan Tribute Show. Capturing the raw emotion, poetic grit, and anthemic energy that has made Zach Bryan one of the most defining artists of the modern Country Music era. Led by Zak Shepherd, ZPZ (as it is now known as) has rapidly become a fan favourite for its authenticity, musicianship, and powerful live performances across Australia, and the UK.Since launching in 2024, ZPZ has grown a passionate and fast-expanding fan base, performing dynamic full-band shows that honour Zach Bryan’s catalogue — from heart-wrenching ballads & foot-stomping singalongs . Each performance blends top-tier musicianship, Zak's uncanny vocal resemblance to Zach & with a deep respect for the storytelling at the heart of the music that connects us.In 2026, Zak Plays Zach took the show to the international stage with an East Coast of Australia Tour followed by a UK Tour. This next chapter marks a major milestone in the project’s upward trajectory and highlights the growing demand for ZPZ beyond Australian shores. In October 2026, the show heads to the United Arab Emirates to headline the Gulf's biggest country music festival, Summer in Nashville.With a reputation for selling out rooms, delivering unforgettable live moments, and uniting crowds with an ALL NIGHT REVIVAL, Zak Plays Zach is the must-see tribute act for Americana and Country-fans worldwide.

19:00 - 23:30
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Oct 22 2026

JET: The Rumblin Regional Revue w/ Liquid Zoo

JET RETURNS TO THE REGIONS OF AUSTRALIA THIS OCTOBER & NOVEMBERFollowing a hugely successful run across regional east coast centres in April and May, one of Australia’s most recognisable rock outfits Jet announce Part 2 of their Rumblin’ Regional Revue Tour in Australia throughout October and November. Rumblin’ to 11 regional centres to deliver their signature hooks, timeless classics and electrifying live show, the tour kicks off on Thursday 22 October at UC Refectory in Canberra, stopping all stations from Wollongong, Erina, Hobart, Forth, Toowoomba, Coolum Beach, Gold Coast, Traralgon, Ballarat, and finishing up at Pier Bandroom in Frankston on Saturday 14 November.General public tickets go on sale on Friday, 12 June, 12pm (local). For complete tour & ticket information, visit: https://www.livenation.com.au/The Live Nation Presale starts Thursday, 11 June, 12pm (local) until Friday, 12 June, 11am (local) or until allocation is exhausted. To purchase presale tickets, sign up now at livenation.com.au/register.Twenty-five years into their illustrious career, Jet haven’t lost an ounce of what makes them one of the country’s most exciting and enduring rock bands. In 2023, JET returned to live form after a five year hiatus from touring, to celebrate 20 years of their debut album Get Born. That same year their enduring legacy was officially recognised in November, when they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Since then, Jet has been riding a wave of momentum. 2025 saw Jet perform huge shows across the US and join Lenny Kravitz locally on his Blue Electric Light Tour to adoring fans and rave reviews with Rolling Stone stating, “We immediately get what we need from the Melbourne rockers”. Originally hailing from Dingley in Melbourne’s south-east, Jet exploded onto the global stage following their formation in 2001. Their landmark 2003 debut album, Get Born, sold more than 6.5 million copies worldwide, earning nearly 10x Platinum certification in Australia and Platinum accreditation in both the US and UK. Packed with era-defining singles including ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’, ‘Rollover DJ’ and ‘Look What You’ve Done’, the album saw the band collect six ARIA Awards in 2004. ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’ and ‘Cold Hard Bitch’ both reached No. 1 on the US Modern Rock charts, cementing Jet’s place among the biggest rock acts in the world and propelling them to headline festival stages across the globe.Building on that success, Jet returned in 2006 with their sophomore album, Shine On. Showcasing the band's trademark blend of swaggering rock and infectious melodies, the record delivered fan favourites including “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is”, “Bring It On Back” and “Rip It Up”. The album achieved Platinum status in Australia and was supported by a string of acclaimed international headline tours, as well as a memorable run on the 2007 Big Day Out festival circuit.After delivering knock out performances on Part 1 of the Rumblin’ Regional Revue in April and May this year, Jet are polished and poised to blow away crowds on Part 2 of the tour. Don’t miss Jet at the top of their game, 25 years deep into their career, on the Rumblin’ Regional Review this October and November.  Joining Jet across all shows (except Tasmania) are Sydney 5-piece alt-rockers, Liquid Zoo. Bursting onto the scene just last year, Liquid Zoo are making waves with their infectious energy and brazen confidence on tracks like ‘Taste’, ‘Tell Me’ and ‘Can’t Afford It’. Self-certified as “20% rock, 80% roll”, Liquid Zoo channel the swagger of The Rolling Stones and the sharp-edged cool of The Strokes. Warming the stage across the Tasmanian shows are Hobart’s own acid-psych blues-rock four-piece Spooky Eyes. Having supported the likes of Foo Fighters, Jack White and Wolfmother, the electrifying outfit are known for punishing ears with their eclectic brand of amplified psychedelic blues. Their signature sound is on full display across tracks such as ‘Evil Eye’ and ‘Harvest’.

20:00 - 23:30
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Feb 2 2027

PALEFACE SWISS + COUNTERPARTS + FOX LAKE

"Paleface Swiss bring the fire and the fury and within seconds of them coming on stage, it’s easy to see why they just get bigger and bigger. Rarely do you get the chance to see a band as explosive as this – existing in the right place, at the right time."WhenTheHornBlows.com"Paleface Swiss have truly set a new baseline for what a band of this genre can achieve in their live delivery. A set that will long live rent-free in my mind. Paleface Swiss will continue to dominate" Kerry Rowe, ScenestrPALEFACE SWISS COUNTERPARTS  & FOX LAKE ANNOUNCE JANUARY 2027 AUSTRALIAN TOURPALEFACE SWISS are the fastest rising force in heavy music today. Anyone who has borne witness to their live shows, critics and fans alike, can attest that their dominance is unassailable. Their trajectory unstoppable. Having sold every ticket to every show (with the exception of Newcastle!!!) on their 2025 Australian tour, PALEFACE SWISS return in January 2027 armed with a new EP, a bigger show and 2 very incredible special guestsHailing from Zürich, Paleface Swiss formed in 2017 and have rapidly climbed the ranks of the global heavy music scene with each album and EP. Frontman Marc “Zelli” Zellweger’s commanding vocals, paired with crushing riffs from guitarist Yannick Lehmann, thunderous bass from Tommy Lee, and pummeling drums courtesy of Luigi Paraventi, delivering a sound that blends old-school hardcore brutality with a full array of modern heaviness."There is just something so special about Paleface Swiss live. Banging Track after banging track, fire erupting from the stage, carnage in the pit and a strong sense of union amongst everyone in the building... You have not lived until you have see Paleface Swiss perform live." GNHBL.comJoining the fray for this run of shows are Canadian metalcore legends, COUNTERPARTS and Colorado's heavyweight contenders, FOX LAKE. COUNTERPARTS, fronted by metalcore's irrepressible poet laureate and agent provocateur, Brendan Murphy, are headliners in their own rights having already smashed their way around Australia to sell out crowds and great acclaim.Hamilton, Ontario's Counterparts are one of, if not the most respected names in the scene with a well earned a reputation for electrifying live performances and deeply personal songwriting that resonates with fans worldwide."From soaring and technical lead guitars to dirty hardcore breakdowns, Counterparts gave a masterclass in their craft" DISTORTED SOUND"Counterparts have rightfully earned their seat at the table for the genre's absolute greatest, rending most of their peers obsolete in the process" Sputnik MusicPutting the icing on this already insane tour are FOX LAKE. Formed in 2017 in Denver, Colorado, Fox Lake fuse heavy riffs, hip-hop, relentless energy and hardcore attitude into a powerful live spectacle. They are a growing global presence and redefining heavy music on their own terms.“I was not ready for the mayhem that is Fox Lake... Their set was sheer chaos driven by adrenaline. From front to back, the audience was two-stepping, moshing, forming walls of death, circle pits, and crowd surfing.”Rock DNA MagFox Lake are a visceral jolt to the system. Missing them is an error”metaltalk.net

19:00 - 23:30

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