The benevolent lens of Alan K Jordan

Alice Anderson first made her name as a teen sensation behind the wheel of a touring car, a popular from of recreational driving in the early 20th century. She was the first woman to drive the Black Spur in Victoria, and she also established Australia’s first garage run by and for women.  Learn more about her incredible life in this episode.

In Victoria, it was only in 1908 that women were given the right to vote (Indigenous women weren’t granted the right to vote until the 1950s). Before that, women had no say in how their state was run and fought for decades to change that. But not everyone waited for the law to change – Fanny Finch, an immigrant from London, decided to take matters into her own hands.

Vali Myers, the Australian artist who defied convention and caught the attention and mixed with famous figures across the world of art, literature and music, was nothing short of a trailblazer. Delve into the captivating story of Vali, from her childhood in Australia, all through her life as an artist, muse, and free spirit. 

Everyone has heard of Willy Wonka, the magical owner of the incredible Wonka Chocolate Factory. But few know very much about E. W. Cole, Melbourne's own Willy Wonka, who ran a bookstore even more magical than the books it sold. Learn about this magical place, and the even more magical man behind it. 

When you walk around the streets of Melbourne, it's impossible not to imagine the past. Seeing the wonderfully preserved facades of Collins Street and easily envision yourself back in the 1930s. But what was life actually like back then? Join us as we unravel the social fabric of 1930s Melbourne through seven compelling portraits by photographer Eric Rowell.