Marvellous Melbourne’s own Willy Wonka

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.

Alan K Jordan was a social worker and photographer who used his camera as a tool to document the lives and struggles of those experiencing poverty and homelessness. His work led to historic legislation in Australia, bringing a more empathetic approach and sense of social responsibility to homelessness advocacy. 

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. 

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.