Calile Culture, Lisa Wilkinson in Conversation

In April 1912, a 28-year-old Australian nurse boarded the Titanic for its maiden voyage. She was a champion rower from rural South Australia, trained in Morse code, newly engaged to a doctor, and about to face one of the greatest maritime tragedies in history. She would spend that night helping others to safety, believing she herself might not survive.

Evelyn Marsden was the only Australian-born survivor of the Titanic, and yet for over a century, almost no one knew her name.

Lisa Wilkinson has been one of Australia's most recognised journalists and broadcasters for over three decades, and a consistent champion of women's stories throughout. Known for her curiosity and her ability to ask the questions others tend to avoid, she spent years researching Evelyn's story, unearthing previously hidden fragments of a private and humble life. The Titanic Story of Evelyn, published April 2026, is her first work of historical non-fiction.

Join us at The Calile on Thursday 14 May for an evening with Lisa in conversation with journalist and moderator Davina Smith, followed by audience questions and a book signing to close.

Our neighbours at Cursive Knives will be us on the night, with copies of The Titanic Story of Evelyn available to purchase.

Thursday 14 May at The Calile Hotel, Brisbane

6.00pm | Arrival
6.30pm | Conversation with Lisa Wilkinson and Davina Smith
7.15pm | Audience Q&A
7.30pm | Book signing
8.00pm | Event concludes

About: Calile Culture

A series of events, happenings, goings-on, and conversations to help connect our community and encourage engagement, physical connection, appreciation, discourse and learning across all forms of creative expression.

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