Meet the author - Wendy Harmer

National treasure, Wendy Harmer will be in conversation with Alex Sloan on her frank, funny, fearless memoir Lies My Mirror Told Me.

Wendy Harmer has had an extraordinary life. From being born with a severe facial deformity, to performing as a stand-up comedian, a national television host and then the highest paid woman in the cut-throat world of Sydney FM radio, Wendy's tale of overcoming adversity is told with her trademark in-your-face frankness and celebrated wit.

Starting life in rural Victoria, Wendy had a difficult childhood. Wendy, the 'funny looking' kid often in the wrong colour school uniform, developed strategies to find new friends and fit in. When she was ten years old, her mother left the family and Wendy became a surrogate mother to her younger siblings.

It wasn't until she was well into her teens that Wendy had the reconstructive facial surgery that had long promised to transform her from a 'witch' into a 'princess', but fell agonisingly short. Somehow, despite her initial setbacks and emotional turmoil, Wendy showed the strength of character to carve her own way in the world.

From political journalism, Wendy struck out as a solo performer in stand-up comedy, making her mark internationally before coming home to entertain Australians for four decades on stage, in print, television and broadcasting. In Lies My Mirror Told Me Wendy reflects on her life - one of the most unlikely success stories you will ever read.

Wendy Harmer is one of Australia's most versatile and much-loved entertainers - broadcaster, author, journalist and stage performer. As a stand-up comedian she performed at numerous global comedy festivals. The. As a broadcaster, Wendy enjoyed huge popularity leading Sydney radio station 2Day FM's top-rating Breakfast Show for 11 years and was the co-host of ABC Radio Sydney's morning/breakfast shows from 2016 -2021. She has hosted, written and appeared in a variety of TV shows including ABC's The Big Gig .Wendy is also the author of eight books for adults including her bestselling novels Farewell My Ovaries, Love and Punishment and Nagging for Beginners.

Alex Sloan AM has been a journalist for over 30 years, including as a long-time broadcaster with the ABC. Alex, who was named Canberra Citizen of the Year in 2017, is deputy chair of The Australia Institute, a director of The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust and deputy chair of The ACT Writers Centre. Alex is a regular conversationalist in the Meet the Author series.

The vote of thanks will be given by Sally Pryor, Features editor of the Canberra Times

This event is in association with Harry Hartog Bookshop. Books will be available for purchase on the evening in the Cultural Centre foyer. Pre-event book signings will be available from 5.30pm and again after the event.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Registration is required for this event.

Accessible parking spaces are available around campus should you require them.

To help keep everyone safe, please ensure that you are familiar with, and follow, the advice from ACT Health regarding COVID-19.

If you do not feel well, please refrain from attending this event.

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A podcast will be made available after the event.

Symposium by University House Wine bar (Shop 13, 152 University Avenue, Acton, which is just next to the Kambri cultural centre) will now be open for dining after meet the author events. Food and wine details at https://unihouse.anu.edu.au/eat/symposium/. No bookings necessary.

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