

Better Off
Said
Eulogies for the Living and the Dead
Better Off
Said
Better Off
Said
Better Off
Said
Better Off
Said
Better Off
Said
Better Off
Said
From members of the team behind international literary phenomenon Women of Letters, Better Off Said: Eulogies for the Living and Dead is a spoken-word art salon celebrating words, stories, and human experiences.
​
Better Off Said is an afternoon of words it’s time to air; thoughts and reflections for the living and dead. At one time or another, we all find there was something we wish we’d shouted aloud, someone out there in the world waiting to hear an important message, a piece of history we feel our voice could have improved. Better Off Said offers the opportunity to leave no verbal stone unturned. To find closure. To sing truth from the rooftops before it’s too late.
​
Each show, four guests will speak to the phrase "The words I wish I’d said", and a special guest will deliver a Living Eulogy, to someone or some thing still of this Earth, to celebrate the best in our lives while we're here to hear it. There'll also be a musical performance to help make each salon special.
​
Presented by Emilie Zoey Baker and Marieke Hardy.
Upcoming dates
TBC
Welcome
“There are times when we find ourselves caught up in a spiral, overthinking those unsaid comments or responses that scream to be let out. Better Off Said is a platform to release these words in a composed and cathartic way. It may be a comeback line, a confession, revenge or even a compliment.” – Emilie Zoey Baker
“Humans often just accept that everything and everyone dies. We’ve curated a space where we can all reflect on love, loss, healing and letting go together. It’s a privilege to even be able to sit in this realm and ruminate. To listen and learn. I never want to take for granted life’s impermanence.” – Marieke Hardy
An album of some of the wonderful speakers and beautiful audiences we've enjoyed to date.
Support
Better Off Said is proud to support the Indigenous Literacy Foundation by donating a portion of profits from our monthly salons. The ILF is a not-for-profit charity that respects the unique place of Australia's first people and draws on the expertise of the Australian book industry.
You can donate directly by clicking here.
Indigenous Literacy Foundation
PO Box 663
Broadway NSW 2007 Australia
(02) 9280 0644
www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au
NGV International:
Cats & Dogs
July 19

Robert Skinner
We're thrilled to be putting on a very special show paying tribute to our pets for the NGV International exhibition Cats & Dogs, in conjunction with the Wheeler Centre. Featuring writer TONY BIRCH, author and broadcaster MIMI KWA, award-winning novelist LAURA JEAN McKAY and Yankunytjatjara and Wirangu woman and sports journalist SHELLEY WARE, as they read original pieces responding to 'The Words I Wish I'd Said', before ROBERT SKINNER, winner of the 2025 John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing, delivers a 'Living Eulogy'. Hosted by EMILIE ZOEY BAKER.
Saturday, 19 July 2025,
Show 7 - 8.30pm
Tickets: $42.50/$41.50 conc
Great Hall, NGV International
180 St Kilda Rd, Melbournee
​
TICKETS from Wheeler Centre
​

Shelley Ware