Best-selling Australian author to launch new book at Marion Cultural Centre Plaza opening

Australian best-selling children’s book author Mem Fox will read her new book, Meerkat Mayhem for the first time to children at the Marion Cultural Centre (MCC) Plaza community event later this month.

The official opening of the MCC Plaza will take place on Saturday October 26, after months of work to transform the area into the vibrant heart of Marion.

The City of Marion has secured Mem Fox to read her new book before the official launch (5 November) in the plaza. Early copies of the book will be on sale and Mem will be on hand, literally, for a signing inside the MCC.

The event will take place from 4 pm to 8 pm at 287 Diagonal Rd, Oaklands Park.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity to launch a new book only five minutes away from where I live. And thrilled too, that children in the Marion Council area will be the first in the world to hear a public reading of Meerkat Mayhem. How cool is that?” Ms Fox said.

In addition to Ms Fox, the event will be jam packed with live music, street performers, markets to shop, delicious food trucks, Gallery M art exhibition, face painting, glitter station and so much more.

Mayor of Marion Kris Hanna said it would be a very popular family-friendly event.

“It’s a great chance to see the plaza upgrade and hear from one of Australia’s best children’s book authors,” Mayor Hanna said.

“Better yet, it’s FREE to attend.”

The MCC Plaza project – fully-funded by Marion Council – has improved pedestrian and cyclist connectivity, amenity and safety through the area.

It has improved linkages between the local residential areas, the Oaklands Station, MCC, SA Aquatic and Leisure Centre (SAALC), Westfield shopping centre and other facilities on Milham Street.

The plaza will become a key hub in the heart of the City of Marion.

Designs were developed by Outerspace Landscape Architects, MLEI Engineers, Lucid, Stantec and Pinata.

Outside Ideas were contracted to develop the space so it can be utilised for community events and provide improved amenity for community use between the MCC and the SAALC.

The space has historically hosted several Marion Celebrates and Fringe Festival events which have been well attended.

The plans build upon the recent Oaklands Station redevelopment and streetscape upgrade that have supported community connections to key services in the area.

Initial plans for the Plaza were developed in 2013 through a design competition. At this time the cost of development exceeded Council’s funding provision. Revised designs were prepared in 2022 through extensive consultation with community and adjacent key stakeholders.

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