Literary festival: The Williamstown Literary Festival starts today and culminates in a busy program of more than 30 events this weekend. Among them are Men of Memoir: Charlie Pickering, Shaun Micallef (pictured), Dave O’Neil and Barry Dickins recount their memoir writing experiences, council chamber, 11.30am Saturday; The Great Debate – Art versus Sport, council chamber, 1pm Saturday; Gough Whitlam: His Time, with acclaimed Whitlam biographer Jenny Hocking, council chamber, noon Sunday; You Don’t Have to be a Songwriter to Write a Song with Rebecca Barnard, library quiet room, 1pm Sunday. For the full program and bookings, visit willylitfest.org.au
Free cycling: Wheel Women brings together free cycling skills programs to get women on their bikes and be healthy and confident. Each program is for six hours and runs through this and next month at the Maribyrnong River, Chifley Drive, Maribyrnong. For bookings, visit wheelwomen.com.au or eventbrite.com.au/org/3937608659
Carer support: Grow Better Together Carers Group is for friends and family of those with mental health issues. Free meetings are twice monthly in Laverton. Details: 1800558268.
Black Screen: Mabo Day on Monday commemorates the late “Eddie” Koiki Mabo (1936-1992), a Torres Strait Islander who campaigned for land rights. Mabo – Life of an Island Man screens at 7pm on Tuesday at the Basement Theatre, Footscray Community Arts Centre, 45 Moreland Street, Footscray. Visit: footscrayarts.com
Community choir: Altona Community Choir meets from 7.30-9.30pm every Monday at the Altona Senior Citizen Centre, Sargood Street. There are no auditions and singers over 16 are welcome. Details: 0438636425.
Join up: The Merchant Navy War Service League is looking for new members. War service not necessary. Details: 5995 2741 or 9743 3016.