Rural and regional writers festival round-up

Headland Writers Festival will run from 18–20 October in Tathra, New South Wales. Described as ‘a celebration of reading, writing, sharing stories and indulging the mind’, this year’s festival will include conversations, forums, workshops, spoken word, poetry and music performances. Speakers include authors Gina Chick, Markus Zusak and William McInnes. Performance event ‘The Grief Monologues’ will feature actors Marti Keefer and Chum Ehelepola; while Rae Kennedy and Robyn Martin will perform at the poetry and music event ‘Voice: A (De)construction in 13 Movements’. Creative director Myoung Jae Yi said: ‘The festival hopes to enrich our understanding of the world and of each other. I invite you to join us in creating an open community of readers against the backdrop of the traditional lands of the Djiringanj people in all its sublime beauty.’

The inaugural Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival will be held on 11–13 October, across the Queensland towns of Nambour, Mapleton, Montville and Maleny. Organisers said the festival ‘promises an immersive experience for lovers of literature, aspiring authors, and anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling’. The program features panel discussions, author talks, writing workshops and community events, with local, national, and international authors, poets, and illustrators. Among the events are a long table lunch with crime fiction author Candice Fox; Masterchef alumni Mindy Woods and Jamie Fleming in conversation; and a short film event featuring appearances from reality television producer Dan Munday and former Powderfinger drummer Jon Coghill. Organisers said the festival was ‘about community, inspiration, and connection’. ‘We want to showcase the incredible talent from our region and beyond, while also providing a platform for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their creativity.’

Category: Local news