The City of Greater Bendigo is delighted to launch the Bendigo Writers Festival program, which will bring together more than 90 of the best writers and thinkers, including Australia's favourite cook and author Julie Goodwin and ABC presenter and writer Annabel Crabb.
This year's festival takes place from Friday August 16 to Sunday August 18 with a packed program featuring Kate Grenville, Thomas Mayo, Kerry O'Brien, Bruce Pascoe and Kate Forsyth, along with many others from the literary world.
The festival's opening gala event on Friday night (August 16) offers an Up Close and Possibly Way Too Personal interview with Annabel Crabb. The well-known journalist and TV presenter will be under the spotlight for a change with questions from La Trobe University Curator Clare Wright. The night will also feature poetry readings from Sara M Saleh and Jazz Money.
Historian, author and specialist in war, politics and diplomacy Paul Ham is travelling from his home in France to Bendigo to discuss his new book The Soul, an epic attempt to demonstrate that the beliefs of the soul and mind are the engines of human history.
A range of special word feasts are on the program, starting with ever-popular cook and author Julie Goodwin, who will be one of the guests of honour at the Festival. The author is involved in several events and sessions including An Evening with Julie Goodwin, a curated dinner served at Mackenzie Quarters on Friday night. Sessions on her latest memoir and food and mental health are also taking place on Saturday August 17.
Founder and CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Kon Karapanagiotidis, will host a special lunch with his mum Sia at the Old Church on the Hill, and take part in some much-needed conversations around mental health.
To celebrate Bendigo as Australia's first UNESCO City and Region of Gastronomy, the festival will present a series of panel discussions and events showcasing First Nations care for Country, farming and how to support community members in need. Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Carter is among the guest speakers for the inspiring and thought-provoking discussions.
The festival program is rich and diverse with a fantastic range of sessions to appeal to all book lovers, including children and youngsters.
La Trobe University presents Word Spot on Friday, a free program curated specially for primary and secondary school students from across the Greater Bendigo region. This year's festival welcomes Shivaun Plozza, Sophie Masson, Jordan Gould, Richard Pritchard, Daniel Gray-Barnett, Troy Hunter, Emily Gale, Nova Weetman, Maxine Beneba Clarke and locals Amy Doak, Chris Kennett and Liz Duthie.
The hugely popular Creative Kids returns at the Bendigo Bank Theatre at The Capital on Saturday August 17 where young readers can enjoy a range of sessions with children's authors and illustrators.
Regional events will be held in the lead up to the main festival with A Day At A Time in Rhyme performances in Boort, Elmore, then Heathcote. The show stars Jane Clifton, who is well known from the classic TV show Prisoner. After the three-day tour, the show comes to The Engine Room in Bendigo on Friday and Saturday nights during the festival.
Bendigo Art Gallery, co-Curators Lauren Ellis and Lena Mitchell's sessions will delve into many areas including the appearance of women, family, joy, humour and politics in the works of participating artists. Rob McHaffie, Lorin Clarke and Angela O'Keeffe are among the contributors to these sessions.
There are more than 50 ticketed events, plus 15 free sessions at the Bendigo Writers Festival Big Top where local aspiring writers, artists and performers will be taking part. Dumawul will be holding a First Nations Art Market and local retailer Bookish will be back to run the festival shop with all the festival titles available.
ABC statewide radio will be broadcasting 'Live from the steps of The Capital' at 9am on Friday with presenter Fiona Parker interviewing renowned writers and festival guests.
Bendigo Venues & Events Manager Julie Amos said it was an exciting time for those attending this year's festival with so many program highlights.
"This will 'literally' be the best weekend in Bendigo, and we cannot wait to welcome you," Ms Amos said.
"Be part of aspiring conversations, indulge in a feast of words and savour gastronomic delights.
"The program has been released so now is the time to check out the sessions and plan your Bendigo Writers Festival weekend. Tickets go on sale from 10am on Thursday June 13."
