Festival '25

Some of the nation’s leading thinkers share a big idea for a better Australia. Featuring prominent Australian economist and public policy commentator Richard Denniss, climate policy expert Persephone Fraser, advocate and signatory to the Uluru Statement From The Heart Thomas Mayo and acclaimed author and academic Julianne Schultz. With Alice Grundy. Supported by The Australia Institute

Get fresh perspectives from some of the most exciting young writers in Australian media and politics. The Guardian’s Matilda Boseley joins Cheek Media Co. Hannah Ferguson in a galvanising conversation with broadcaster and social policy expert Jamila Rizvi. Supported by The Guardian

How do we define womanhood and what role does gender play in the recent works of three inimitable writers? Acclaimed authors Nikki Gemmell (Wing) and Emily Maguire (Rapture) join Indian graphic storyteller and feminist activist Ita Mehrotra (In The Time of a Tree) to explore the shape of gender and identity. With Professor Mary Spongberg.

An uplifting conversation celebrating queer life, love and stories with three beautiful writers – novelist Hannah Kent, memoirist Robert Dessaix and Indian poet Akhil Katyal. With ABC Radio National’s Daniel Browning. Supported by The Vasudhara Fund

Discover the best new and innovative fiction from three acclaimed writers, graphic novelist Rachel Ang (I Ate the Whole World to Find You), romantasy queen Tigest Girma (Immortal Dark) and speculative fiction luminary Jennifer Mills (Salvage) in conversation with Lynda Hawryluk.

How do you get your story out there without a traditional publisher? Learn how to publish your own books with two of the best in the self-publishing business, Chris Munnery and Anna Featherstone. Supported by IngramSpark.

After years of attacks on humanities and social-science faculties, our tertiary institutions have become battlegrounds for culture wars. Join celebrated intellectual Barry Jones and arts advocate Esther Anatolitis to discuss the role of the university in public life – and what needs to be done to protect it. With Carody Culver.

Long Yarn Short is the blockbuster memoir from one of the most powerful voices of a generation. From surviving out-of-home care to becoming a human rights lawyer, Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts shares her incredible story in a bid to drive positive change for First Nations youth. With Rhianna Patrick.

Australian BookTok star Stacey McEwan and Sex Lives of Married Women author Saman Shad talk about the do’s, don'ts and ‘don't stop’ of writing about sex and love, why it’s important to write these stories and why we love to read them. With Robert Watkins.

Raise your voice in song with passion and purpose in a fabulous festival finale! Shire Choir is a beloved local community singalong, a joyous pop-up choir experience led by Melia Naughton, accompanied by Jamie Birrell and produced by Sally Schofield. All voices are welcome, no experience required.

Lisa Messenger and Sarah Megginson (The Power of Two) share their story of life-changing friendship, surrogacy and connection in a frank, vulnerable and humorous discussion with Mandy Nolan.