PROGRAM ...................................................................................................................................................
10-12 AUGUST 2012
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Bendigo Writers Festival, launched in this National Year of Reading, is an event which celebrates all kinds of writing, for all kinds of readers. Planning for this inaugural event involved Goldfields Library Corporation CEO Carolyn Macvean and Bendigo Tourism’s Kathryn Mackenzie, and began with discussions about how it’s a perfect time for Bendigo, our city of more than 100,000 people in the heart of regional Victoria, to host a threeday festival of interviews, forums, performances, readings and workshops. We talked about how the Capital, a glorious heritage building with a suite of lovely spaces, is just right
for a writers and readers talk-fest. With the blessing of the City of Greater Bendigo’s director of City Futures, Stan Liacos, and councillor Rod Fyffe who put up his hand to become the Festival’s chairman, the Capital became host and presenter of Bendigo Writers Festival. Without the vision of the Capital’s director, David Lloyd, the idea would never have become reality. The Capital’s marketing director, Jacoba Kelly, has been instrumental in managing the festival as it took shape. La Trobe University’s Sue Gillett and Sarah Mayor Cox joined in to help program our festival. Their optimism and expertise are invaluable.
The involvement of writers Di Dempsey and John Charalambous, Dawn Rasmussen from Bendigo Writers Council, and Ian Irvine from Bendigo TAFE has also been crucial, as we gradually joined all the dots to make the picture come together. Bendigo TAFE has shown courage in tough times, backing the excellence of their writing courses with an investment in the future. And Telstra Business Centres Bendigo are backing some of the most important people in town – our volunteers, who will be there to help our program run smoothly. (We hope you forgive the inevitable hiccups.) The Wheeler Centre in Mel-
BendigoWeekly www.bendigoweekly.com.au
bourne has also invested in our part of Victoria, and we are grateful for their interest and support. Bendigo Weekly – Bendigo’s independent community newspaper – is proud to be behind Bendigo Writers Festival. We think Bendigo is one of the finest places to live in the world, a small city with a big heart, an intriguing history, and increasingly good food and wine. It’s so good, you could write a book about it. Or create a festival within it... Bendigo Writers Festival. We hope you can join us and be part of it. We promise you will be very welcome. Rosemary Sorensen
BENDIGO WRITERS FESTIVAL 2012 PROGRAM Welcome...
Councillor Rod Fyffe, chairman, Bendigo Writers Festival Bendigo has grown to become an optimistic and energetic cultural centre. This new festival for writers and readers is part of that positive momentum. Bendigo Writers Festival is a wonderful opportunity to gather in the View Street cultural precinct where we will welcome writers to share stories with us, and to tell some of our own. On behalf of the City of Greater Bendigo council and the organising group, I welcome you to the inaugural event, and hope you find much to enjoy.
Andrew Skewes, Director, La Trobe University Bendigo campus La Trobe University’s cultural mission is to foster involvement with the communities we serve. As a partner in the inaugural Bendigo Writers Festival, we are delighted to demonstrate that commitment. The feast of events on the program caters to a wide range of literary tastes. Our staff and students are looking foward to being involved in this dynamic event and to help make it a great first for the city. Enjoy!
Keynote sessions, performances, readings Friday August 10
Gold Mine, 61 metres below ground. Participants are asked to meet at the mine at 2.50pm, for the descent. $15. Bookings online at www.central-deborah. com or 5443 8322.
5.00-6.00pm Old Fire Station Next Gen After a festival day for younger readers (see program below), we prepare for the weekend with a panel session showcasing our new generation of writers. The new director of Clunes Booktown Festival Stephen Samuels is joined by Vogels Award winners Lisa Lang (Utopia Man) and Paul D Carter (Eleven Seasons) along with performance poet Emilie Zoey Baker. They talk to up-and-coming sports journalist Joel Peterson about how they got started and their plans for the future. This session is included in your Saturday or 2-day Festival pass. 6-7pm Capital Theatre Friday Keynote: David Marr Outspoken, witty and eloquent, David Marr writes about politics, society and the media. He is the biographer of Australia’s Nobel Prize winning author, Patrick White. Introduced by La Trobe University lecturer Sue Gillett, he will talk about the new role of the media and about standing up for what matters, about politics and social conscience and about the life and legacy of Patrick White. Presented by La Trobe University Bendigo campus. Session ticket $12/10.
Saturday August 11 11.00-11.30am Bendigo Art Gallery Meet the Author: Reading Kevin Brophy reads from his new book of prose poems, Radar. This session is included in your Saturday or 2-day Festival pass. 11.45am-1.45pm Bendigo Art Gallery, sculpture annexe Lunch with Ita Buttrose Introduced by Bendigo businesswoman, Margot Spalding, Ita Buttrose will talk about her amazing life, as a warm-up to her keynote address. Two-course lunch prepared by chef Renzo Panozzo, with a glass of wine and tea or coffee, $55. Bookings 5434 6088.
3.00-3.30pm Bendigo Art Gallery Meet the author: Reading Young adult novelist Maureen McCarthy reads from her new novel, The Convent. This session is included in your Saturday or 2-day Festival pass.
Ita Buttrose
1.00-2.00pm Capital Theatre Saturday Keynote: Ita Buttrose She set agendas, dictated style, and changed the way magazine publishing was done in Australia. One of the most respected speakers in Australia and the author/co-author of ten books, Ita Buttrose speaks with featurewriter Di Dempsey about the passions that shaped her life. From business to the arts, this is a woman whose determination and ability has kept her at the forefront of public life for many decades. Presented by the Wheeler Centre. Session ticket $12/$10. 3.00-4.30pm Central Deborah Gold Mine Deep and Meaningful: readings down the mine. A world first event: Festival chairman Rod Fyffe hosts Margo Lanagan, Paul D Carter, Sydney Smith, Dennis O’Keefe and Lucy Sussex, in the unique function room of the Paul D Carter Central Deborah
4.30-5.30pm Capital Theatre Saturday Keynote: Gideon Haigh Equally expert talking about powerplays in the business world as about those in cricket, Gideon Haigh’s sharp and subtle mind has made him one of our most respected analytical writers. Among his dozens of books are The Vincibles, The Greatest Test and Asbetsos House. He will talk with Bendigo Weekly editor Anthony Radford about whether the Australian cricket team can win back the Ashes, and about his new social history of The Office, from its humble beginnings to the corporate towers or desk-at-home of today. Session ticket $12/$10. 7.15-7.45pm Bendigo Bank Theatre Writing Diving for Pearls: pre-show talk Playwright Katherine Thompson talks about her play, a moving exploration of how communities face life-changing adversity with courage and humour. Hosted by Manager of the Capital, David Lloyd. This session is included in your Saturday or 2-day festival pass, and is also included in your ticket to Diving for Pearls, at the Capital Theatre, 8pm. 8.00pm Capital Theatre Diving for Pearls The story of feisty Barbara and stubborn Den, who live in a small town facing dramatic change from industrial backwater to tourist resort. Dramatic, and very funny, Katherine Thompson’s play has become a
classic of Australian theatre, and this short season in Bendigo is part of the festival. Tickets $41/$35, or $34/$31 for Saturday night show if purchased with your day or festival pass.
Sunday August 12 12.30-1.30pm Capital Theatre Sunday Keynote: Don Watson Revered for his scathing and hilarious denunciation of “weasel words” in public and corporate discourse, Don Watson is a social historian, scriptwriter and essayist. He changed the way political history and memoir can be written, when he published Recollections of a Bleeding Heart, about his time as speechwriter to Prime Minister Paul Keating. He will talk to general manager of the Bendigo Weekly Peter Kennedy about his writing, including his soon-to-be-published book about the Australian bush. Presented by La Trobe University Bendigo campus. Session ticket $12/$10. 2.00-3.00pm Capital Theatre Anytime the Wind Can Change Singer songwriter Kavisha Mazella is passionate about music and Kavisha Mazella human rights. Arnold Zable is equally committed to using writing as a force against injustice. They team up in performance, taking us through the sadness and joys of courage in the face of adversity. Session ticket $12/$10. 2.30-3.30pm Pondalowie Cellar and Store Reds and Reading Pondalowie’s new cellardoor, Cellar and Store, on View Street, hosts an intimate reading for a warm afternoon treat. With art historian Janine Burke, Tony Birch, shortlisted for the Miles Franklin award, and the inimitable long-time film critic and literature-lover John Flaus. Tickets $10, includes a glass of Pondalowie’s 5-star
Friday August 10 Text Marks the Spot For primary and secondary school students and their teachers, Text Marks the Spot presents some of our best-known Australian authors. Hands-on workshops and panel sessions for groups and individuals provide an opportunity to listen and talk to writers and illustrators. And throughout the festival, you can visit the Artists’ Studio in the Capital, for a glimpse behind the scenes of book illustration. Peter Kennedy, General Manager, Bendigo Weekly A new festival for our city is a significant event. At the Bendigo Weekly, we know how important it is to provide opportunities for the whole community to be part of the changing culture, as we grow in numbers and confidence. A writers festival also celebrates our heritage, the many people who have shaped what we are today. And for our young people, the focus on writing and communication as well as the opportunity to hear from some of the best writers in the country is an excellent opportunity to foster their aspirations. We wish everyone involved all the best for a wonderful festival.
For tickets, updates on the program and any late changes, plus more information on writers and sessions: www.bendigowritersfestival.com.au
and on facebook.
10-11am Bendigo Bank Theatre Making Lightning Jack Writer Glenda Millard and illustrator Patricia Mullins talk with La Trobe University’s David Beagley about their collaboraGlenda Millard tion on The Story of Lightning Jack. Suitable for primary school students. Includes a Q&A session.
1-2pm Bendigo Bank Theatre Horrible girls, cats and chickens The world according to Leigh Hobbs, creator of Old Tom and other assorted (adored) characters. Hosted by Paul Morris.
11am-noon Visual Arts Centre Glenda Millard workshops how to turn an idea into a story, with primary school students.
2.30-3.30pm Bendigo Bank Theatre Wondrous writing Margo Lanagan walks the line between the real and the imaginary, inviting readers young and not-so-young to go with her into strange places. The awardwinning author talks to Sarah Mayor Cox about the allure of speculative fiction and her new book, Sea Hearts. Suitable for secondary and older.
11.30am -12.30pm Bendigo Bank Theatre Partners in laughter Writer Doug MacLeod and illustrator Craig Smith talk with Sarah Mayor Cox about how to keep the humour fresh. Suitable for secondary students. Sponsored by ALEA CVLC, SLAV Bendigo, ALEA Victoria and CBCA Bendigo. 12.30-1pm Banquet Room/Festival Hub Launch of Heather Falls in the Water Doug MacLeod and Craig Smith celebrate their new picture book, published by Allen & Unwin.
Craig Smith
1-2pm Old Fire Station Craig Smith leads a workshop session on how to keep it simple to create a style and the importance of the imagination in bringing a blank page to life. 2-3pm La Trobe Visual Arts Centre Leigh Hobbs workshops with students, talking about breaking the writing rules and helps young writers to find their own stories from everyday life.
Margo Lanagan
3.30-4.30pm Festival Hub Meet the Writers An informal chat session with Glenda Millard, Patricia Mullins, Doug MacLeod, Craig Smith, Leigh Hobbs and Margo Lanagan. 4.30- 5pm Banquet Room/Festival Hub Book Launch Bendigo writer and illustrator Chris Kennett launches his new picture book, Rudy Toot.
Ticketing All Text Marks the Spot sessions are free. Bookings for individuals or school groups can be made online via www.bendigowritersfestival.com.au. For information, contact the Capital box office on 5434 6001 or La Trobe University Education office in Bendigo on 5444 7885.
The Artists’ Studio Setting up on Friday, then running through the weekend, the Capital’s foyer will become an artists’ studio space. Drop by to see who is at work, to have a chat with writers, illustrators and publishers, to browse through work-in-progress from some of Australia’s best illustrators. For the first time, too, artist Craig Smith will display his “Life’s Work”, a collage of sketches, drafts, drawings and completed illustrations from a lifetime’s creation. Not an artwork but a work of artistic effort, this big collage will be hung in the Capital foyer for the duration of the Festival. Life’s Work will be installed by Paul Morris, courtesy of La Trobe University Bendigo campus. Free.
BENDIGO WRITERS FESTIVAL 2012 PROGRAM Saturday August 11 Venue
10.00am 10.30am
Bendigo Bank Theatre
Banquet Room
Old Fire Station
Visual Arts Centre
Panel Sessions
Festival Hub
Writers talks and interviews
Workshops and discussions
10.00-11.00am: How True? Should we believe what we read? Lisa Lang, Judith Armstrong, David Marr and Michael McKernan talk with Jonathan Ridnell about accuracy, respect, what to leave out and how far you can go when writing about real life. Sponsored by Rod Fyffe.
11.00am
11.30am
12.00pm
10.30-11.00am Hot seat: Grunge writer and organiser of the Newstead Shot Story Tattoo Neil Boyack talks with Ian Irvine. 11.00-11.30am Hot seat: Castlemaine poet Ross Donlon talks with Sue King-Smith.
11.30am-12.30pm Young at Heart Why writers choose to write for younger readers, and how they keep their work fresh. Doug Macleod, Craig Smith, Maureen McCarthy and Glenda Millard talk with Jenny Niven. Sponsored by ALEA Central Victoria, SLAV Bendigo, ALEA Victoria and CBCA Bendigo.
12.30pm
10.00-10.45am Spotlight: Leigh Hobbs Artist author Leigh Hobbs talks to Sarah Mayor Cox about how he came up with his characters Horrible Harriet, Old Tom and Mr Chicken, and how his books have travelled the world. 11.00-11.45am Spotlight: Dennis O’Keeffe Singer writer Dennis O’Keeffe plays the music and talks to Charon Freebody about his book on Australia’s alternative National Anthem, Waltzing Matilda.
Noon-12.45pm Spotlight: My Brllliant Career Long-time screenwriter and Ned Kelly expert Ian Jones and one-time actor and legendary film critic John Flaus talk with curator-writer Megan Spencer. Sponsored by El Gordo.
Noon-1.00pm Writers information session Marie Alafaci from the Australian Society of Authors will speak about the business side of writing and answer questions. Everything from how to get published to contracts and distribution. Sponsored by the Australian Society of Authors.
1.00-1.45pm Spotlight: Tony Birch Memoirist and novelist Tony Birch talks to publisher 1.30-2.00pm Hot seat: Bendigo short story and feature John Hunter about turning the tough times into winning books. writer Mary Pomfret talks with Dawn Rasmussen.
1.00-2.00pm How to write for an online audience: blogs and social media. How does writing for the web differ from writing in print? ABC Open’s Jane Curtis and blogger Megan Burke discuss new media, blogging and social networks. Get tips on how to make your online persona successful, and ask questions of a couple of experts.
Noon-12.30pm Hot seat: Performance poet Emilie Zoey Baker talks with blogger Megan Burke. 12.30-1.00pm Hot seat: Bendigo poet Tru Dowling talks with Bendigo TAFE’s Tom McWilliam.
1.00pm 1.30pm
1.00-2.00pm The Creative Garden Heide Museum of Modern Art curators Leslie Harding and Kendrah Morgan talk with Kareen Anchen (from Cascade Print Workshop) about the historic kitchen garden created in 1936 by Sunday Reed.
2.00pm
2.00-2.30pm Hot seat: Poet Bruce Oakman talks with 2.00-2.45pm Spotlight: Alex Miller writer and publisher John Holton. Miles Franklin winner Alex Miller talks to ABC Central Victoria’s Fiona Parker about his latest novel, Autumn 2.30-3.00pm Hot seat: Geoff Brown talks about his Laing. hard-hitting memoir with Tom McWilliam.
2.30pm 3.00pm
3.30pm
4.00pm
10.30am-Noon Writers Unblock How to write fast and well. Three writers take participants through a series of writing exercises aimed at beating writer’s block. Tips and ideas to get you writing immediately. With Dawn Rasmussen, Kylie Hendy and Jess Anastasi. Sponsored by Bendigo Writers Council.
3.00-3.30pm Hot seat: Writing local history with the Bendigo Historical Society’s Jim Evans, hosted by La Trobe Univerisity’s Charles Fahey. 3.30-4.30pm Are We There Yet? The role of writing in changing social conscience: Alexis Wright, Hanifa Deen, Sulari Gentill and Arnold Zable talk with Shannon Kerrigan about whether writers can make a difference.
4.30pm
3.00-3.45pm Spotlight: Janine Burke Art historian and novelist Janine Burke talks with Clare Kennedy about her latest book, Nest: The Art of Birds. 3.30-4.00pm Hot seat: Romance writer Jess Anastasi Sponsored by Rod Fyffe. talks with Megan Burke.
4.30-6.00pm Bendigo Writes: Bendigo TAFE launches Scintillae, the new anthology of writers who live in or got their start in Bendigo.
5.00pm
2.30-4.30pm How to write your memoir Carmel Bird is the author of Writing the Story of Your Life: The Ultimate Guide. She guides participants in a writing workshop designed to unlock that inner memoirist, a practical and entertaining introduction to that book you’ve always wanted to write.
4.00-4.45pm Spotlight: Margo Lanagan Fantasy writer Margo Lanagan talks with Sarah Mayor Cox about her latest novel, Sea Hearts.
Sunday August 12 Venue
10.00am 10.30am
Bendigo Bank Theatre
Banquet Room
Old Fire Station
Visual Arts Centre
Panel Session
Festival Hub
Writers talks and interviews
Workshops and discussions
10.00-11.00am What makes a hero? Hanifa Deen, Ian Jones, Gideon Haigh and Janine Burke talk with Emma Robertson about who we admire and why, and the role of the writer in creating legends.
10.30-11am Country Manners: Macedon Ranges doctor Paul Carter talks with Julie Millowick about the wealth he found in local stories.
10.00-10.45am Spotlight: Katherine Thompson The playwright talks with Fiona Parker about writing for theatre and the importance of telling our own stories on stage.
11.00am
11.00am-Noon Small Publishers do it Better Many great Australian writers emerged and became 11.30am successful because of the passion of the independent 11.30am-12.30pm Mothers and Fathers publisher. John Hunter, Kirsty Wilson, Erica Wagner Paul D Carter, Sydney Smith and Tony Birch have writ- and Zoe Dattner talk to John Charalambous about ten about the damage family secrets and bad relations what small publishers provide. can cause. Ross Donlon, whose new book of poems is 12.00pm a tribute to his father, will lead the discussion. 12.30pm 1.00pm 1.30pm 2.00pm
1.30-2.30pm The Horror! Brett McBean, Cameron Oliver and Lucy Sussex talk with Geoff Brown about what frightens us now, and how speculative fiction writers are responding in books and on screen.
1.30-2-30pm G ‘n’ Tea Bendigo society talk-show hostess, Gena McLean, invites Lauren Mitchell and John Holton, to share a cuppa, some gossip, anecdotes and writing tips.
2.30pm 3.00pm 3.30pm
4.00pm 4.30pm 5.00pm
3.00-4.00pm His and Hers Jess Anastasi, Margo Lanagan, and John Flaus talk with Sofia Ahlberg about the difference between women’s and men’s writing.
3.00-3.30pm Hot seat: Poet Lisa Jacobson in conversation with Sue King-Smith. 3.30-4.00pm Book Launch Kevin Brophy launches Sue Gillett’s book of poems, Cassandra in Red. 4.00-6.00pm Bendigo Slam: Presented by Bendigo TAFE, hosted by Ian Irvine and Tru Dowling, this is the Festival Finale, a chance to get involved as 25 poets compete for the Poetry Slam title. Participants can register from noon in the Capital foyer.
10.00-11.30am So this is poetry too Kevin Brophy and Emilie Zoey Baker talk with Sue Gillett about what makes a poem, why poetry can do what other writing can’t, and new ways to write poetry in the 21st century. Plenty of opportunity, too, for discussion with participants.
11.00-11.45am Spotlight: Sulari Gentill Lawyer turned crime writer, truffle farmer and history buff, Sulari Gentill, talks with Mary Pomfret. Sponsored by Rod Fyffe.
Noon-12.45pm Spotlight: Arnold Zable Arnold Zable talks with Sue Gillett about memory and music, and his new book, Violin Lessons. 1.00-1.45pm Spotlight: Alexis Wright The Miles Franklin Award winner and rights activist talks with Jennifer Jones about indigenous writing. 2.00-2.45pm Spotlight: Ross McMullin The historian talks with fellow historian Michael McKernan about uncovering the stories behind major events. 3.00-3.45pm Spotlight: Andrew Grimes Bendigo-born Andrew Grimes talks with John Charalambous about his decision to write a historical crime trilogy. 4.00-4.45pm Spotlight: Kerry Greenwood Phryne Fisher’s creator, the writer who dared to write The Castlemaine Murders, talks with Lucy Sussex.
Noon-1.30pm The uses and abuses of philosophy: Tom McWilliam introduces the topic, followed by Roger Sworder (The Tyranny of the Machine), Harry Oldmeadow (The Fiction of Progress) and Brian Coman (The Philosophical Roots of Cultural Amnesia). Sponsored by Bendigo TAFE.
2.00-3.00pm Is reviewing still relevant? Di Dempsey, Kathy Hunt, Clare Kennedy and Judith Armstrong from the Lead Pencils reviewing group. Guaranteed lively discussion about the role of critics.
3.30-4.30pm Words and Music: Alanna and Alicia Egan talk about their songs, and play their music, hosted by members of the Gorgeous Voices choir.
www.bendigowritersfestival.com.au Venues
Speakers and presenters • Judith Armstrong’s latest book is War and Peace and Sonya, about Tolstoy’s wife. • Sofia Ahlberg teaches arts at La Trobe University Bendigo.
• Charles Fahey teaches history at La Trobe Univeristy Bendigo. • John Flaus is a writer and actor who also had a long, influential and controversial career as a film critic.
• Marie Alafaci is Victorian Development Officer with the Australian Society of Authors. • Jess Anastasi is a Bendigo romance writer.
ers who blend folk and jazz.
• Charon Freebody is editor, Alumni and Advancement, at La Trobe University Bendigo.
Emilie Zoey Baker
• Emilie Zoey Baker is a performance poet. • David Beagley lectures in children’s literature at La Trobe University Bendigo. • Tony Birch’s Shadowboxing, Blood and Father’s Day are about growing up in Melbourne’s western suburbs. • Carmel Bird has written or edited more than 20 books including memoir, crime, novels and how to write. Her most recent is The Fabulous Finola Fox.
• Sulari Gentill was a lawyer who now writes historic crime fiction. Her new “Rowland Sinclair” novel is Paving the Road. • Sue Gillett teaches communications at La Trobe University Bendigo. She is launching her first book of poems at the festival.
• Kevin Brophy is a professor of creative writing at Melbourne University. His new book of prose poems, Radar, is published this month. • Geoff Brown is president of the Kevin Brophy Australian Horror Writers Association. He recently published Hammered: Memoirs of an Addict. • Janine Burke is an art historian and novelist. Her new book is Nest: the art of birds. • Megan Burke is a well-known Melbourne blogger.
Kerry Greenwood
• Kerry Greenwood’s Phryne Fisher crime novels, which she has been writing for more than two decades, have been made into an ABC TV series. • Andrew Grimes, who was born in Bendigo, has just released his first historic crime novel, The Richmond Conspiracy.
Gideon Haigh
• Lesley Harding is a curator at Heide gallery. Her new book, with co-curator Kendrah Morgan, is Sunday’s Garden – Growing Heide.
• John Holton is a Bendigo-based writer and publisher. • Kathy Hunt is one of the Lead Pencils, a group of reviewers and book critics.
• Paul Carter’s fictionalised memoir, Megan Burke Hale and Hardy, is about life as a country doctor in the Macedon Ranges.
• John Hunter runs Hunter Publishers.
• Paul D Carter won this year’s Vogel’s Award for Eleven Seasons, about a teenage footballer with a family secret.
• Ian Irvine teaches creative writing at Bendigo TAFE.
• John Charalambous is the author of three novels, including Two Greeks and Silent Parts, which is about to be made into a film. • Brian Coman is a Bendigo philosopher.
• Lisa Jacobson is an award-winning poet. Her new verse novel is The Sunlit Zone.
• Jane Curtis is the Central Victorian producer for ABC Open.
• Ian Jones is a tv writer and director, and an author specialising in Ned Kelly.
• Zoe Dattner founded the independent Melbourne publishing house, Sleepers.
• Jennifer Jones teaches Indigenous Studies at La Trobe University Bendigo.
Hanifa Deen
• Hanifa Deen writes narrative non-fiction. Her new book, Ali Abdul v the King, is about Muslims and the White Australia policy.
a co-winner of the Vogel’s Award for young writers. • David Marr is a journalist, commentator and author. His books include Patrick White: A Life, Dark Victory and, most recently, Panic.
Lisa Jacobson
• Clare Kennedy is a Melbourne-based reviewer, and member of the Lead Pencils. • Peter Kennedy is general manager of the Bendigo Weekly. • Shannon Kerrigan is Equality and Diversity Co-ordinator, La Trobe University Bendigo.
• Tru Dowling’s first book of poetry, Memoirs of a Consenting Victim, was published this year by Mark Time Press.
• Lisa Lang’s novel, Utopian Man, was
• Cameron Oliver is an up-and-coming Cameron Oliver director and screenwriter, who worked on Wolf Creek and other horror films. He is planning a horror film set in his home-town – Bendigo. • Fiona Parker is a presenter on ABC Radio Central Victoria.
• Brett McBean writes horror stories based on real crimes. A member of the Australian Horror Association, his books include The Mother, The Last Motel and The Awakening.
• Mary Pomfret is a Bendigo writer.
• Maureen McCarthy’s young adult novel, Queen Cat, Carmel and St Jude Get a Life was made into a tv mini-series. Her new book is The Convent.
• Dawn Rasmussen is president of Bendigo Writers Council.
• Michael McKernan is a Canberra historian who has written on social history and, particularly, the affect of war on national identity.
• Anthony Radford is the editor of the Bendigo Weekly.
• Jonathan Ridnell is regional manager for the ABC in Bendigo and presents the Central Victoria breakfast program. • Emma Robertson lectures in history at La Trobe University Bendigo.
• Gena McLean is the author of Note to Self, published by Innovative Resources. • Doug MacLeod’s classic books for kids include Sister Madge’s Book of Nuns (illustrated by Craig Smith) and Kevin the Troll. • Ross McMullin is a historian and biographer with an interest in politics and sport. His latest book is Farewell Dear
Ross McMullin People.
• Tom McWilliam is co-ordinator in creative writing at Bendigo TAFE. • Glenda Millard is an award-winning Bendigo writer whose books include The Naming of Tishkin Silk, For All Creatures and Lightning Jack.
Craig Smith
• Stephen Samuels’ novel about Burke and Wills was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Award for an Unpublished Manuscript. He is the new director of Clunes Booktown Festival.
• Craig Smith has illustrated many books for kids including Sister Madge’s Book of Nuns, Bunga Witta and Save Our Sharks. • Sydney Smith founded the Victorian Mentoring Service for Writers. Her memoir, The Lost Woman, has just been published. • Megan Spencer curates the artspace at El Gordo Cafe in Chancery Lane. • Lucy Sussex is a science fiction and fantasy author, editor and academic. • Roger Sworder teaches Philosophy and Religious Studies at La Trobe University Bendigo.
• Alex Miller has Glenda Millard won the Miles Franklin Award twice, for The Ancestor Game and Journey to the Stone Country. His new novel is Autumn Laing. • Julie Millowick teaches visual arts at La Trobe University Bendigo. • Lauren Mitchell is a Bendigo feature writer. • Kendrah Morgan, curator at Heide art gallery, co-wrote with Lesley Harding Sunday’s Garden: Growing Heide. • Patricia Mullins is an award-winning authorillustrator. She illustrated Glenda Millard’s Lightning Jack. • Jenny Niven is deputy director of the Wheeler Centre. • Paul Northam is managing curator of La Trobe University’s Visual Arts Centre.
• Margo Lanagan writes stories and novels including speculative fiction. Her new novel is Sea Hearts.
• Ross Donlon is a Castlemaine poet and publisher. His new book is The Blue Dressing Gown.
David Marr
• Kavisha Mazella is an ARIA award-winning singer-songwriter with an interest in mysticism and community singing.
• Sue King-Smith is a poet and academic.
• Di Dempsey is a feature-writer and reviewer.
The Capital in View Street is the home of the Bendigo Writers Festival.
• Harry Oldmeadow is co-ordinator of Philosophy and Religious Studies at La Trobe University Bendigo.
• Sarah Mayor Cox lectures in childen’s literature at La Trobe University Bendigo.
• Gideon Haigh is a business and sports journalist and a worldrenowned cricket writer. His new book is The Office.
• Leigh Hobbs is the creator of the picturebook characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Mr Chicken, Fiona the Pig and Mr Badger. His new book is Horrible Harriet’s Inheritance
• Ita Buttrose’s memoir, A Passionate Life, has just been re-released.
uncovers the history of our national song.
• Katherine Thompson is a screenwriter and playwright whose works include Navigating, King Tide and Diving for Pearls, performed at The Capital during the Bendigo Writers Festival. • Erica Wagner is children’s book publisher at Allen & Unwin. • Don Watson’s books include Recollections of a Bleeding Heart, Death Sentence: the Decay of Public Language, Watson’s Dictionary of Weasel Words and American Journeys. He is a historian, scriptwriter and essayist.
• Kirsty Wilson is publicity manager at Text. • Alexis Wright won the Miles Franklin Award for her ground-breaking novel about indigenous Australia, Carpentaria.
• Bruce Oakman is a Bendigo poet and story-writer. • Dennis O’Keeffe is a singer-songwriter whose new book, Waltzing Matilda,
Don Watson
Alexis Wright
• Arnold Zable is a storyteller, writer and human rights advocate. His new book, Violin Lessons, is a collection of true stories about people and music.
Most sessions are in the Capital’s venues: The Capital Theatre, the Bendigo Bank Theatre and the Banquet Room, which is also the Festival Hub where you will find session information. Sessions are also scheduled in the Capital’s Old Fire Station, next door to the main venue. Workshop sessions and panel events take place in the theatrette of La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre, opposite the Capital. Bendigo Art Gallery, Central Deborah Gold Mine and Pondalowie Cellar and Store also host events: session information for these events is on Page 2 of the program. Writers will be hosted for Sunday yum cha at the Golden Dragon Museum. Bendigo Writers Festival thanks Anita Jack for her support. Thanks, too, to Di Dempsey and Bendigo Winemakers Association for hosting the writers supper.
Ticketing Festival Pass $40/$35 concession Access to all sessions on Saturday and Sunday in the Banquet Room (Festival Hub), Bendigo Bank Theatre, Old Fire Station and Visual Arts Centre. Tailor your own festival to suit: you can go to one or two sessions or as many as you like.
Includes readings in Bendigo Art Gallery and Next Gen session, Friday 5pm in the Visual Arts Centre.
Saturday Pass $24/$20 concession Access to all Saturday sessions in the Banquet Room (Festival Hub), Bendigo Bank Theatre, Old Fire Station and Visual Arts Centre. Tailor your own festival to suit: you can go to one or two sessions or as many as you like.
Includes readings in Bendigo Art Gallery, and Next Gen session, Friday 5pm in the Visual Arts Centre.
Sunday Pass $20/$16 concession Access to all sessions in the Banquet Room (Festival Hub), Bendigo Bank Theatre, Old Fire Station and Visual Arts Centre. Tailor your own festival to suit: you can go to one or two sessions or as many as you like. Keynote Sessions $12/$10 concession For keynote sessions throughout the festival in the Capital Theatre (David Marr, Ita Buttrose, Gideon Haigh, Don Watson and Anytime the Wind Can Change performance). See Page 2 for details. Tickets for other events as indicated in the program or online. For Friday “Text Marks the Spot” schools and young readers events, please see information on Page 2
Book online at: www.bendigowritersfestival.com.au By phone: The Capital box office 5434 6100 In person: The Capital, 50 View Street, Bendigo Mon-Fri 9.15am-5.15pm, Sat 10am-1pm
...................................................................................................................................................................... • Alanna and Alicia Egan are singer-songwrit-
Margo Lanagan
Dennis O’Keeffe
Major sponsors:
Presenting partners: Major sponsor and print media partner: Host supporters:
BendigoWeekly
Volunteer sponsor:
www.bendigoweekly.com.au
Media supporter: With thanks to Rod Fyffe.