READERS & WRITERS FESTIVAL 2019 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • JUNE
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OUR SPONSORS
Anne & Kim Pedlow
Arbitare Pty Ltd
We would like to respectfully acknowledge the Southern Yamatji Peoples who are the Traditional Owners and First People of the land on which we stand. The Nhanhagardi, Wilunyu, Amangu. We would like to pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of the Southern Yamatji Peoples.
WELCOME TO BIG SKY 2019 Welcome to Big Sky 2019, where Oceans of Opportunity sparkles with creative talent. Warmly, we welcome lovers of the written and spoken word, to our Festival, which has proudly been hosted by the City of Greater Geraldton since 2004. In 2019, we introduce new elements to our programme. An evocative, annual address to honour Randolph Stow, will be inaugurated by John Kinsella - while a role reversal of our special guests will see home grown talent shine in the limelight. An art exhibition by Marina Baker, Sightlines, will recount Big Sky over the years. Three of our old favourites return – the Big Sky Feast, a Literary High Tea, Tales and Teacups and also a poetry night, Verse in the Valley. Our Keynote Speaker, Dr Anita Heiss, will share with us her perspective as an advocate for indigenous literature and literacy. We also invite you to challenge your creativity through workshops on both local history publishing and romantic authorship, as well as take part in our new photography competition, “The Best of Big Sky”. Of course, there are always plenty of thought-provoking sessions, thanks to all our special guests and local moderators, with book signings, music, good food, comedy and conversation. Our sincere thanks to our major partner, Writing WA, all sponsors and to the committed, hardworking Library staff, without whom this Festival would not be possible. See you in Geraldton, 13-16 June 2019! Trudi Cornish - Big Sky Festival Director
Oceans of Opportunity
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OUR SPECIAL GUESTS
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MARINA BAKER
PETER BRIDGE OAM
DR HOWARD GRAY
DR ANITA HEISS
STEVE HERON OAM
PAUL ISKOV
DR MICHELLE JOHNSTON
JOHN KINSELLA
BILL LAWRIE
CLAIRE MOODIE
CHARMAINE PAPERTALK-GREEN
TRACY RYAN
HOLDEN SHEPPARD
ALLI SINCLAIR
LISA WALKER
DAVID WHISH-WILSON
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PRE-FESTIVAL EVENTS
Tumultuous Tales Oral History Afternoon
Date: Wednesday 5 June Time: 1.30pm - 3.00pm Venue: Geraldton Regional Library RSVP: 9956 6659 | library@cgg.wa.gov.au Free Event Light refreshments provided Join three Geraldton locals; John Gummery, Jane Liddon and Leon Norris, with Dr Howard Gray as they share their personal encounters with our beautiful, wild coast.
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FRIENDS OF GERALDTON LIBRARY
Book Sale SATURDAY 8 JUNE 2019 9.30am – 12.00 noon Geraldton Regional Library BARGAINS GALORE!
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The Age of Romance Presented by Alli Sinclair Date: Thursday 13 June Time: 9.30am - 12.00pm Venue: Geraldton Regional Library Tickets: $35.00 (details pg29) Includes morning tea How do you craft a riveting romance story? What sets romance writing apart from other forms of fiction? This workshop will take you through the fundamentals of the genre. Learn about plotting, crafting memorable characters and creating scenes that sizzle. This workshop is full of hot tips for writing and publishing your own romance fiction.
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Local History: Research and Publishing Presented by Peter Bridge OAM with Dr Nancy Broad Date: Friday 14 June Time: 9.30am - 12.00pm Venue: Geraldton Regional Library Tickets: $35.00 (details pg29) Includes morning tea Are you a writer or researcher of local history? Hesperian Press has been publishing real Australian books since 1969, with well over 700 titles released. Peter will share his expert knowledge, enabling writers with the confidence to make their research readily available in a permanent form.
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Ladies Luncheon
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Empowering Indigenous Women Through Literature Dr Anita Heiss in conversation with Charmaine Papertalk-Green Time: 11.30am - 1.30pm Venue: Central Regional TAFE, Aboriginal Learning Centre, (J Block) 173-175 Fitzgerald St, Geraldton Tickets: $20.00 (Adult), $10.00 (Student) (details pg29) Dr Anita Heiss is a prolific author of non-fiction, historical fiction, chick lit, poetry, social commentary and travel articles. She is a regular guest at writers’ festivals and travels internationally performing her work and lecturing on Indigenous literature. Anita will inspire women both young and old through her recounting of life growing up Aboriginal in Australia. Join us for a delicious light luncheon, with MC Nola Gregory.
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OPENING NIGHT & EXHIBITION
Opening Night
Big Sky Readers & Writers Festival 2019 MC Peter Fiorenza Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm Venue: Geraldton Regional Library RSVP: 9956 6659 | library@cgg.wa.gov.au Free Event Light refreshments provided Come along and celebrate the opening of Big Sky 2019, where you can meet our guests, catch up with friends and plan the weekend ahead. Enjoy the opening of Sightlines by local artist, Marina Baker, live music and light refreshments.
Exhibition Sightlines
An exhibition by Marina Baker Venue: Geraldton Regional Library and Geraldton Universities Centre Free Event
Sightlines – an exhibition by Marina Baker, recounting Big Sky over the past years. Sightlines will be exhibited for the first time at the Geraldton Regional Library, followed by installation at the Geraldton Universities Centre,15-16 June.
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BIG SKY FOR YOUTH Each year all local schools are invited to participate in Big Sky. Thank you to the following host schools for 2019.
THURSDAY 13 JUNE Holden Sheppard
Mullewa District High School 10.00am - 11.00am
Steve Heron OAM
St Lawrence’s Primary School 9.30am - 10.30am 11.05am - 12.05pm Nagle Catholic College 2.15pm - 3.15pm
FRIDAY 14 JUNE Dr Anita Heiss
Champion Bay Senior High School 11.25am - 12.25pm 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Holden Sheppard
Nagle Catholic College 8.55am - 9.45am 10.35am - 11.25am 12.45pm - 1.35pm
Steve Heron OAM
St Johns Primary School 11.10am - 12.10pm Walkaway Primary School 1.30pm - 2.30pm
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It ’s Storytime Friday 14 June 9.30am – 10.30am Geraldton Regional Library with STEVE HERON OAM Free Event, no RSVP required
Join us for an hour of lively story reading, songs, rhymes and simple crafts. Suitable for pre-school aged children.
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Delicious Encounters of the Local Kind Special guest Chef Paul Iskov of Fervor Time: 7.00pm - 10.00pm Venue: Function Room, Geraldton Multipurpose Centre, 250 Marine Tce, Geraldton Tickets: $65.00 (details pg29) The concepts of ‘sustainable cooking’ and ‘foraging’ are philosophies that many chefs and restaurants have embraced. Special guest speaker, celebrated WA Chef Paul Iskov, will share with us his passion for introducing native Australian produce to the home chef. Includes a fabulous cooking demonstration by Paul, celebrating local produce, and dinner menu catered by Dalgleish. Bar available, courtesy of the Geraldton and Districts Fishing Club.
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SATURDAY 15 JUNE
Oceans of Opportunity Keynote Address Delivered by Dr Anita Heiss Time: 9.15am - 10.00am Venue: Geraldton Universities Centre Free Event (details pg29)
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SESSION 1 Time: 10.30am - 11.30am Venue: Geraldton Universities Centre Free Events (details pg29) Lucida Intervalla John Kinsella, with Glyn Parry A lucida intervalla is a Latin phrase describing one of those startling ‘lucid intervals’ experienced by the insane. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Kinsella’s new novel follows art journalist, artist, and social media sensation Lucida Intervalla and her exploits and thoughts about art, political protest, eternity, and the absolute. Gritty City David Whish-Wilson and Dr Howard Gray, with Claire Moodie Sometimes history can be uncomfortable. Writing historical true crime which delves into the human psyche. Dustfall Dr Michelle Johnston, with Kerry Stewart A fictional exploration of the consequences of medical error, played out against the harsh Australian landscape.
SATURDAY 15 JUNE SESSION 2 Time: 12.00pm - 1.00pm Venue: Geraldton Universities Centre Free Events (details pg29)
SESSION 3 Time: 1.45pm - 2.45pm Venue: Geraldton Universities Centre Free Events (details pg29)
Armchair Escapism Dr Anita Heiss, Alli Sinclair and Tracy Ryan, with Lorraine Chapman How does creative writing transport us beyond the realm of the everyday?.
The Great Debate Euphorium Creative V David Whish-Wilson, Paul Iskov and Bill Lawrie. Moderated by Grant Woodhams
Diversity Through Literary Expression Holden Sheppard and Steve Heron, with Trudi Cornish Using the written word as a powerful tool for addressing and challenging stereotypes. Freo Groove Claire Moodie and Bill Lawrie, with Sue Chiera Musicians of Fremantle: a window into the vibrant music scene of this exciting Port City.
Gender Equality: Myth or Reality? Gender equity means being fair to women and men. Western society is increasingly closing the historic divide between the sexes. But which is the fairer sex? A lighthearted debate on the statement that “Gender equality is a myth�. Perhaps there are Oceans of Opportunity for everyone.
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SATURDAY 15 JUNE SESSION 4 Time: 3.15pm - 4.00pm Venue: Geraldton Universities Centre Free Events (details pg29) The Art of Blogging Lisa Walker and Holden Sheppard, with Alli Sinclair Fast and furious social media platform or new-age diary? The Jambinbirri-Champion Bay Project: Genesis and Impact Dr Howard Gray, with Victor Tanti How does diving into the history of one little bay reveal so much of our history over the last 400 years. How does this shape how we see ourselves and our future?
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Randolph Stow Address Writing the Place: the Process of Conjuring Landscape With John Kinsella Time: 4.30pm - 5.30pm Venue: Geraldton Regional Library Free Event (details pg29) Light refreshments provided John Kinsella delivers the first of this new and evocative inaugural address in honour of celebrated literary genius, locally born author and poet, Randolph Stow.
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Verse in the Valley
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Oakabella Homestead and Tea Rooms Hosted by Claire Moodie, with special guests John Kinsella, Tracy Ryan and Bill Lawrie. Join us at the historic Oakabella Homestead (est. 1850s) for a rustic evening of poetry and live music. Includes open mic sessions, readings and buffet dinner. Bar provided, no BYO. Camping is available, contact venue direct on 9925 1033. Time: 7.00pm - 9.30pm Venue: Oakabella Homestead and Tea Rooms, Starling Road, Bowes Tickets: $45 or $55 with bus pass (details pg29) Bus leaves from Geraldton Regional Library (Chapman Road carpark) at 6.15pm sharp. Returns to Library carpark.
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SUNDAY 16 JUNE SESSION 1 Time: 10.00am - 11.00am Venue: Geraldton Universities Centre Free Event (details pg29)
SESSION 2 Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm Venue: Geraldton Universities Centre Free Event (details pg29)
Q and A: Land Ethic Under Scrutiny
Home Grown Local writers, with Holden Sheppard
“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back to whence we came”. John F. Kennedy More than ever before it is time to strike a balance between human interests and a healthy and biologically diverse natural environment. But where do our true connections lie – land or sea? How has our relationship with our natural environment shaped our modern existence?
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Let’s hear it for the Locals! Celebrate Geraldton’s talent as a selection of local writers showcase their creativity. Holden Sheppard interviews three up-coming local writers. Sex, Lies and Bonsai Lisa Walker with Anita Kirkbright The little book that could. Fancy being outed as an erotic writer in a small town?
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A Literary High Tea
Sumptuous cakes and other delicious delights await, amidst readings by Michelle Johnston, Lisa Walker and Alli Sinclair, with Meredith Wills. Chat with our special guests and enjoy welcome drinks in the garden on arrival. Time: 1.30pm - 3.00pm Venue: Ngala Midwest and Gascoyne, Gregory Street, Geraldton Tickets: $48.00 (details pg29)
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SATURDAY 15 & SUNDAY 16 JUNE
Food For Thought Cafe Big Sky Pop-up Bookshop Venue: Geraldton Universities Centre Delicious light refreshments, tea and coffee on sale at the Geraldton Universities Centre. Book signing will follow each session. Great books for sale.
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Yarns Workshop
With Kim and Mark Canny We all have a tale to tell. Yarns is a fun, friendly environment for all skill levels where you will learn to find, hone and express your story in a powerful and engaging way Includes one free ticket to Yarns in a Windy City to tell your tale. Age 16+.
Yarns in a Windy City Join talented locals for a night of true stories to inspire, thrill, titillate and transfix you in an intimate environment. Includes show and canapes. Age 16+. Under 18’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Yarns Workshop - three sessions Saturday 22 June 9.30am – 3pm Sunday 23 June 1.30pm – 4.30pm Saturday 29 June 1pm – 3pm LIBRARY AND CUTLER & SMITH
Yarns in a Windy City Saturday 29 June 7pm - 9.30pm CUTLER & SMITH
TICKETS (details pg29) Yarns Workshop $80 Yarns in a Windy City $40 More information contact Kim Canny 0437 560 504 info@majekcollective.com
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GUEST BIOGRAPHIES
MARINA BAKER Marina has lived in Geraldton since 2005, working as a teacher, lecturer and course coordinator and most recently as Collections Manager at the Museum & Art Gallery of New Norcia. Marina has a Master’s degree from University of Melbourne/VCA for research in Italy after being the recipient of an overseas studio grant from the Australia Council for the Arts.
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GUEST BIOGRAPHIES
PETER BRIDGE OAM
DR HOWARD GRAY
DR ANITA HEISS
Peter was born in Perth in 1943, and as a mineralogist compiled mining history data. Peter started Hesperian Press in 1969 and since that time, has published over 700 books, mainly history and biographies. Titles authored by Peter include The Eagles Nest, Russian Jack and Peterwangy (with G. Dreezens), with works edited including Dollypot, Before Coolgardie, and Savagery on the Swan River Settlement.
Howard is author of six award-winning books on natural and maritime history themes. Between tour guiding, lecturing and researching, he actively promotes the rich maritime heritage of the Batavia Coast. His efforts were recognised through the Heritage Council’s 2015 Award for Individual Voluntary Contribution to Heritage in Western Australia.
Anita is the author of non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial women’s fiction, kids fiction, social commentary and travel articles. She is a Lifetime Ambassador of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and a proud member of the Wiradjuri nation of central NSW. Her latest novel is Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms.
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GUEST BIOGRAPHIES
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STEVE HERON OAM
PAUL ISKOV
DR MICHELLE JOHNSTON
Steve has a passion to power hope by writing quality picture books and novels that engage children, at the same time aid with handling things life throws at them. He aspires to keep it real and unreal for kids in his books. Steve’s first middle-grade novel Maximus was published in 2018
Paul is one of Australia’s leading native food chefs, with experience working in the world’s best restaurants. His roving dining restaurant, Fervor, travels to natural settings and uses local, seasonal and foraged ingredients. Paul has appeared on television and is a winner of the WA Good Food Guide Industry Leadership Award.
Michelle is an Emergency Physician working at an inner-city hospital, and author, whose days consist mainly of trauma, mess and words. She is convinced there is a beating heart of humanity within the brutal reality of the ED. Her first novel, Dustfall, is about medical error, set in Wittenoom.
GUEST BIOGRAPHIES
JOHN KINSELLA
BILL LAWRIE
CLAIRE MOODIE
John’s most recent works include the novel Lucida Intervalla, the final volume of his Jam Tree Gully poetry trilogy, Open Door, and his collaborative work with Charmaine Papertalk-Green, False Claims of Colonial Thieves. He is a Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge University, and Professor of Literature and Sustainability at Curtin University, WA. John is a wadjala/whitefella who lives on Ballardong Noongar land.
Bill is a folk and blues musician, writer, and co-author (with Claire Moodie) of Freo Groove: Musicians of Fremantle. Bill grew up on the Fremantle fringe and drew early inspiration from the town and the musicians who inhabited the streets, the pubs and the markets. He lived in Melbourne and Hong Kong and has been a social worker and a bunch of other things.
Claire joined ABC News in Perth in 1997 and has since reported for 7.30, produced the state current affairs program Stateline and spent eight years covering Kimberley issues based in Broome. She loves music and Fremantle in equal proportions. Claire has recently published Freo Groove: Musicians of Fremantle with co-author Bill Lawrie.
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GUEST BIOGRAPHIES
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CHARMAINE PAPERTALK-GREEN
TRACY RYAN
HOLDEN SHEPPARD
Charmaine was born on Amangu country and is a member of the Wajarri and Badimaya cultural groups. Charmaine is a visual artist, poet and writer who began writing poetry in the late 1970s. Charmaine was instrumental in the incubation of touring exhibition Ilgarijiri – Things belonging to the Sky. In 2018, she collaborated with poet John Kinsella to publish the acclaimed work, False Claims of Colonial Thieves.
Tracy Ryan has published five novels and nine full-length poetry collections. Awards she has received include the Newcastle Poetry Prize, the ABR’s Peter Porter Poetry Prize, and the W.A. Premier’s Prize for Poetry. She has worked in libraries, bookselling, journalism and teaching, and is interested in languages and translation.
Holden is a Geraldton born-and-bred author. His debut novel Invisible Boys won both the 2018 City of Fremantle T.A.G. Hungerford Award and the 2017 Ray Koppe Award, and will be published in October 2019. Holden’s novella Poster Boy won the 2018 Novella Project competition and was published in Griffith Review.
GUEST BIOGRAPHIES
ALLI SINCLAIR
LISA WALKER
DAVID WHISH-WILSON
Alli is an award-winning author who has lived in Argentina, Peru, and Canada. She’s climbed some of the world’s highest mountains and loves taking readers on a journey of discovery. Alli’s books explore history, culture, love and grief, and relationships between family, friends and lovers.
Lisa has published five novels and an ABC radio play. Her most recent novels are a YA coming-of-age story Paris Syndrome (HarperCollins) and a climate change comedy Melt (Lacuna). Sex Lies and Bonsai, a novel about a shy erotica writer, was recently re-published by HarperCollins in the US and UK.
David is the author of five crime novels and three book-length works of creative non-fiction. He writes short fiction, reviews and essays, and text for public artworks. His most recent publications are The Coves, and Cathedral Square, both with Fremantle Press. David’s next novel is True West, to be published in late 2019. David is a Senior Lecturer at Curtin University, where he coordinates the creative writing program.
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FESTIVAL TEAM
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ANITA KIRKBRIGHT
DR NANCY BROAD
EUPHORIUM CREATIVE
GLYN PARRY
KERRY STEWART
Anita Kirkbright is the editor of The Geraldton Guardian and Midwest Times where she enjoys bringing local stories to readers and helping to shape the careers of young journalists. Anita is a past president of the former Writers of Geraldton and has taught creative writing at TAFE.
Nancy Broad has lived on remote sheep stations receiving correspondence lessons followed by six years of boarding schools. In later life she achieved a Doctorate which greatly assisted her writing career. Nan is continuing to research and write about Western Australian history.
Euphorium Creative endeavour to bring practicality, laughter and a smidgen of invincibility beyond the arts industry and our community – supporting artists of all shapes and forms to bring their works to light and building a cultural identity we can all lend a hand in creating.
Glyn Parry has contributed to Big Sky since the beginning. He’s a local author, a quiet achiever, and someone who values books and reading.
Kerry Stewart has a lifelong passion for books, writing and the arts. Kerry is a published poet and editor of an international dance magazine. Since her retirement from bookselling, Kerry has moderated sessions at the last four Big Sky Readers and Writers Festivals.
FESTIVAL TEAM
LORRAINE CHAPMAN Lorraine Chapman is a teacher, writer and sausage dog enthusiast. She loves helping people to discover the adventure of writing and the endless magic of creating stories. Lorraine is the President of Geraldton’s own writing group, Writers of the Coral Coast.
MEREDITH WILLS
PETER FIORENZA
SUE CHIERA
VICTOR TANTI
GRANT WOODHAMS
Meredith is the retired Director of the Geraldton Universities Centre and long-time supporter of Big Sky. As an avid reader Meredith has valued the opportunity to help host so many wonderful authors over the years at the GUC.
Born and bred in Geraldton, Peter has been teaching at Nagle Catholic College for the last 17 years. As well as hosting his own radio program on Community Station Radio Mama, Peter also writes a weekly column in the Geraldton Guardian.
Sue Chiera has lived and worked as a journalist around WA and in London: and has always been drawn back to Geraldton. Her friends recognise her as that crazy woman who lives near the beach with her cats and dogs…and she’s okay with that.
Victor Tanti has long had a keen interest in the people and places who have made Geraldton what it is today. His other interests include cricket, reading, walking and traveling. He is also a Councillor who is working hard to see mainstream tourism on the Abrolhos Islands.
Lives in Geraldton. Formerly worked as a reporter for ABC radio and television before turning his hand to politics and becoming a member of the Western Australian Parliament. Woodhams was Speaker of the House from 2008-2013. Interests include motor racing, Australian Rules Football, walking and writing.
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2018 HIGHLIGHTS Thank YOU for your tireless efforts and positive vibes.
We thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend. Thank you (and your staff) for your massive input and congratulations on such a successful festival. It just seems to get bigger and better every year!
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2018 HIGHLIGHTS
I now know why my wife will not miss this event every year.
As a resident of 25 years I am so proud that Geraldton holds such a wonderful festival.
Loved it, loved it, loved it! This is my favourite weekend of the year. We are so lucky to have this festival here, particularly with most of the events completely free. The Library has done a fantastic job. Thank you so much.
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PHOTO COMPETITION
Best of Big Sky Photo Competition
Photography enthusiasists - an opportunity to showcase your skills! Simply capture the spirit of our Festival for your chance to win cash prizes and showcase your work. Three categories - Sponsored by FOGL Best collection of general Festival photos (up to four photos) - $400 Best photo of Festival Guest(s) - $150 Best captured moment - $150 For entry forms, how to submit photos and terms/conditions, contact the Library on 9956 6659, email library@cgg.wa.gov.au or visit
library.cgg.wa.gov.au Entry forms are also available at Festival events.
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Geraldton Regional Library
Geraldton Multipurpose Centre
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TICKETS & VENUES
Festival Venues
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Most events (both free and paid) are ticketed. Tickets are booked via Eventbrite at eventbrite.com.au
Ngala Midwest and Gascoyne
Some free events will require an RSVP.
Geraldton Regional TAFE
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Geraldton Universities Centre
• Geraldton Regional Library, 37 Marine Terrace, Geraldton • Geraldton Universities Centre, 33 Onslow Street, Geraldton • Ngala Midwest and Gascoyne, 24-28 Gregory Street, Geraldton • Geraldton Multipurpose Centre, 25 Marine Terrace, Geraldton • Geraldton Regional TAFE, 173-175 Fitzgerald Street, Geraldton • Oakabella Homestead. Directions from Geraldton Regional Library - follow Chapman Rd to
Hosken St. At the round about take the 2nd exit onto NWC Highway. Continue on for 27.8km. Turn left into Starling Rd. Continue straight. Follow sign posts.
Booking/Program Enquiries: In person at the Geraldton Regional Library, 37 Marine Terrace, Geraldton. Or over the phone: (08) 9956 6659. Email enquiries: library@cgg.wa.gov.au Tickets move fast. No BYO at any events.
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Oceans of Opportunity