Word for Word

go beneath the surface National Non-Fiction Festival 2017 GEELONG LIBRARY & HERITAGE CENTRE

17-19 NOVEMBER 2017 @WORDFORWORDFEST #W4W2017 WORDFORWORDFESTIVAL.COM.AU

go beneath the surface Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival is a festival of ideas, debate and conversation. Drawing on writers, thinkers and speakers from across the broad spectrum of academia, journalism, science, sport, politics and more.

The three-day program encourages audiences to venture beyond the known and step outside their comfort zone to engage in debate and discussion about the things that matter. Discover what lies beneath the surface.

The 2017 festival weekend program will once again be presented at the iconic Geelong Library & Heritage Centre.

Located in the heart of Geelong’s cultural precinct the Dome will play host to more than 70 guest presenters discussing topics ranging from climate change to feminism, sport to sexuality, racism, biography, adventure and Indigenous culture.

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Day One of the festival will see an expanded series of writing masterclasses take the program across the region with sessions held in venues from the Golden Plains to the Bellarine, the suburbs of Geelong and the Surf Coast.

This year, for the first time, the festival will feature acclaimed Australian songwriters and poets whose stories are drawn from lived experience. These stories are woven into their narratives giving the works a strong sense of place and an authenticity derived from the clever combination of fiction and non-fiction.

Whether you come for one session or stay for the weekend to experience all that Geelong and the region have to offer, you will leave enriched and inspired.

Join us, and let’s start the conversation…

TICKETS wordforwordfestival.com.au Word for Word 2017 • 3

Welcome It is my pleasure to warmly welcome you to the 2017 Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival on behalf of the Festival Advisory Committee. This unique literary event is the result of a partnership between the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, Deakin University and the City of Greater Geelong.

In just four short years, Word for Word has established itself amongst the country’s leading literary festivals.

We are the only festival on the Australian literary landscape to dedicate an entire program to celebrating non-fiction writers and thinkers.

Last year, Word for Word established a new home at the iconic Geelong Library & Heritage Centre. A captivating feat of architecture and design, the Dome proved to be the perfect venue. This year we invite you to “go beneath the surface” as we dig down into tough topics and explore the role of nonfiction writing within the wider literary world.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend thanks to a number of people and organisations without whom this festival could not take place. To my fellow Festival Advisory Committee members, thank you for giving your time and expertise.

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Thank you to the many wonderful organisations that have partnered with us to present Word for Word this year. To our dedicated team of volunteers, thank you for making our presenters and audiences feel so welcome; and thanks to the team at the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, without you we would not have this festival.

We thank our festival speakers, panellists and facilitators for your generosity in sharing the richness and diversity of your work and experiences. To our wonderful sponsors we say a very big thank you. Your belief in our vision has enabled us to present this year’s amazing program.

We trust that you will be inspired, motivated and engaged.

Please enjoy the Word for Word Festival 2017.

Cr Margot Smith Chair, Festival Advisory Committee Word for Word 2017 • 5

Plan your festival All of the Word for Word Festival sessions are individually ticketed so you can curate your own experience – the choice is yours.

Our Early Bird tickets represent excellent value and, as tickets are limited for each session, booking early is the only way to secure a seat for your favourite speakers and events.

Early Bird tickets are on sale from Thursday 21 September until 5pm Friday 20 October.

Tickets range in price from $20 - $30 for weekend festival sessions and $50 - $100 for Masterclasses. Concessions are available.

For all ticketing information and the most up-to-date details on the festival program visit:

wordforwordfestival.com.au 6 • Word for Word 2017

festival 2017 acknowledgements festival advisory festival committee working group Cr Margot Smith Chair, Geelong Regional Library Corporation Maria Takolander Associate Professor Deakin University Kaz Paton Manager Arts and Culture, City of Greater Geelong John Bartlett Community Representative Marylou Gilbert Community Representative Beth King Community Representative Hélène Cameron Community Representative Christine Heath Community Representative Matt Davis Community Representative

Patti Manolis CEO, GRLC Sue Howard GRLC Sue Noonan GRLC

festival staff Maryanne Vagg Festival Director Rochelle Smith Festival Coordinator Kay Saunders Volunteer Coordinator

festival volunteer committee Jacqui Connor Amber Connor Anne Riggs Heather Fagg Andrea Van Der Meer Helen Cox Word for Word 2017 • 7

Festival Highlights opening night Peter Carey: A Long Way from Home

please explain

The 2017 festival opening night sets the scene for an exploration of the intersection between fiction and non-fiction with a rare opportunity to meet and hear internationally-acclaimed, multi-award winning Australian author Peter Carey.

Two-time winner of the Man Booker Prize and three-time winner of the Miles Franklin, Peter Carey will appear in conversation with Deakin University’s Maria Takolander in an event that is simply not to be missed.

Anna Broinowski and John Safran

Please note that tickets are strictly limited and no Early Bird discounts apply for this special event.

Tickets $30/$25.50

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Alongside the shock of Donald Trump’s election as President of the US, Britain voted to leave the European Union, while in Australia the One Nation party has been reborn. John Safran and Anna Broinowski have immersed themselves and reported in detail on Australia’s transition from left-leaning multiculturalism, to the divided landscape in which we now find ourselves. They share their experiences from within the ranks of the far-right outsiders.

Tickets $20/$17

the good girl stripped bare From Bogan to Boned and Beyond

reality check Sea-ing our Future

Tracey Spicer

Tim Flannery and Anna Krien

In her frank and funny ‘femoir’, part memoir, part manifesto, Tracey Spicer recounts her journey from Brisbane ‘bogan’ to her dream role as national news anchor for a commercial network and her realisation that for women, TV was less about news and more about helmet hair, masses of makeup and fatuous fashion.

But when she was sacked by email after having a baby, this good girl turned ‘bad’, taking legal action against the network for pregnancy discrimination. Meet and hear Tracey ‘sheconstruct’ the structural barriers facing women in the workplace as she encourages us all to shake off the shackles of the ‘good’ girl.

In her recent Quarterly Essay, The Long Goodbye, Anna Krien explores the psychology and politics of a warming world. She joins acclaimed scientist Tim Flannery who is investigating exciting new technologies currently being developed to address our most pressing environmental issues as they discuss where we are now and what the possibilities may be for a positive future for us and our planet.

Tickets $20/$17

Tickets $20/$17 Word for Word 2017 • 9

Festival Highlights watching out

burke and wills

Reflections on Justice and Injustice

The Triumph and Tragedy of Australia’s Most Famous Explorers

Julian Burnside

Peter FitzSimons

Noted barrister and human rights advocate Julian Burnside QC will discuss Watching Out, a successor volume to his best-selling Watching Brief. Referencing fascinating case studies, Julian explores the origins of our legal system, looking at the way it operates in practice, and ways in which it does and doesn’t run true to its ultimate purposes.

Peter FitzSimons is Australia’s best-selling non-fiction writer and through his storytelling, he ‘makes the skeletons dance.’ Join Peter as he reveals the stirring story of the ambitious quest of Burke and Wills to be the first Europeans to cross the harsh Australian continent.

Tickets $20/$17

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Tickets $20/$17

writing an icon

Frank Moorhouse and Professor Catharine Lumby Frank Moorhouse is one of Australia’s most celebrated literary figures. Academic and writer Professor Catharine Lumby is his biographer. In this session they will discuss both the pleasures and pitfalls of writing a rich and colourful life.

Tickets $20/$17

writers on writers

John Marsden and Alice Pung In the Writers on Writers series, leading authors reflect on an Australian writer who has inspired and fascinated them. Awardwinning writer Alice Pung has examined the life and work of one of her biggest influences, the much-loved and hugely successful author John Marsden. In this session John and Alice will discuss the journey they undertook as the writer and her subject.

The Writers on Writers series is a collaboration between independent publisher Black Inc, the University of Melbourne and State Library Victoria.

Tickets $20/$17

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Festival Highlights shaping the world Readings and Spoken Word

Omar Musa, Penny Drysdale and Judith Beveridge Meet and hear from three intriguing poets with diverging styles and works who nonetheless all draw inspiration from the world around and weave it into their personal narratives.

Award-winning writer and academic David McCooey will lead a panel discussion to unpack the ideas and themes employed in the poet’s creative practice and each poet will present their work at the conclusion of the session.

Tickets $20/$17

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moral panic 101 Equality, Acceptance and the Safe Schools Scandal

Benjamin Law In 2016 the Safe Schools Program became the centre of an ideological firestorm. In his recent controversial Quarterly Essay, writer and columnist Benjamin Law explores how and why this happened. In this not-to-be-missed session, Benjamin will discuss his gripping yet subtle account of schools today, sexuality, teenagers, new ideas of gender fluidity, tabloid media scares and mental health.

Tickets $20/$17

facing the facts

unbreakable

Feminism, Faith and Finding Your Voice

The Story of Jelena Dokic, In Her Words

Jamila Rizvi and Susan Carland

Jelena Dokic

In Fighting Hislam, Dr Susan Carland speaks with Muslim women about how they are making a stand for their gender, while holding fast to their faith. Jamila Rizvi’s Not Just Lucky examines how Australian women are suffering from a crisis of confidence at work; captives of an inner voice that warns them they’re not good enough. In this stimulating session Susan and Jamila will discuss feminism, faith and how they found their voices.

Jelena has not told a soul her incredible, explosive story in full – until now. From wartorn Yugoslavia to Sydney to Wimbledon, Jelena will revisit her hellish ascent to becoming one of the best tennis players in the women’s game, her father Damir, and her heart-breaking fall from the top. Her honesty will leave you in awe. Her fight back from darkness will uplift you.

Most of all, Jelena’s ability to survive will inspire you.

Tickets $20/$17

Tickets $20/$17

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Festival Highlights the footy lady only: a memoir

The Trailblazing Story of Susan Alberti

Caroline Baum

Susan Alberti and Stephanie Asher

Caroline Baum has had a distinguished career in arts journalism and broadcasting working for the BBC, ABC radio and television, Vogue magazine (in the UK and Australia), and as founding editor of Good Reading magazine. Her memoir, Only, is a memoir of an unconventional childhood that explores what it means to be an only child – as both child and adult and what it means to be the daughter of two people damaged by trauma and tragedy.

Tickets $20/$17

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No tragedy, no challenge, has proved too hard for Susan Alberti. The woman from the working-class suburbs has battled boardrooms, courts, lymphoma and diabetes; and was one of the driving forces behind the AFL’s move into women’s football. Join Susan and biographer, writer and speaker Stephanie Asher as they discuss their journey to publishing this remarkable life story.

Tickets $20/$17

no front line

of ashes and rivers that run to the sea

Chris Masters

Marie Munkara

In an extraordinary investigation undertaken over ten years, Australia’s foremost investigative journalist goes deep into the heart of our Special Forces long war in Afghanistan.

Giving voice to the soldiers, Chris takes readers to the centre of some of the fiercest combat Australia has ever experienced and provides the most intimate examination of what it is like to be a member of this country’s elite fighting forces. Don’t miss this chance to hear this insightful exploration of contemporary soldiering.

Delivered on the banks of the Mainoru River by her two full-blood grandmothers, acclaimed author Marie Munkara was born with light skin which meant one thing - it would only be a matter of time before she would be taken by the authorities and given to a white family to be raised. With devastating honesty, humour and courage, the award-winning author will share her extraordinary journey of discovery to find her origins.

Tickets $20/$17

Tickets $20/$17

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Festival Highlights

the great debate 2017 Fiction is just a fancy word for lying

The Great Debate is back with a more controversial and more intriguing topic than ever!

Team Affirmative

From Plato to Eminem, debate has raged as to where the line lies in determining fiction from fact and in this post-truth world we feel it is important to get to the bottom of this conundrum.

Team Negative

If truth really is stranger than fiction, then is artistic freedom the only thing that distinguishes artists from liars and sociopaths?

Our two fiercely-talented teams will furiously debate this hot topic with copious cleverness and wondrous wit. Only one team will emerge the victor in this ultimate battle for literary supremacy.

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Margaret Linley, David Astle, Alicia Sometimes

Tony Wilson, Tracey Spicer, Andrew P Street

MC Angela Pippos

Saturday 18 November The High Ground Wurdi Youang Geelong Library & Heritage Centre Time: 6pm drinks / 7pm debate starts Tickets $25/$22

word for word up late The Salon Session

In a Word for Word Festival first, we wrap up the Saturday program with a very special Salon Session featuring two of the nation’s most talented and distinctive songwriters and musicians.

Saturday 18 November Gallery Space Ground Floor Time: 8.30pm – 10pm Tickets $25/$22

Rob Snarksi (Blackeyed Susans, The Triffids) and Charles Jenkins (Ice-cream Hands, Charles Jenkins and the Zhivagos) will both perform acoustic versions of their most loved and bestknown songs.

Tickets are strictly limited for this exclusive event so book early to avoid disappointment.

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Festival Highlights

weekend festival venue Geelong Library & Heritage Centre 51 Little Malop Street, Geelong

friday masterclass venues Bannockburn Library 25-27 High St, Bannockburn Belmont Library 163 High St, Belmont Geelong Library & Heritage Centre 51 Little Malop St, Geelong Grant Pavilion 1 Merrijig Drive Rd, Torquay Queenscliff Uniting Church Hall 85 Hesse St, Queenscliff Waurn Ponds Library 230 Pioneer Rd, Grovedale

festival bookseller

Meet the author. Buy the book. Get it signed.

Dymocks Geelong is the official Festival Bookseller and will have a pop-up store on the ground floor of the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre over the festival weekend.

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masterclasses Friday 17 November 2017 This year the Masterclass program will offer sessions in locations across the region and access to some of Australia’s most experienced and well respected writers who will share their knowledge and expertise in an intimate classroom setting.

half day masterclasses

full day masterclasses

Tickets $50/$42.50

Tickets $100/$85

Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction Lee Kofman

Sifting Truth: Fiction vs (Creative) Non-Fiction Exploring the Interrogative Possibilities of Genre Harriet Gaffney

Finding the Funny in Memoir Margaret Linley The Creative Possibilities of Non-Fiction Robert Gott

Writing Essentials and Developing Creative Practice Angela Savage

How to Avoid the Pitfalls of Publishing Ruth Wykes Writing Non-Fiction for the Discerning Reader Greg Pyers Turning Non-Fiction into Fiction Sue Lawson The Elements of Craft in Poetry Judith Beveridge

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2017 FESTIVAL GUESTS

Susan Alberti AC

Harriet Gaffney

Steven Amsterdam

Dennis Glover

Stephanie Asher

Robert Gott

David Astle

Claire Halliday

Mark Raphael Baker

Rebecca Huntley

Caroline Baum

Charles Jenkins

Mark Beasley

Leah Kaminsky

Judith Beveridge

Damien Kingsbury

Nick Brodie

Huw Kingston

Anna Broinowski

Lee Kofman

Brett Bryan

Anna Krien

Julian Burnside QC

Benjamin Law

David W Cameron

Christopher Lawrence

Peter Carey

Tali Lavi

Susan Carland

Sue Lawson

Paul Daley

Margaret Linley

Jelena Dokic

Simon Longstaff

Penny Drysdale

Catharine Lumby

Peter FitzSimons

Darryn Lyons

Tim Flannery

Kim Mahood

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2017 FESTIVAL GUESTS

John Marsden

John Safran

Jennifer Martin

Angela Savage

Chris Masters

Matthew Sharpe

David McCooey

Michael Smith

Kim McGrath

Rob Snarski

Frank Moorhouse

Alicia Sometimes

Fay Muir

Tracey Spicer

Marie Munkara

Andrew P Street

Neil Murray

Rodney Syme

Omar Musa

Maria Takolander

Andrew Nette

Heather Threadgold

Brenda Niall

Laura Tingle

Sue Noonan

Maria Tumarkin

Ryan O’Neill

Caroline van de Pol

Maria Pallotta-Chiarolli

Lisa Waller

Angela Pippos

Tony Wilson

Alice Pung

Ruth Wykes

Greg Pyers Jamila Rizvi Catriona Rowntree

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PAKINGTON STREET Shopping, Cafes

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BALLARAT (75 mins)

Geelong explore the vibrant beauty by the bay While in town for the Word for Word Festival, why not explore all that Victoria’s second largest city has to offer. Geelong has plenty of accommodation options to suit your needs and budget, from luxury bed & breakfasts and self-contained apartments to boutique hotels.

The Geelong region’s fantastic natural scenery and amazing food and wine make it the ideal destination for a weekend getaway. The Geelong Library & Heritage Centre is central to the city’s arts and cultural precinct and an array of quality cafes and eateries. Indulge in a spot of shopping or take a 22 • Word for Word 2017

N YOU YANGS, SERENDIP SANTUARY Walks, Nature AVALON AIRPORT (20 min) MELBOURNE (60 mins)

Corio Bay

Eastern Beach Geelong Station

BELLARINE Wineries, Blues Train (30 mins) QUEENSCLIFF-SORRENTO Ferry (30mins), Dolphins, Seals

TORQUAY/ANGLESEA Surf Beaches, Surf Museum GREAT OCEAN ROAD 12 Apostles (2 hrs), Otway Fly (90 mins)

Kardinia Park

WARRNAMBOOL Whales (80 mins) S

stroll around the beautifully restored Waterfront, with its charming bollards, boardwalks and historic carousel.

A short drive in any direction will have you exploring the stunning natural wonders that draw visitors to this region from all over the world. Climb to the top of the majestic You Yangs, explore the Barwon River at Buckley Falls, swim with seals and dolphins at Queenscliff, catch a wave at Torquay and head down the Great Ocean Road to wonder at the 12 Apostles.

There’s so much to see and do.

For further information head to www.visitgeelongbellarine.com.au Word for Word 2017 • 23

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Full program and event information including individual session ticket prices and how to book information is available from the festival website wordforwordfestival.com.au The full program schedule is available for download from the festival website or printed copies are available at all Geelong Regional Community Libraries, including the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre.

Contact the Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival by email: info@wordforwordfestival.com.au The information in this brochure is correct at the time of printing, but as event details may change due to circumstances beyond our control, please check www.wordforwordfestival.com.au for updates.

Festival Partners

Presenting Sponsors

Festival Sponsors