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Kyogle Writers Festival Kyogle will be buzzing with creativity during this year’s very first Kyogle Writers Festival. A dedicated group of volunteers have come together in true Kyogle style to coordinate a 3-day festival that will feature traditional events such as panel discussions and writing workshops, alongside intimate conversation groups, live book readings, and book-themed events and entertainment. The idea for the festival, which will run from the 14th to 16th of May, was sparked by recent local Susan Hughes. As a lover of literature and the arts, she was keen to find ways to support its growth in the area. “I joined the Kyogle Writers Group and teamed up with Graeme Gibson and Margit Zsigmond to look at ways to further support local writers and promote local creativity, and soon after that the Kyogle Writers Festival was born,” she explained. “We thought, what better way to foster and celebrate Kyogle’s unique 20
Kyogle Writers Group President Susan Hughes with fellow organisers Graeme Gibson and Paul Shields.
creative culture than to showcase it to the local community and visitors.” “We’re developing an exciting and unique program,” said local writer Jarrah Dundler, who along with brother Dusk, and local writer Paul Shields, has joined the planning team. “In and around the more traditional festival events such as panels and workshops, there’ll be some diverse activities happening – live readings on the street, conversation groups, and activities that result in the production of new work.” “We’re hoping the festival will further consolidate Kyogle’s reputation as a town where creative stuff happens and lead to further growth in this area,” Jarrah stated. The festival will be held at various locations around Kyogle including the Kyogle Memorial Institute (KMI) Hall, the Roxy Gallery, the KMI supper rooms, the Kyogle Library, the Business Hive, and the Laneway Community Space. Check www.kyoglewritersfestival.com for tickets and event information.
