This session invites writers of all levels to a free 2-hour workshop facilitated by award winning author and journalist, Tim Baker (author of Patting the Shark), who will unpack the unique process and therapeutic benefits of writing a memoir.
This is a free workshop, please register your intention to attend through Arts Northern Rivers.
Proudly sponsored by Arts Northern Rivers.
Join local writers, Diana Jarman, Leanne Murner and Annie Barrett, as they discuss and celebrate their recent publications with one of our favourite Northern Rivers journos (herself a published author with a new book on the way!) the lovely Susanna Freymark.
It took some years of perseverance and not a little luck before Stan and William’s book was eventually published. William will talk about how he managed to put together Stan’s life story and write the book, the many rejections from mainstream publishers and the sheer good fortune that led to Stan meeting Leanne, who ultimately published the book.
Kyogle’s own Carley Daley, Murwillumbah resident Damien Becker, and Mununjali poet Maria van Neerven, read poetry from their latest poetry collections. Hosted by prize-winning poet, educator and producer, Sarah Temporal.
Join us as we celebrate the opening of the festival, connect with fellow readers and writers, and soak up the creative energy of our community.
Bring along a book (or two) for our relaxed book swap — a chance to share stories you love and discover something new. No rules, just good books and good company. We’ll also announce the winners of the 2026 Poetry Competition, Under the Surface, and hear from some of our talented entrants. A perfect way to begin the weekend — with words, ideas, and a touch of celebration.
Did you know there’s a creature living inside you? It might be shy or sparkly, fierce or fluffy, tiny or enormous and it has stories to tell!
In this imaginative writing and drawing workshop, kids will discover their very own Inner Creature, give it a name, explore what it loves (and what it needs), and write a short story or drawing about the day it came to life.
This playful session helps young writers connect to their imagination, feelings, and creative voice in a safe and joyful way. No drawing or writing experience needed — just curiosity!
Numbers are limited register at Planetary Press & Publishing to secure your place.
A journalist in a community fractured by historic gay-hate crimes is accused of murder. A group of writers on a hike of the Camino de Santiago uncover the truth about the death of their writing tutor. A murder is waiting to happen in an ‘on edge’ Sunshine Coast hinterland community. Crime fiction authors Michael Burge, Lisa Walker, and Georgia Harper discuss the role of place in their latest releases; Dirt Trap, The Pact, and Dove. Chaired by award-winning and much celebrated author, Marele Day.
Melissa Lucashenko, a Bundjalung woman, is a leading Australian novelist. Melissa is a Walkley Award winner and a founding member of prisoner human rights organisation Sisters Inside. In 2019 Too Much Lip won Australia’s most prestigious writing prize, the Miles Franklin. Edenglassie, a novel of colonial Brisbane, won eight major literary awards and in 2026 is longlisted for the international Walter Scott Historical Fiction Prize.
One of Australia’s most powerful voices will reflect on writing, identity, politics and belonging for her latest work Not Quite White in the Head.
Join Emeritus Professor Lesley Head in conversation with environmental historian, Nancy Cushing, as they talk about Lesley’s latest book, Beyond Green, the social life of Australia’s nature.
Lesley weaves decades of her own research with personal experience through many different times and spaces, offering new (and hopeful) ways of understanding our relations with nature and imagining new possibilities.
Chaired by Melissa Lucashenko, in conversation with Tyree Barnette – Stolen Man on Stolen Land, Maria van Neerven – Two Tongues and Mirandi Riwoe – Stone Cold Sky Mountain and Sunbirds.
Together they will explore what it means to belong — to land, culture, community and history — in an Australia shaped by migration, colonisation and cultural renewal and how writers navigate truth-telling, language and responsibility when crafting stories about identity.
Come along from 5.30pm to enjoy dinner from the Golf Club kitchen and get your team organised.