They say there are more creatives here than any other region in Australia, outside of major cities. They also say we are the ‘home of festivals’. But who are we really? And how are recent events changing things?
In this talk, Jane Fuller (ANR) and Tandi Palmer Williams (Patternmakers) discuss a two-year research project exploring the Northern Rivers’ creative sector – and what artists and audiences need to thrive in future.
Mirandi Riwoe’s Sunbirds is a dazzling tapestry of intrigue and resilience set against the lush backdrop of colonial-era Queensland. In this richly woven narrative, Riwoe invites readers into a world where love, betrayal, and the quest for freedom intertwine. With prose as luminous as the tropical landscape it evokes, Sunbirds is a mesmerising tale that illuminates the strength of the human spirit amidst adversity. Mirandi will be joined onstage by Naima Brown.
Award-winning writer Ellen van Neerven played football from a young age, learning early on that sport can be a painful and exclusive world. The more they play, the more they realise about sport’s troubled relationship with race, gender and sexuality, and question what it means to play sport on stolen sovereign land, especially in the midst of multiple environmental crises. Ellen will be joined onstage by Grace Lucas-Pennington for a discussion about their ground-breaking examination of sport’s troubled relationship with race, gender, and sexuality, Personal Score.
The Kyogle Readers and Writers is very proud to run a biennial Writer in Residence Program. This year’s applications were open to all emerging writers with a connection to Regional New South Wales with the winning recipient enjoying a week-long residency in Kyogle. Come along as they chat with members of the selection committee, Michael Burge and Jessie Cole, about what they have been up to.
These three writers embody the diversity and depth of contemporary Australian literature, pushing boundaries and challenging readers to see the world through new eyes. With their distinct voices and powerful storytelling, Yen-Rong Wong, Siang Lu, and Mirandi Riwoe continue to leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape and festival audiences alike.
Unfortunately and due to unforeseen circumstances, Daniel Browning is no longer able to attend the festival. His presence will be missed.
You can go right ahead and get yourself a copy of his book over at Lismore Book Warehouse here.
The Kyogle Readers and Writers Festival, in conjunction with Arts Northern Rivers, is very proud to present this workshop showcasing the age-old traditions and contemporary practice captured in Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali, We Weave Together.
Inviting you to a unique opportunity to engage with Bundjalung weavers, celebrating traditional knowledge and techniques through the skilful, patient hands of experienced weavers who were celebrated in the recent Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali, We Weave Together publication. This book intricately weaves stories of Elders and weavers, describing historical materials, and traditional plant species and techniques. Participants can immerse themselves in the cultural practices and weaving techniques featured in the book, learning directly from the weavers.
ACON Salon is a reading event aimed at raising awareness of HIV and STI prevention for people who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies aged 18 and over. Ivan Crozier will read excerpts from gay fiction (Jonathan Kemp’s 26) before opening up to the audience to discuss HIV, STIs, risk and sexual health in relation to the stories. The session will provide local, up to date information about accessing sexual health services, testing, prevention, treatment, and stigma-reduction around HIV.