All the very best to the entire Byron Writers Festival team after the unexpected cancellation of the bulk of the program because climate crisis. Join me for four great sessions with greatly admired writers at this year’s Byron Writers Festival:

  • PROCEEDING People Power. Want to make change? Explore how collective action shapes society with Co-Chair of the Australian Republic Movement Esther Anatolitis (Essays that Changed Australia: Meanjin 1940 to today), union official and Yes Campaign Spokesperson Thomas Mayo (Always Was, Always Will Be), and MEAA author advocate Jennifer Mills (Salvage) in conversation with Royce Kurmelovs.
  • CANCELLED Housing in Crisis. Sky-high rents, a generation fearing they’ll be locked out of the market, and uninsurable towns. The housing crisis and climate change are on a collision course. Join Executive Director of the Australia Institute Richard Denniss and Director of Living Lab Northern Rivers Elizabeth Mossop for an urgent discussion of what can be done to restore and protect the most fundamental human right: shelter. With Esther Anatolitis.
  • VENUE CHANGE A Life in Literature. One of Australia’s most prolific writers, Tom Keneally has won the Miles Franklin Award, Booker Prize, Los Angeles Times Prize, Mondello International Prize and is the subject of a 55 cent Australian stamp. Join Tom in conversation with Esther Anatolitis to reflect on his life in books and the future of Australian literature.
  • CANCELLED Humanities Under Attack. After years of attacks on humanities and social-science faculties, our tertiary institutions have become battlegrounds for culture wars. Join celebrated intellectual Barry Jones and arts advocate Esther Anatolitis to discuss the role of the university in public life – and what needs to be done to protect it. With Carody Culver.

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