Newcastle Writers Festival 2019 Program

The Newcastle Writers Festival’s founding director, Rosemarie Milsom, launched the organisation’s seventh program late last month. With an exceptional lineup in store, you’ll need to book soon to see writers such as Clementine Ford, Trent Dalton, Rosalie Ham, Chloe Hooper and Michael Robotham, who are among some 130 writers participating in the April event. 

This year’s program includes 130 writers and is inspired by the key theme, ‘Discover the stories behind the stories’, but Milsom also said she had been influenced by comedian Hannah Gadsby’s ground-breaking performance Nanette. 

“Gadsby said that stories hold our cure and I believe that to be true,” said Milsom. 

“When we ignore the stories of others, it’s easier to turn away from empathy. The power of Hannah Gadsby’s story is her resilience, and that also happens to be a strong theme in this year’s program.” 
The launch also provided an opportunity for the event to reveal its vibrant rebranding, which was overseen by Newcastle creative agency and festival sponsor Enigma. 

“It’s not just me who was looking a little tired,” joked Milsom.

“We were after a bold new image that conveys our purpose, which is to encourage people to look beyond the surface and step out of the social media echo chamber. Reading is key to this.” 

This year’s program includes some of Australia’s most respected fiction and non-fiction writers,

including award-winning journalists Trent Dalton and Kerry O’Brien, comedians Ellen Briggs, Hung Le and Mandy Nolan, Aboriginal activist and mental health advocate Joe Williams, feminist commentator Clementine Ford, academic and former president of the Australian Human Rights Commission Gillian Triggs, best-selling authors Rosalie Ham (The Dressmaker), founder of 1 Million Women Natalie Isaacs, and popular crime writer Michael Robotham, who will appear with local writer Barry Maitland at a special evening event at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on 6 April. 

The festival spans three days from Friday, 5 April to Sunday 7 April, and is held in the Civic Precinct. The program features a fund-raising literary trivia night, a series of writing workshops supported by the University of Newcastle, panel discussions, readings, one-on-one interviews, book launches, and tours of Newcastle City Library’s archives. 

Session topics traverse the fallout from the banking royal commission, humour, history, artificial intelligence, poetry, true crime, community activism, the art of the interview, and the history of LGBTQI conversion therapy. 

Thanks to a partnership with the local Catfish Charity Foundation, there is a free family event in Newcastle City Library from 11am to 1pm on Sunday, 7 April, featuring local and visiting children’s writers and illustrators. 

Tickets are available in person at MacLean’s Booksellers, 69 Beaumont Street Hamilton and online via 
www.trybooking.com/eventlist/nwf – Free sessions do not require bookings. For more information visit www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

SHOUT OUT for Volunteers
The festival wouldn't be possible without the support of our dedicated team of volunteers. Festival organisers are currently welcoming new volunteer registrations. Enjoy being a part of the behind-the-scenes action during the festival weekend and lend a helping hand. Register online today at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/volunteers 

Top Image: Clementine Ford

Side image: Photo by Liam Driver