By Adam Norris, Program Director

“Man, this stuff just writes itself!” Shakespeare famously cried (at least, we’re pretty sure that’s historically accurate). But he isn’t the only bard blessed with a gift for words.

The 12th Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival once again descends on the Bellingen Showground, but don’t let the last two record-breaking years lure you into complacency: in 2023, they’ve really pulled out all the stops.

To dive deep into the program and shine a light on the festival’s hidden treasures, I approached the closest mirror to interview Program Director Adam Norris. After much preening, he agreed to this exclusive interview.

“I was so happy with the lineup over the last two years, but I really wanted to cast the net a little wider here,” Adam said, handsomely.

“Having big names in conversation is always really interesting, particularly when you pair them with someone just as unique. I’m invested in creating conversations that haven’t happened before, like our interview between Heather Mitchell, who is an acting legend, and Isobelle Carmody, a bestselling fantasy author. Or having someone like Peter FitzSimons, who writes incredibly popular history books, paired with a crime writer like Matthew Spencer.

Of course, we also have Thomas Mayo and Kerry O’Brien sharing their brand new book on the Voice Referendum, so there are also incredibly timely events on offer as well.”

But beyond the well-known names like bestseller Pip Williams, Wil Anderson, Craig Foster, Holly Throsby and more, there is a wealth of unforgettable stories from names that might be new to local audiences.

“A lot of folk have struggled with cost of living pressures lately, which is why we didn’t raise our ticket prices this year,” Adam said.

“But it also inspired me to assemble some of the most innovative, entertaining and genre-bending authors in the country to really stretch our imaginations.

So we have people like the criminally underated Angela Meyer, who is like an Australian David Mitchell – the man behind ‘Cloud Atlas’. Shaun Prescott and Rhett Davis are also writing truly original work, as is Kathryn Hore with her feminist western, The Stranger.

I’m really just a sucker for a good story, so what we really wanted to do was get all of the country’s best storytellers in one place for events you’re just not going to see anywhere else.

You’ll see literary superstars like Gail Jones on stage with Fiona Kelly McGregor, who has just been announced on the longlist for the Miles Franklin Award, there’s Craig Foster chatting with Sudanese author and refugee Akuch Kuol Anyieth, there’s … Ha, well, there’s a lot.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.bellingenwritersfestival.com.au.

The Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival is at the Bellingen Showground from June 9 – 11.

Festival Highlights

The Republic: Craig Foster & Peter FitzSimons

With the Coronation of King Charles III, discussion of an Australian head of state is once again gaining momentum. Join the current chair of the Australian Republic Movement, Craig Foster, in conversation with the preceding chair Peter FitzSimons for a discussion on the shape of the country’s future.

In Conversation: Maxine Beneba Clarke

The ABIA and Indie award-winning author of Foreign Soil, The Hate Race, and How Decent Folk Behave, Maxine is a fearless explorer across memoir, non-fiction, poetry, short stories and children’s fiction, including When We Say Black Lives Matter and 11 Words for Love. This conversation with Radion National’s Kate Evans will be one to remember.

In Conversation: Akuch Kuol Anyieth and Anton Enus

Akuch was born just as war broke out between the Nuer and Dinka tribes in South Sudan. To escape the violence, her family fled to a refugee camp in Kenya, beginning an odyssey that would ultimately see Akuch reach Australia and the publication of her memoir, Unknown. Anton Enus leads this harrowing, yet ultimately triumphant conversation.

Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here: Heather Rose

One of our most celebrated and versatile authors, Heather Rose is a powerhouse of writing. The author of The Museum of Modern Love and Bruny, she has won or been shortlisted for a slew of major awards, including for her latest release, the memoir Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here. Heather is joined by Melanie Kembrey to explore this dazzling life story.

Voice to Parliament: Thomas Mayo (livestream) and Kerry O’Brien

With the Referendum on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice scheduled later this year, there is ongoing debate between the Yes and No camps as to how effective this proposed law may be. Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo and acclaimed journalist Kerry O’Brien have crafted a handbook to better understand what a Voice to Parliament actual means. They will share a balanced and detailed conversation ahead of this historic decision.

In Conversation: First Dog on the Moon and Mark Humphries

First Dog on the Moon – or Mr Onthemoon, if you want to be formal – is Australia’s only Walkley award-winning marsupial-based cartoonist, and has done all sorts of things. His instantly recognisable cartoons for The Guardian are shared far and wide, but exactly who is the dog behind the page? Join fellow satirist Mark Humphries on a quest into the wild heart of anarcho-marsupialist politics.

In Conversation: Natalie Isaacs

The Founder of 1 Million Women, Natalie believes that it is women, set to be most adversely affected by climate change, who have the will, the skills, and the power in numbers to lead the way on this critical issue. Impassioned yet clear-eyed, Natalie sets out what we as a community and as individuals can achieve in this decade and shares the wisdom of women who have inspired her, from local community leaders to international leaders, First Nations Elders to scientists, and activist campaigners to policymakers. The good news is, it is all possible – we just have to unite as never before and get it done. Right here, right now.

Behind the Scenes of the Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival