A rich variety of writers and storytellers, many with deep Kimberley connections, are heading to one of Western Australia’s northernmost towns for the Kimberley Writers Festival in September (6 to 8).
Calling Kununurra home, this friendly and informal readers and writers festival is now in its 14th year and guests will have the opportunity to hear from some of the country’s most diverse writing talent.
Writers sharing their stories at the 2019 Kimberley Writers Festival are:
- Novelist and playwright Steve Hawke, who brought his stageplay Jandamarrato Kununurra in 2011. Now Perth-based, he spent 15 years living in the West Kimberley and is a regular visitor.
- Award-winning and prolific children’s writer, poet and novelist Meg McKinlay.
- Long-time Canberra journalist and foreign correspondent-turned crime novelist Chris Hammer. Chris’ bestselling debut novel Scrublands has received rave reviews, and his new book SILVER is out in October.
- New Zealand-born and raised young readers author Raewyn Caisley who visited Kununurra three years ago and has since co-written a book featuring Aboriginal kids living in remote communities, plus co-authored a book with Noongar performer Phil Walley Stack called Rocky and Louie, illustrated by past Kimberley Writers Festival special guest Dub Leffler.
- Kimberley doyenne Frauke Bolten who’s inspiring autobiography Diamond in the Dust tells her remarkable life story featuring Kununurra and her story, arriving from Germany, raising a family, overcoming tragedy, and pioneering a diamond empire.
- Photographer and visual storyteller Chris Gurney.
- Sydney-based author and translator Tiffany Tsao.
The Kimberley Writers Festival program includes a Literary Breakfast at the Kununurra Country Club Resort, Opening Cocktail Party, a full day of Q&As, readings and discussions at the Kununurra School and Community Library on Saturday, a special evening of storytelling by Kununurra elders, and the much-anticipated Ord River Champagne Brunch Cruise.
The Festival incorporates both free and ticketed events. Tickets are available through the Kununurra Library – phone 08 9169 1227 or email librarian@swek.wa.gov.au. For Festival details visit kwf.writingwa.org or the event’s Facebook page, and contact Kununurra Visitor Centre on 1800 586 868 to help with accommodation.
The Kimberley Writers Festival is proudly supported by Writing WA with funding provided by the WA Departments of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industry and Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Kimberley Writers Festival is also supported by Healthway, Children’s Book Council of Australia, Kununurra Country Club Resort, The Kimberley Echo, Ord River Roadhouse, Triple J Ord River Touring, Walkabout Kununurra, Hoochery Distillery, Subway Kununurra, Crocodile Signs, Brumbys Bakery Kununurra and Totally Scentual handmade soaps.
.jpg){kind=tracking}