Write Around the Murray 2018 - Program Launch

Running from 5 to 9 September, this stimulating festival presents a dynamic and high-calibre program in a friendly and relaxed environment. The five-day event provides a unique opportunity for readers and residents to get unprecedented access to some of Australia’s best authors.

The program launch will unveil the many celebrated writers and storytellers who will be coming to Albury during the festival, including  Indigenous folk-pop duo Stiff Gins, ‘Gourmet Farmer’ Matthew Evans, journalists Tony Wright and Chris Hammer, and best-selling authors Robert Hillman, Jessie Cole, and Ailsa Piper.

Our special launch event features Robert Hillman and Stan “Yarra” Yarramunua in conversation about Stan’s  biography, A Man Called Yarra. This tale of resilience and courage details Yarra’s childhood living with an alcoholic and abusive father and his own personal battles with alcoholism. Above all, it documents Yarra’s rise from homelessness and despair to success as an artist, actor, musician, businessman and charity worker.

Robert Hillman is a noted biographer and was entrusted with the important task of translating Yarra’s stories into written form with sensitivity and compassion. Robert Hillman will return as one of the featured authors at WAM and his book, The Bookshop of the Broken Hearted, is the Write Around the Murray 2018 Book of the Festival.

The program launch event will include a pop-up bar with drinks and refreshments available for purchase. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and can RSVP via the WAM website.

Visit the Write Around the Murray Festival website for more information or to download a copy of the program.