International and homegrown writers flock to Bendigo Writers Festival this Friday

The City of Greater Bendigo will welcome a host of international and Australian writers this weekend, all converging on the cultural precinct for the eighth annual Bendigo Writers Festival.

With innovations including new venues and better accessibility, this year’s three-day program runs from Friday August 9 to Sunday August 11, featuring writers such as Min Jin Lee from New York, Jennifer Clement from Mexico, AC Grayling from London and Tishani Doshi from India.

Food and good living is a strong theme again this year, with the Friday night gala event at Ulumbarra Theatre featuring “Gourmet Safari” speaker, Maeve O’Meara, talking about the “World of Food”.

Deputy Mayor Rod Fyffe said the Bendigo Writers Festival had developed into a wonderful showcase for our city’s strong cultural identity.

“We are very proud of the way the City’s Capital Venues and Events unit has been able to improve the delivery of the program each year, adapting to what audiences want and also to the ever-increasing popularity of ideas festivals like ours.  Festival Director Rosemary Sorensen must also be congratulated for her stellar programming again this year.

“It’s another packed program, with audience favourites such as Kerry O’Brien and Don Watson, David Astle, Kate Forsyth and Jane Caro, plus writers who are talking about the big issues of the year, such as Jess Hill, Ginger Gorman and Ranjana Srivastava.”

City of Greater Bendigo Councillors Jennifer Alden, Mayor Margaret O’Rourke and Yvonne Wrigglesworth are hosting sessions at the festival on food, leadership, and finance.

Among the many La Trobe University staff also taking part are planning researcher Julie Rudner who is hosting a session on America Today, and Chancellor John Brumby, who will launch a new book about the history of central Victorian mining. 

“The festival theme this year is All That Glitters, so it’s a time to reflect on our past, present and future, but also a time to dazzle and shine, to enjoy the brilliance of our city and our culture.”

Bendigo Writers Festival is an initiative of the City of Greater Bendigo in partnership with La Trobe University Bendigo, and is managed by Capital Venues and Events.

To book tickets, please visit www.bendigowritersfestival.com.au