Words Out West brings glitz and glam to the Western Downs

The Western Downs will come alive this February, with the inaugural Words Out West Readers and Writers Festival bringing a touch of glamour to the region as part of a jam-packed line–up of events.

The Festival will take over the Western Downs from 14 to 16 February, with the Words Out West Gala Dinner headlining the program.  

Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said the Gala Dinner would give people the opportunity to suit up and let their hair down while sharing in a night of refined country glamour.  

“The Gala Dinner is shaping up to be the crown jewel of the Words Out West Festival, with all encouraged to take part in this exciting night of style and sophistication at the Dalby Events Centre on Saturday, 15 February,” Cr McVeigh said.  

“On top of a three-course menu which includes a dessert grazing table, attendees will be treated to live entertainment and a special keynote speech from featured guest Kurt Fearnley AO.

“Kurt is an Australian Wheelchair Racer, Paralympian, and was the 2019 New South Wales Australian of the Year. He was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia after winning a gold medal at the Athens Paralympic Games and famously crawled the 96km Kokoda track.  

“Kurt is an extraordinary Australian with a fascinating story to tell, and it’s fantastic to be able to hear about his journey firsthand right here in Dalby.” 

Mr Fearnley AO said he was looking forward to being a part of this brand new event for the region.  

“It’s fantastic to visit regional and rural areas across Australia and share my own story in the hope of inspiring others never give up on the journey to achieving their dreams,” Mr Fearnley AO said.  

“As part of the Words Out West Gala Dinner, I’ll be giving an insight into the tales behind my memoir Pushing the Limits, which includes my journey as a Paralympian and other achievements such as the Kokoda Track and my ongoing commitment to sport and disability advocacy.” 

Much-loved Australian Children’s Fiction Narrator Stig Wemyss will host the event thanks to support from Bolinda Publishing, and live entertainment will be provided by Toowoomba band Huckleberry Gin.  

The Gala Dinner is just one of the many events taking place as part of the Words Out West Readers and Writers Festival. Highlights of the Words out West festival include a writers‘ retreat at the Bunya Mountains, a school day, and two main festival days at MyALL 107 in Dalby.   

The stellar lineup of authors, journalists, podcasters, illustrators and cartoonists will participate in a range of panel discussions and speaking events covering a wide range of genres to enthuse every interest.  

Words Out West Gala Dinner 

Location: Dalby Events Centre 

Inclusions: Three course menu, guest speaker Kurt Fearnley AO, special host Stig Wemyss, live music and dancing 

Ticket price: $94 per person  

To book your tickets to the Gala Dinner or any other Words Out West events, head to www.westerndownslibraries.com/wordsoutwest 

Emily Kendall | Communications, Marketing and Design Officer | 0438 064 975