Words Out West writes its way into 2022 major events calendar

Western Downs’s acclaimed readers and writer’s festival will return to the region in March 2022, bringing a fresh wave of workshops, activities, events, and a novel approach to storytelling.

Back for its third year, Words Out West: Western Downs Readers & Writers Fest promises the same high standard of speakers, with a fantastic new schedule of events to spark the creative flair in everyone.

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire said Words Out West was a celebration of words in all their varied forms and offered a unique opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best in the business right here in the region.

“Words Out West: Western Downs Readers and Writers Fest is shaping up to be the biggest yet, with an impressive calendar of events and workshops from Friday 4 March right through to Saturday 19 March 2022,” Cr Maguire said.

“We have some outstanding literary professionals joining our festival line-up, with some of the keynote presenters including Markus Zusak, Lisa Millar, Matthew Condon, Kim Wilkins, Mary Li, Nicola Moriarty.

“A huge list of storytellers, podcasters, illustrators, videographers, journalists and authors will join Words Out West 2022 for a number of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops.

“Words Out West is a fantastic opportunity for our region, creating rare opportunity to explore the incredible world of storytelling, hear from some of the best literary minds, and generate an economic boost for the region.”

Cr Maguire said the 2022 festival offered something exciting and engaging for all ages.

“The festival will kick off with a cocktail party featuring Gold Logie winner Samuel Johnson OAM on Friday, 4 March, followed by the main festival day on Saturday, 5 March with a stellar line up of keynote speakers and panel discussions,” she said.

“The popular Writers Retreat will be hosted at the beautiful Jubri’s Hideaway on Sunday, 6 March, and then we have two incredible school days planned with well-known entertainer and Aussie identity Andrew Daddo headlining the school sessions.

“The much-loved Schooners & Stories regional pub events will also make a comeback, with Rugby League legend Sam Thaiday to visit three rural pubs at Dulacca, Jandowae, and Tara from 17 to 19 March to round out the festival.

‘Words Out West 2022 is not to be missed, and I encourage locals and visitors to check out all the information by visiting the Words Out West website.”

Last year’s debut short story competition will also return in 2022, with more details to be released in coming months.

For all the details and to purchase your tickets, visit www.wordsoutwest.info and follow Western Downs Libraries on Facebook and Instagram.

Words Out West 2022 Fast Facts • Returning to the Western Downs from 4 March to 19 March 2022 • Cocktail Party featuring Gold Logie winner Samuel Johnson on Friday 4 March 2022 • Main Festival day on Saturday, 5 March 2022 at Dalby Events Centre • Writers Retreat on Sunday, 6 March 2022 at Jubri’s Hideaway, Dalby • Regional author tours featuring Australian author Rachael Johns from 7 – 9 March 2022 • Two school days featuring renowned entertainer Andrew Daddo (Chinchilla – 8 March, Dalby – 9 March 2022) • Schooners & Stories regional pub events featuring Rugby League personality Sam Thaiday from 17-19 March 2022

Tickets and information available via www.wordsoutwest.info