Goldfields Libraries are participating in the much-loved Sydney Writers Festival ‘Live and Local’ program again this year.
A selection of excellent speakers will be live-streamed to big screens at Castlemaine, Woodend and Bendigo libraries. Best of all, it’s completely free!
The Sydney Writers Festival is Australia’s largest celebration of books and ideas, bringing the world’s finest authors and esteemed thinkers together for insightful and thought-provoking conversations. The Live and Local program offers free livestreams of festival sessions to libraries and community centres across regional Australia, connecting audiences with leading literary voices.
“We love the opportunity to be part of Live & Local,” said Tammy Higgs, Goldfields Libraries’ programs and events coordinator. “Through live-streamed screenings at our libraries, our regional communities can participate in this high-quality festival and interact with some of the world’s best writers.”
This year’s program features a stellar lineup of both international and Australian talent.
International stars include acclaimed Irish author Colm Tóibín, discussing his much-anticipated novel, Long Island; bestselling novelist and screenwriter David Nicholls, exploring the winding road of love in his latest book, You Are Here; debut author Kaliane Bradley, sharing her genre-defying story, The Ministry of Time; and renowned English author Alan Hollinghurst, discussing his seventh novel, Our Evenings.
Among the homegrown highlights are the Moriarty sisters – Jaclyn, Liane and Nicola – offering insights into their shared storytelling journey; Gina Chick, winner of Alone Australia, sharing vivid, life-affirming tales from her wilderness memoir We Are the Stars; Helen Garner, discussing her first full-length book in a decade, The Season; respected Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo, who will discuss the history of First Nations movements with historian Clare Wright; and Australia’s leading pastry queens – Nadine Ingram, Natalie Paull and Kate Reid – diving into the art and business of baking.
Screenings will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 22-24. All sessions are free, but bookings are essential. Please note that not all libraries will be screening every session. For full details, visit www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au/swf.
