2016

FRIDAY PROGRAM AUGUST 12

The Capital

Bendigo Bank Theatre

Engine Room

Ulumbarra Theatre

Festival Hub at The Capital

TEXT MARKS THE SPOT Bendigo Writers Festivals free

program for schools, supported by La Trobe University Bendigo,

kicks off at 10am in Ulumbarra Theatre, and continues through
the day in five festival venues. The lineup this year includes fantasy
writer Isobelle Carmody and illustrator writer Judith Rossell, as
well as James Moloney, Gabrielle Tozer, Diana Sweeney, Jaclyn
Moriarty, Dianne Touchell and slam poet Abe Nouk.

10am

THE EDIBLE CITY: INDIRA NAIDOO with Fiona Parker.

3pm-4pm

Author, journalist and television presenter Indira Naidoo has a

passion for growing her own food. She followed the best-selling
success of The Edible Balcony, on how to start a tiny kitchen
garden, with The Edible City, which celebrates guerrilla gardeners
who transform wasted urban land into community vegetable
gardens. She talks to ABC Central Victorias Fiona Parker about
harvesting hope. S2101

AS GOOD AS IT GETS: PETER SINGER Can reason be

4:15pm5:15pm

5:30pm6:30pm

as important as emotion when it comes to how we live? In his

latest book, The Most Good You Can Do, internationally renowned
moral philosopher Peter Singer challenges us to consider the social
and personal benefits of effective altruism. He talks with Anna
Goldsworthy about individual ethics and social good. S2102

WHATS FAITH GOT TO DO WITH IT? Stephanie

Dowrick, Susan Murphy, David Tacey with Regina Lane. Beyond
religious difference there is a universal yearning for spiritual
meaning. Regina Lane talks with Stephanie Dowrick, Susan
Murphy and David Tacey about how we might nurture a spiritual
commitment and how this can positively change the ways
we experience ourselves and our world. Introduced by Marg
ORourke, Aspire Foundation. S2103

CARING FOR THE PAST From delicately-wrought lace to

rough hard-working cloth, remnants from the past have the power
to stir imagination and link us through the stories they evoke.
Historian and rural change researcher Liza Dale-Hallett talks with
Bendigo Historical Societys Kerry Conway and textile conservator
Marion Parker about how best to preserve, display and explore the
clothes and fabrics of our history. P3101

Strategem Studio, Ulumbarra Theatre

10am12:30pm

EUROCRIME: LOVE IN TOUGH TIMES Victor del

Arbol and Liam Pieper with Penelope Curtin. Spanish crime writer
Victor del Arbol combines intrigue and politics in his nail-biting
novels set against the backdrop of Spains romantic cities. Liam
Piepers new novel is a thriller combined with a love story, set in
Prague. They talk with Penelope Curtin about the powerful and
intoxicating combination of history, danger, passion and suspense
that makes Eurocrime so popular. Victor del Arbols appearance is
supported by Accion Cultural Espanol. P3102

FUTURE CITY As Bendigo changes, so do the hopes and

expectations of its people. Regional cities in Australia have
been the poor relations of the capital cities, but some, such as
Bendigo, are now growing and prospering. What are the priorities
for change? How about the relationship between higher-density
living and the landscape? Whats the current thinking about
transport needs? What makes a great small city? Karen Corr
talks to city planner Trevor Budge, manager of Old Church on the
Hill community space Rosita Vincent and Regional Development
director Stan Liacos about whats in store for this city and
its region, and what they see as important to change and to
preserve.. P3103

1pm3:30pm

WORKSHOP 1: Getting Started with Cate Kennedy Do you have a big file
hopefully titled possible story ideas? Do your plans, plots and characters swirl around like a
constellation, refusing to be sorted? Recharge your creative batteries and learn how to pin down
a through-line for your writing project. Take a look at what youve really got, focus on how you
can best develop it, and reconnect with the inspiration and instinct to bring it more fully to life.
The ultimate how-to kickstarter to get that writing project - in whatever form you choose - off and
running. Cate Kennedy writes across most genres fiction, poetry and non-fiction. Her short stories
and essays regularly appear in magazines and literary journals. She is one of Australias most popular
teachers of the short story form. K1101
WORKSHOP 2: TECHNIQUES FOR SUCCESS with MARK DAPIN Youve got
the basics, but you need some help to sharpen your style, improve your readability and find your
voice. Mark Dapin, an experienced writer and mentor, works across all genres to bring you effective
techniques for every writing project. Mark Dapin is an award winning author. For many years, he
wrote for The Good Weekend magazine. He has three university degrees, and is currently a PhD
candidate at the Australian Defence Force Academy. In addition to his novels and many published
short stories, he has edited two anthologies of war writing for Penguin Books. His latest book is
called R&R. K1102

HELLO, BEAUTIFUL: HANNIE RAYSON IN

PERFORMANCE Hannie Rayson. Intimate, brave, and very

funny: Hannie Rayson presents stories from her acclaimed memoir

about growing up in Melbourne, discovering the extraordinary in
the everyday, and the joy of home. This astonishing performance
showcases the humour, honesty and compassion for which this
award-winning playwright is renowned. P4101

FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE FESTIVAL Ulumbarra Theatre

BRAVE ENOUGH There are physical limits, and there are mental limits, both of which can stand in the way of creativity and our capacity to make the most of life. Do you need
7:30pm9pm

to take risks to unlock creativity? Climb a mountain? Trek a trail? Or just force yourself to sit and think and keep your nose to that grindstone until it happens. We are delighted to
present a light-hearted, deep-delving, creative and risky discussion about what it takes to be creative, and how to get over or around all those obstacles that threaten to derail your
desires. Special guests Ita Buttrose and Graeme Simsion join David Astle and Benjamin Law, with host Chris Kotur, for our Festival Opening Night celebration. K1103

NEW WAYS TO DO IT: POETRY ON SHOW A bit

informal, relaxed and very lively and its free. Get into festival
mood with Scott Alterator and friends Samuel Wagan Watson,
Bruce Oakman, Cate Kennedy and musician Rowan Blackmore.
This is the now traditional poetry cabaret, teaming up with Write
on the Fringe, and showcasing the winners of the Vox Bendigo
Fyffe Award. Come along and check out the VBFA zine, a little
book, designed by Jacqui Lynch, which features the two winning
poems, by Tru S Dowling and Melinda Kallasmae. FREE

SATURDAY PROGRAM AUGUST 13

The Capital
10:30am11:30am

11:45am12:45pm

1pm-2pm

2:15pm3:15pm

3:30pm4:30pm

6pm-7pm

From Shakespeare to Vikram Seth, Sophocles to Maeve Binchy, are down. Toni Jordan and Liam Pieper have distinctive writing
literature presents us with a guide for ethical living. Renata and voices, using the sharp power of wit to underscore pathos. They
Peter Singer join forces to take on the formidable task of mapping talk to Di Dempsey about humour in their work. P3201
the history of great writing, to show how valuable literature has
always been as a moral compass for humanity. S2201

Visual Arts Centre on View St

Trades Hall

2016

and uncertainty; against the negatives, how do we figure out ways

to make life work, to achieve peace of mind. Leah Kaminsky, Regina
Lane and Gavin Rowland have written very different books about
finding hope and meaning. They talk to Cath McDonald. P4201

culture, particularly from a masculine perspective. His new book

on designer Toni Maticevski, is published to coincide with an
exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery. He talks to arts producer Suzanne
Donisthorpe about the fundamentals of style. P5201

writing for girls and writing for boys? As we learn more about
gender difference and the limitations of stereotypes, what does this
mean for writers? Goldfields Librarys CEO Chris Kelly talks to James
Moloney, Jaclyn Moriarty and Diana Sweeney about those for whom
they write, and how that influences their storytelling. P6201

UNDER ATTACK: MIKE CARLTON Why is experienced WHITELEY: BEHIND THE MYTH Ashleigh Wilson took MAKE IT NEW Sam Cooney, Briohny Doyle and Lauren Mitchell AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART: KIM MAHOOD with A DRAMATIC LIFE: HANNIE RAYSON with Elly Varrenti.
journalist, popular broadcaster, outspoken columnist, Mike Carlton
so passionate about Australian naval history? In his new book,
Flagship, he writes about HMAS Australia, a grand old battleship
in World War I, and her successor, the doughty much-hit flagship
for the navy in World War II. He talks to ABC Central Victorias Sian
Gard about national pride and murky scandals, honour, danger and
history S2202

time out from his role as arts editor on The Australian, to write
the first authorised biography of the mercurial, addicted genius,
Brett Whiteley. He speaks with Jenny Valentish about this most
celebrated of Australian artists whose work commanded huge
sums, but who struggled in vain to overcome his drug addiction.

P3202

with Sue Gillett. Where do young and emerging writers go to get

ideas and support to develop new ways of writing? Editors and
writers Sam Cooney, Briohny Doyle and Lauren Mitchell talk to
Sue Gillett about finding and making opportunities. Is there still a
readership for avant-garde writing? Have the rules changed? Are
there any rules left in a post-print age? P4202

Susan Martin. For many years, Kim Mahood has mapped in images
and words a part of Australia that she is passionate about and
knows intimately. Love of country is as real for her as loving a
person, even if it must be unrequited. With Susan Martin, Kim talks
about her new book, Position Doubtful, and a place at the heart of
her search for understanding. P5202

There is no Australian playwright more admired than Hannie

Rayson. From Hotel Sorrento to her memoir, Hello Beautiful, her
writing blends humour and pathos, and bristles with contemporary
relevance. She is the only playwright ever to be nominated for the
Miles Franklin Award. She talks to Elly Varrenti about curiosity, selfdeception and a theatrical career. P6202

AUSTRALIAS FAVOURITE STORYTELLER: DI THE UNSENTIMENTAL BLOKE: CJ DENNIS Philip ACTION-PACKED Mark Dapin and Jerry Grayson with Steve THE BIRD BRAIN Gisela Kaplan with Peta Tait. Do birds KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. Peter Doherty with Bronwyn Hinz
MORRISSEY with Fiona Parker. From her first novel, Heart of Butterss with Rosemary Sorensen. CJ Dennis Philip Butterss spent Kendall. Exhilarating but also draining is how Jerry Grayson celebrate? Do they grieve? How much of their behaviour is innate, If we have opinions about everything, says Nobel Prize winner

the Dreaming, to her most recent, Rain Music, Di Morrissey writes

about the Australia she knows and loves. She talks with ABC
Central Victoria presenter Fiona Parker about her writing career, her
fascination for culture, politics and the environment and about why
she established a foundation for a school in Myanmar. S2203

years researching the life of the once-popular poet whose larrikin

characters were so influential. What was he really like, and why
did he end up sneered at and almost forgotten? The winner of the
National Biography Award talks with Rosemary Sorensen about the
brilliant creator of the Sentimental Bloke. P3203

A BIG VOICE: ROBYN ARCHER with David Lloyd

INNER LIFE: STEPHANIE DOWRICK with Jane Sullivan. HAPPY ENDING Gabrielle Tozer and Lili Wilkinson are two THE CONSTANT RENOVATORS Dominic and Marie Romeo. WHAT MUSIC SAYS Doug Falconer, Peggy Frew and Mick
Well-being author Stephanie Dowrick is an interfaith pastor whose
practical but spiritual writing nurtures resilience and hope for
readers. She speaks with Jane Sullivan about her own quest for
that peace she calls heaven on earth. P3204

much-admired and avidly read authors for young readers. With

books that are contemporary and real, they are tuned in to what
matters to young people. Its not always an easy task, creating a
believable world but still giving hope, keeping a plot moving swiftly,
but allowing time for consideration of feelings, social needs, the
confusion of being in a rapidly shifting world. Sarah Mayor Cox talks
to them about the need for neat resolutions and hopeful endings, and
whether writers know the finish of a story before they start.. P4204

For a country with a relatively recent built landscape, Australia is

passionate to the point of addiction when it comes to restoring old
buildings. Master of the fine art of heritage restoration, Dominic
Romeo, talks with heritage architect and National Trust rep on
Bendigos Heritage Advisory committee Elaine Doling about what it
takes to bring glorious houses back to their original condition, and
why they believe its important. P5204

Thomas with Jo Roberts. Whether romantic, provocative, political

or just for laughs, words influence the success of a song. Jo Roberts
talks to musician writers Doug Falconer, Peggy Frew and Mick
Thomas about the lyrics they admire, those theyve written and
those theyd like to write. P6204

THE BIG ISSUE: TIM FLANNERY Australian Humanist of

the Year, Australian of the Year, Chair of the Copenhagen Climate
Council, founder of the Australian Climate Council delivers a
timely lecture on The Atmosphere of Hope. As the world confronts
climate change, how do we create a sustainable population?

MEDDLING FOR CHANGE: FRANK BRENNAN

CREATIVE REBELLION Abe Nouk and Samuel Wagan

Watson with Sue King-Smith. Abe Nouk is a self-taught slam poet
who arrived as a refugee and decided he needed to learn to read
and write to make a difference. Samuel Wagan Watson is an awardwinning lyrical poet who combines delicacy with scathing criticism.
They talk to Sue King-Smith about how poetry can be part of a
creative rebellion against social limitations. P4205

LIFE AND CHOCOLATE: RITA ERLICH with Michele

Martin. Few food writers boast the experience of Rita Erlich, who
began some 40 years ago. As editor of the prestigious Age Good
Food Guide she was central in the development of Melbournes
reputation for gastronomy. Rita talks to Michele Martin about food
history and culture and about why chocolate cake ought to be
considered a food group. P5205

INLAND: AN INVITATION TO EXPLORE Katie Holmes

and Kim Mahood with Clare Wright. Theres the coastal fringe,
where the cities are, and then theres the vast inland, where postsettlement explorers got lost and went mad, where derring-do tales
of sheep and bushrangers took shape, and where we go to learn
about a different way of life. Clare Wright hosts historian Katie
Holmes and author Kim Mahood to discuss how Australias inland,
both as a place and an idea, has inspired writers. P6205

A brilliant career as a powerful cabaret singer was not enough for

the inimitable Robyn Archer. She has long influenced Australian
culture as deputy chair of the Australia Council, curator of national
and international festivals and events, as a mentor, advocate and
passionate authority. She talks with David Lloyd, about what
inspires her and the challenges ahead. S2204

with Anna Howard. Frank Brennan is a Jesuit priest, lawyer and

writer who uses all his experience and skill to show how good
laws can make a difference. With innovative justice lawyer Anna
Howard, Fr Brennan talks about finding the balance between
personal beliefs and public life. P3205

describes the work of a rescue pilot. Mark Dapin has written both
fiction and fact about desperate and dangerous situations. Steve
Kendall leads the discussion about their work to find out how
they keep up the pace without exhausting both writer and reader.

P4203

how much learned? Gisela Kaplans inquiry into the cognitive

behaviour of Australian birds considers the avian brain, and is also
a glorious hymn to the natural world. She talks to performance
theorist, Peta Tait, about why birds matter and what we learn from
studying their behaviour. P5203

Peter Doherty, we should do a bit of research first. He talks about

his work in childhood vaccination, global hunger and climate
change with Bronwyn Hinz, and why theres a war being fought
over who has a say about what should be done. P6203

NATIONALISM: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE OLDER AND BOLDER: RENATA SINGER with Rachel STARTING OVER Sally Abbott, Doug Falconer and Jerry INFLUENCE AND THE MEDIA: TASNEEM CHOPRA INSPIRED: WHAT WRITERS READ Where do writers
UGLY Peter Doherty, Benjamin Law and Anne Summers with Winterton. The designation grandmother used to mean Grayson with Scott Alterator. A musician, a helicopter pilot, a with Nicole Ferrie. Commentator, educator and writer, Tasneem go for inspiration for both life and writing? Cecile Shanahan
Louise Adler. Is a nation a collective vision with an important social
function, or is it a big baggy useless concept that gets let out for a
parade down the main street on special occasions? Peter Doherty,
Benjamin Law and Anne Summers talk to Louise Adler about the
uses and abuses of Australian nationalism. S2206

automatic relegation to a less active, supporting role in society.

Turning 60, says Renata Singer, is now a very different milestone.
She talks to Rachel Winterton about the health and welfare
benefits of heading into the last third of life with courage and
enthusiasm. P3206

journalist, all living now in Central Victoria, and all now writing
books. What made Sally Abbott, Doug Falconer and Jerry Grayson
decide to write, and how did they proceed once started? Scott
Alterator talks about the how and why of making a late start to
the writing life. P4206

Chopra campaigns for diversity of representation and respect for

difference. She talks to Bendigo Advertiser editor Nicole Ferrie.
about who is heard in the community, how they are reported in the
media, and why it matters. P5206

asks novelist and essayist Mireille Juchau, musician, memoirist

and essayist Anna Goldsworthy and prolific, influential writer for
younger readers James Moloney about the books that matter to
them and how their own writing has been influenced by reading
others. P6206

THE FIFTH ESTATE: POWERS THAT BE Dennis Glover, FROM BARCELONA WITH BITE: VICTOR DEL STONE BY STONE: STORY-BUILDING Toni Jordan and WHY LOOK BACK? NICK BRODIE with Charles Fahey.
Kerry OBrien and Margaret Simons with Sally Warhaft. Lord John ARBOL with Lilit Thwaites. Victor del Arbols hard-edged, fast- Kate Mildenhall with Rob Stephenson. Four completely different An obsession with the past led Nick Brodie to write Kin, a real
Actons Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts
absolutely is often quoted: did he go too far when he added,
great men are almost always bad men? Sally Warhaft is joined by
Dennis Glover, Kerry OBrien and Margaret Simons whose careers
have brought them close to power for many decades. What kind of
people seek power? Are our politicians overstating their capacity to
influence economic events largely out of their control? Is the nature
of power changing? How much influence is wielded by people the
public didnt elect? And why is power so difficult to relinquish? A
conversation about the allure and pitfalls of power. Presented in
partnership with The Wheeler Centre. S2207

paced crime novels are steeped in politics and social justice,

with strong plots and intriguing characters, all set against the
rich backdrop of Spains most beautiful cities. He talks about his
circuitous and surprising path to international success with Spanish
literature expert Lilit Thwaites. Victor Del Arbols appearance is
assisted by Accion Cultural Espanola. P3207

STORIES IN THE DARK Take a seat as the lights are dimmed, and let the sounds of voices

enfold you. Hear local, community-made creative nonfiction and documentary stories curated by
ABC Opens Jane Curtis. 50 minutes of deep listening to soothe and inspire. Part documentary, part
soundscape, part storytelling. A hit at the Castlemaine Festival, this is a free event presented by the
ABC. Suitable for ages 12 and above. Free

novels, the latest a comedy of manners set in suburban Australia,

have made Toni Jordan both very popular and a little hard to figure.
Kate Mildenhall has just published her first novel, based on a true
story about two young women in an isolated part of Australia in
the 1880s. They talk with Rob Stephenson about the good bits and
the not so good, about the journey from idea to book. P4207

peoples history of Australlia, telling Australias post-settlement

story through the generations of his own family. His new book
heads further back, looking at coastal contacts between Indigenous
peoples and outsiders. Historian Charles Fahey talks to Nick about
researching the past, how history is changing, and why its
important. P5207

SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE FESTIVAL

SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE FESTIVAL: ACCORDING TO ASSANGE

Strategem Studio, Ulumbarra Theatre

Sessions run
for 50 minutes
and begin at
11.45am, 1pm
and 2.15pm

Engine Room

BOOKS MAKE US BETTER: PETER AND RENATA THE FUNNY SIDE Toni Jordan and Liam Pieper with Di PEACE OF MIND Leah Kaminsky, Regina Lane and Gavin TRENDING: MITCHELL OAKLEY SMITH with Suzanne GIRLS, BOYS, READERS James Moloney, Jaclyn Moriarty
SINGER Peter Singer and Renata Singer, introduced by Rod Fyffe. Dempsey. Its part of our national culture to laugh when the chips Rowland with Cath McDonald. Anger and frustration, confusion Donisthorpe. Mitchell Oakley Smith writes about fashion, art and and Diana Sweeney with Chris Kelly. Is there a difference between

S2205

4:45pm5:45pm

Bendigo Bank Theatre

8pm-9pm

Julian Assange via videolink with Robert Manne . Wikileaks founder Julian Assange
talks to Robert Manne, about the impact his cypherpunk revolution has had
on international political power. On the big screen on the stage of Bendigos
historic Ulumbarra Theatre, Assange tells his own story, why he took on the worlds
superpowers and what he believes will be the future of Wikileaks. K1201

9:30pm

Ulumbarra Theatre

FESTIVAL SUPPER CLUB: MICK THOMAS and the Roving Commission. He writes about mates,
ratbags, races, places, weddings, parties, funny stuff anything. Really good stories and really good songs.
The man who can talk the leg off a chair and play the arse off a guitar presents an intimate cabaret concert
with Mick Thomas and the Roving Commission performing his own brilliant, passionate brand of Australian
rock. The Supper Club turns the tables, literally, on theatre: you and the performer are on stage at Ulumbarra,
with food and beverage service for your late-night enjoyment.: please note, access to stage from 9.30pm, bar
open from 8pm. K1202

SUNDAY PROGRAM AUGUST 14

8:30am10am

10am11am

11:15am12:15pm

Ulumbarra Theatre

Strategem Studio, Ulumbarra Theatre

FESTIVAL BREAKFAST: GOOD, BETTER, BEST Start your Sunday in style, with a tempting buffet
breakfast in the beautiful foyer of Ulumbarra Theatre and a timely discussion about what makes a good
restaurant. Many people now want to know not just whats on their plate but where it came from. As the
paddock-to-plate movement links up with fair-food advocates, that means we can support not just good
restaurants but the best. Long-time food writer Rita Erlich is joined by Nick and Sonia Anthony, from Bendigos
much-admired Masons restaurant, plus sommelier Lincoln Riley, recently returned to Bendigo to add to the
already burgeoning foodie culture, to talk about how to judge a restaurant, with food marketing host Kath
Bolitho. Service starts from 8am, with the main course - our panellists discussion - from about 8.45am, so settle
in nice and early in the beautiful Ulumbarra for a tasty start to your Sunday festival. K1301

WORKSHOP: WRITING YOUR LIFE STORY Benjamin Law. Memoir can start as an
essay or an article, and develop to become the most satisfying thing youll ever write. To get you
started, Benjamin Law will show you the techniques you need to explore your own experiences
as well as develop your writing around people, places and events you remember. Its important to
remain true to your memory and still keep your readers engaged. In this all-day workshop, Identify
the elements of your life that will be most interesting to readers; refine and distill your storytelling
voice; find the comedy in tragedy, and tragedy in comedy; stay on task and time-manage; write
over 15,000 words about your life in a single month the start of a good memoir, or a collection
of magazine columns. K1302

The Capital

Bendigo Bank Theatre

Engine Room

Visual Arts Centre on View St

THE BEST HE COULD DO: KERRY OBRIEN with

Peter Kennedy. Forty years from when he first met Paul Keating,
Kerry OBrien has written a book about how one man came to
power, and used it. Peter Kennedy talks to this six-time Walkley
Award winner about a life in journalism, his treasure trove of
interviews, anecdotes and commentary and about the powerful
and complex personality of one of Australias most loved and
hated political leaders. S2301

THE WORDBURGHER: DAVID ASTLE Its hard to

LOOKING AND LEARNING Nick Brodie, Gisela Kaplan

and Chris McAuliffe with Rosemary Sorensen. From our first years
through all of life, creativity of all kinds is fuelled by a combination
of scientific observation and imagination. Rosemary Sorensen
talks with archaeologist Nick Brodie, bird expert Gisela Kaplan
and art curator Chris McAuliffe about curiosity, what sparks it and
how they nurture it. P4301

David Tacey with Ian Robinson. Biblical language is metaphorical

and poetic, says literature professor David Tacey. It should not
be read as history. He talks to Ian Robinson about how to use
contemporary thought and depth psychology to move beyond
literal thinking and find spiritual sustenance. P5301

BEYOND LITERAL BELIEF: DAVID TACEY

SOCIAL JUSTICE Frank Brennan, Tasneem Chopra and

Samuel Wagan Watson with Ken Marchingo. Theres individual
freedom and then theres whats right for society. Frank Brennan,
Tasneem Chopra and Samuel Wagan Watson talk to Ken
Marchingo about how writers can engage with social justice
issues and what they believe are the priorities for debate. P6301

STILL SASSY: ANNE SUMMERS with Sharon Kemp.

A LUST FOR LIFE: ARNOLD ZABLE with John

Charalambous. Through his novels, stories and memoir writing,
across a quarter of a century of publishing, Arnold Zable has
created a body of work marked by an intensely caring sensibility
and a passion for storytelling. Since Jewels and Ashes, he has
described the experience of people who are displaced and
estranged. With fellow novelist John Charalambous, Arnold talks
about exploring the backstreets of working-class Melbourne in his
new book, The Fighter. P3302

A CHILDS-EYE VIEW: GLENDA MILLARD AND

JUDITH ROSSELL with Sarah Mayor Cox.

MINDING THE EARTH: SUSAN MURPHY

THE CHARACTER OF PLACE

PRACTICE
MAKES
PERFECT:
ANNA
GOLDSWORTHY with Dan Bendrups. There are few writers

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

URGENT CAUSES: MIREILLE JUCHAU with Scott

NOT SO FINE ART Chris McAuliffe, Mitchell Oakley Smith

LIFE OF MY MIND: BARRY JONES Homer, Dante,

WHERE IT STARTS Briohny Doyle, Peggy Frew and Kate

Mildenhall. How does a writer hit upon the idea for book?
Happenstance and the work of a moment? Or a long process of
fossicking for the nugget in stony ground? Briohny Doyle, Peggy
Frew, and Kate Mildenhall talk to Penelope Curtin about where
they found the inspiration for their books. P4304

DIGGING DEEP Margaret Simons with Robert Kretschmer

Alongside her award-winning writing about current affairs,
Margaret Simons shares her passion for gardening, in newspapers
and books, including her latest, Six Square Metres. She talks to
Robert Kretschmer about how her small city garden is both a
refuge and a canvas on which she paints the rich story of her life.

ON SHAKESPEARE: JOHN BELL with Rob Conkie. John

P5304

Bell handed over the direction of his Bell Shakespeare Company

in the year we commemorate 400 years since the death of the
worlds most influential writer. Its a fitting time to celebrate Bells
contribution to Australian culture. He talks with Shakespeare
expert, Rob Conkie, about life in the theatre and what Shakespeare
means to him. P6304

THE UNSEEN ANZAC Jeff Maynards surprising and

heartening book tells about how a determined writer hunted
down the records of explorer and war photographer Hubert
Wilkins, and pieced together his story. He talks to Howard Nathan
about the man who was Australias official Anzac photographer
and why he believes it took so long for public recognition of those
achievements.. P4305

Leah Kaminsky with Sue Gillett. Following her novel, The Waiting
Room, Leah Kaminskys new book is about overcoming the fear
of death. Using her experience as a doctor, she builds a case
for finding in other peoples courageous response to mortality
a better way to embrace life. She talks with Sue Gillett about
combining a medical career with the writing life. P5305

WERE ALL GOING TO DIE: LEAH KAMINSKY

DREAMWEAVER: ISOBELLE CARMODY With The Red

The extraordinary career of Anne Summers includes running

the Office of the Status of Women, editing Americas landmark
feminist magazines Ms and Sassy, setting up Australias first
womens refuge and a womens studies magazine, as well as
writing journalism and eight books. Her seminal work, Damned
Whores and Gods Police, turned 40 this year, with the release of
an updated edition. To celebrate this remarkable achievement,
Sharon Kemp talks to Anne Summers about feminism, social
equality and quality in cultural debate. S2302

THE ART OF PERSUASION: SARAH FERGUSON

12:30pm1:30pm

with Max Gillies. Charismatic, intensely private and a lover of

poetry, ABC journalist Sarah Ferguson has written an extraordinary
book revealing what it took to create the documentary about the
unseating of Kevin Rudd by Julia Gillard. She talks with one of
Australias most astute politician-watchers, Max Gillies, about that
political drama and what it takes to keep your head when all
about you are losing theirs. S2303

BEYOND BELIEF: HUGH MACKAYwith Julie Rudner.

1:45pm2:45pm

Hugh Mackay is always right at the front of the next wave

of urgent public discussion, examining social trends, asking
questions, posing challenges. Now, he tackles the big unexamined
topic of our time: what comes after the traditional idea of God.
He talks to Julie Rudner about our desire for a life of meaning.

S2304

ESSENTIAL
INGREDIENTS:
STEPHANIE
ALEXANDER with Margot Spalding. Cook, writer, educator

3pm-4pm

10am4pm

2016

and advocate for a more joyful and healthier lifestyle, Stephanie

Alexander is author of the classic The Cooks Companion
which set the benchmark for food writing that combines prose
excellence with culinary brilliance. She joins influential Bendigo
businesswoman Margot Spalding, to talk about her career, and her
conviction that confirming our humanity with good food and good
conversation makes life worthwhile. S2305

imagine a wordier person than the puzzling David Astle, who

makes the secret pleasure of word-fossicking into a shared
and joyous affair. Creating crosswords, riddles, and all kinds of
wordplays on radio, television and in print, hes also a highlyrespected teacher, writer, and a lifelong student of what it means
to be human. He talks to Anthony Radford about how he became
the superstar word-nerd, his other writing and reading, and why a
crossword is a beautiful thing. P3301

with the musical skills of Anna Goldsworthy; there are few

musicians with her writing skills. Musical ambassador with
Seraphim, music festival director, acclaimed for her memoirs
Piano Lessons and Welcome to Your New Life, essayist, reviewer
librettist, playwright: Dan Bendrups meets one of our most
versatile and accomplished writers. P3303

Chaucer, Montaigne, Cervantes, Shakespeare, Sterne, Tolstoy,

Proust, Joyce, and Beckett. While thats not your average persons
reading list, Barry Jones is not your average person. All his life, says
this most cherished Australian thinker, he has been compelled to
exhort people to listen to the music and read the literature of the
greats. He talks to David Astle about the books and music that
have inspired him. P3304

FAIR ECONOMICS Chris Berg, Dennis Glover and Nigel

McGuckian. Dennis Glover, a fellow of left-leaning Per Capita, says
we need to recreate an economy that allows every Australian to
create and share in wealth. Chris Berg, from right-leaning Institute
of Public Affairs, says a libertarian society is the way to bolster
the economy as well as individual freedom. Nigel McGuckian
has the task of steering a lively discussion about the direction of
Australias economy and society. P3305

The best books for younger readers combine words and

illustrations in ways that connect readers of all ages: and Glenda
Millard and Judith Rossell are two of the best. They talk with
Sarah Mayor Cox about how their own complex of ideas, interests
and experience are behind books such as Glendas The Stars at
Oktober Bend and Judiths Withering-by-Sea. P4302

Mark Dapin, Dianne Dempsey and Gabrielle Tozer with Sam

Cooney. It pays to be flexible when you live by your writing. Sam
Cooney hosts Mark Dapin, Gabrielle Tozer and Dianne Dempsey,
who all combine journalism with novel writing. How do the skills
translate from one form to another? Do journalists write good
novels? Do novelists need reporting skills? P4303

with Simon Patton. Zen teacher, writer and film director Susan
Murphy believes that, while concern for the planet is frightening,
we now have an opportunity to understand and work together.
She talks to Simon Patton about finding the strong language of
poetry to enable us to talk about the Earths story, where we are
now, and a way forward to reverse the harm. P5302

Alterator. Mireille Juchaus award-winning third novel is admired

for its poetic detail, the strength of the writing and the intricacy
of the plot. It also asks us to think about landscape and change,
history and our environment, the human connection with the
natural world. Scott Alterator talks to Mireille about finding the
courage to write a book as urgent and influential as The World
Without Us. P5303

CLOSING EVENT AT THE FESTIVAL Capital Theatre

4:30pm6pm

CLOSING CONCERT: IVE GOT RHYTHM Noemi Nadelmann with pianist Robert Greene. International singer Noemi Nadelmann makes her Australian debut with a
concert of all-time music theatre favourites including Gershwin, Porter, Bernstein, Loewe and Rogers, with Opera Australias Robert Greene on piano. Ms Nadelmanns warmth,
charm and talent will light up the Capital Theatre for a brilliant finale to festival 2016. S2306

Trades Hall

Sally Abbott, Jaclyn Moriarty and Di Morrissey with Jane Sullivan.

Its a rare writer who reckons it doesnt matter where a story is
set, whether its a stressed future landscape, a verdant rain-soaked
forest, or a place of the imagination. Sally Abbott, Jaclyn Moriarty
and Di Morrissey talk to Jane Sullivan about how the settings for
their books influence their stories and characters. P6302

and Ashleigh Wilson with Tansy Curtin. Is there still debate about
what can be shown in art museums, or is it now more about
how its shown? Bendigo Art Gallerys Tansy Curtin asks Chris
McAuliffe, Mitchell Oakley Smith, and Ashleigh Wilson about
what makes a good exhibition and how theyd like to see galleries
respond to changes in art and audiences. P6303

Queen completing her Obernewtyn Chronicles, Isobelle Carmody

cements her reputation as a fantasy writer of remarkable skill. She
talks to Sean Williams about her philosophy of striving consciously
not to be safe, and what she has learned about fantasy, writing
and life across a career already spanning 40 years. P6305