Newcastle Writers Festival

Stephanie Alexander is shown smiling, wearing a checkered blouse and a statement necklace.

A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'Celebrating 30 Years of The Cook’s Companion with Stephanie Alexander’, and the front cover of The Cook’s Companion.

The Cook’s Companion is a staple in many kitchens across the country. Join national treasure Stephanie Alexander as she reflects on its lasting impact with Heather Rose.

🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/celebrating-30-years-of-the-cooks-companion/

A collage showing a headshot of Samuel on the left, Zeynab in the top right corner and Kate in the bottom right.

A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'The Thrill of It: Samuel Elliott, Zeynab Gamieldien, and Kate Mildenhall’, and the front covers of Samuel's book Haze, Zeynab's book Learned Behaviours, and Kate's book The Hiding Place.

Samuel Elliott, Zeynab Gamieldien & Kate Mildenhall unite for a gripping discussion about the art of psychological tension & crafting books that keep readers hooked. Hosted by Zohra Aly.

🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/the-thrill-of-it-samuel-elliott-zeynab-gamieldien-and-kate-mildenhall

A black and white photo of Zoe wearing a white t-shirt and looking at the camera with their hands behind their head.

A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'A Queer Reimagining: Zoe Terakes in Conversation’, and the front cover of Zoe's novel Eros

In their debut literary work, actor & writer Zoe Terakes reimagines five ancient Greek myths through a queer & trans perspective, inspired by their own Cretan heritage. Zoe will speak to Kaya Wilson at #NWF2026

🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/a-queer-reimagining-zoe-terakes-in-conversation

A collage showing a headshot of Russell on the left, and AC Grayling on the right.

A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'Philosopher's Cafe with Russell Blackford and AC Grayling’, and the front covers of Russell's book How We Became Post-Liberal: The Rise and Fall of Toleration, and Anthony's book For the People.

Join philosophers Russell Blackford and @acgrayling.bsky.social for a deep dive into the values, principles, and assumptions behind some of the big news stories of the day.

🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/philosophers-cafe-with-russell-blackford-and-ac-grayling/

Re-view: Artists respond to festival books - Newcastle Writers Festival 2026 Celebrate the launch of RE-VIEW at Back to Back Galleries on 27 March from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. The exhibition features Hunter region artists who have responded to books by authors...

Celebrate the launch of RE-VIEW at Back to Back Galleries. The exhibition features 25 Hunter region artists who have responded to books by authors featured in the #NWF2026 program.

📅 27 March from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
🔗 www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/re-view-art-exhibition/

A black and white photo of David Day smiling, wearing a dark jumper and a Panama hat.

A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'Hawke PM: The Making of a Legend with David Day’, and the front cover of David's novel Hawke PM.

Tracing Bob Hawke’s rise from union firebrand to PM, David Day speaks to @julie-mcintyre.bsky.social about the mythmaking surrounding the politician and why his legacy continues to shape Australian politics.

🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/hawke-pm-the-making-of-a-legend/

The text, Book Launch: Rocking the Boat by Ruth Boydell, a headshot of Ruth and an image of the front cover of her book, Rocking the Boat.

The text, Speaking Truth to Power: Madison Griffiths & Sonia Orchard, and headshots of Madison and Sonia.

Book Launch: Rocking the Boat by Ruth Boydell
🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/book-launch-rocking-the-boat-by-ruth-boydell

Speaking Truth to Power: @madisongriffiths.bsky.social & Sonia Orchard
🎟️ bit.ly/4aItXxU

The text, Truth, Food & Memory: Kate Reid & Laurie Woolever, and headshots of Kate and Laurie

The text, The Lost Women of Australian Literature with Jacqueline Kent and Susan Wyndham, and headshots of Jacqueline and Susan

Truth, Food & Memory: Kate Reid & @lauriewoolever.bsky.social
🎟️ bit.ly/4rfO4ul

The Lost Women of Australian Literature with Jacqueline Kent & Susan Wyndham
🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/the-lost-women-of-australian-literature

The text, Bold Women: Natasha Lester and Tara Moss in Conversation and headshots of Natasha and Tara.

The text, The Question of Identity: Alli Parker and Emma Pei Yin, and headshots of Alli and Emma

Bold Women: Natasha Lester & @taramoss.bsky.social in Conversation
🎟️ bit.ly/4rhqaxK

The Question of Identity: @alliparkerwriter.bsky.social & @emmapeiyin.bsky.social
🎟️ bit.ly/3Nq8QsD

The text Opening Night: An Evening with Kathy Lette, and a headshot of Kathy.

The text Undercurrents: What’s Your Story? with Lliane Clarke and a headshot of Lliane

Opening Night: An Evening with Kathy Lette
🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/an-evening-with-kathy-lette

Undercurrents: What’s Your Story? Workshop with Voices of Women Artistic Director Lliane Clarke
🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/workshop-undercurrents-whats-your-story

A yellow background with the text 'Celebrating women's stories at NWF2026', the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, and an illustration of an open book, with pages detaching and flying away like birds.

On #InternationalWomensDay, we celebrate women and their ongoing fight for equality.

The #NWF2026 program features a dynamic range of sessions that platform women writers who use their powerful voices to inspire change.

A collage showing a headshot of Liz in the top left corner, Tim in the bottom left corner, and Martina on the right.

A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'Survival and Control in Closed Communities with Liz Cameron, Tim Pocock, and Martina Zangger’, and the front covers of Liz's book Cult Bride: How I Was Brainwashed, and How I Broke Free, Tim's book The Truth Will Set You Free, and Martina's book Not My Shame.

Liz Cameron, Tim Pocock, & Martina Zangger speak candidly about the mechanisms of control & abuse of power at the core of tightly controlled groups. Hosted by Jackie Dent.

🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/survival-and-control-in-closed-communities

Peter is shown smiling at the camera, wearing a black button-up shirt and blazer.

A yellow background with the text, 'An Evening with Peter FitzSimons: The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop', and 'Saturday at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock', the Cessnock City Council logo and the front cover of Peter's book, 'The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop'.

A yellow background with the text, The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop: Peter FitzSimons in Conversation', 'Sunday at Newcastle Conservatorium of Music' and 'this event will be livestreamed', and the front cover of Peter's book, 'The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop'.

Join @peterfitz1.bsky.social in conversation at #NWF2026

🎟️ Cessnock newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/an-evening-with-peter-fitzsimons-the-courageous-life-of-weary-dunlop

🎟️ Newcastle newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/the-courageous-life-of-weary-dunlop-peter-fitzsimons-in-conversation

Hearing loop will no longer be available for events in Concert Hall, City Hall. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Sarah Wilson is shown leaning against a wall, smiling and looking upwards, wearing a vibrant, printed jacket.

A yellow background with the NWF logo, the text 'I Eat the Stars: Sarah Wilson in Conversation’, and the front cover of Sarah's novel, I Eat the Stars.

We are thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson to Newcastle for a special evening event on Friday, 29 May!

Learn more and book at events.humanitix.com/nwf-sarah-wi...

The text, 'The Travelling Soul: Chinese Poetry in Australia with Lap Lam & Josh Stenberg' and a collage with headshots of the listed authors.

The text, 'Poetry Salon @ The Presswith Eunice Andrada, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Jennifer Compton, Keri Glastonbury, Omar Musa, Lamisa Siddique & host David Stavanger' and a collage with headshots of the listed authors.

The Travelling Soul: Chinese Poetry in Australia with Lap Lam & Josh Stenberg
newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/the-travelling-soul-chinese-poetry-in-australia

Poetry Salon @ The Press
newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/poetry-salon-the-press

An image of Maxine Beneba Clarke smiling at the camera, the front cover of her children's book, It's the Sound of the Thing, the text, 'Poetry & Picture Books with Maxine Beneba Clarke' and a graphic with the text 'Family Fun Day'.

The text 'Poetry & Publics with Evelyn Araluen, Maxine Beneba Clarke, & David Stavanger' and headshots of the listed authors.

Poetry & Picture Books with @maxinebenebaclarke.bsky.social
newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/family-fun-day-poetry-and-picture-books

Poetry & Publics with @evelynaraluen.bsky.social, Maxine Beneba Clarke, & David Stavanger
newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/poetry-and-publics

A photo of Debbie Robson smiling at the camera, the front cover of her book, A Glimpse and the text, Book Launch: A Glimpse by Debbie Robson

A photo of the audience during a session at our 2025 festival, the text 'Newcastle Poetry Prize Presentation with the Hunter Writers' Centre' and the Hunter Writers' Centre and University of Newcastle logos.

Book Launch: A Glimpse by @debbierobson.bsky.social
newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/book-launch-a-glimpse-by-debbie-robson

Newcastle Poetry Prize Presentation
newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/newcastle-poetry-prize-presentation

A photo of Morgan Bell smiling at the camera, the front cover of her book, Glancing the Hold and the text, Book Launch: A trio of haiku zines by Morgan Bell.

The text, 'Book Launch: Flying Islands Poetry with Dael Allison, Ronald Arana Atilano, Damien Becker, Kit Kelen, DG Lloyd and Gillian Rubinstein' and a collage with headshots of the listed authors.

Book Launch: A trio of haiku zines by Morgan Bell
newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/book-launch-a-trio-of-haiku-zines-by-morgan-bell/

Book Launch: Flying Islands Poetry
newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/book-launch-flying-islands-poetry

A yellow background, the text ‘Poetry Sessions at #NWF2026’, the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, and an illustration of an open book, with pages detaching and flying away like birds.

Love poetry? Join us at #NWF2026 for one (or more) of our diverse sessions featuring poetry.

Learn more through the thread below and book tickets at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

Congratulations to Charlotte McConaghy, whose third novel Wild Dark Shore has been longlisted for the 2026 #WomensPrize for Fiction.

We are excited to welcome Charlotte to Newcastle for #NWF2026

🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/a-vanishing-world-charlotte-mcconaghy-in-conversation/

A black and white photo of Adam smiling, wearing a white button-up shirt and a blazer.

A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'My Father Bryce: Adam Courtenay in Conversation’, and the front cover of Adam's memoir.

In this intimate conversation, Adam Courtenay speaks to Susan Wyndham about his candid memoir My Father Bryce.

Learn more and book tickets at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/my-father-bryce-adam-courtenay-in-conversation/

A collage showing a headshot of Gail on the left, wearing a grey V-neck sweater, and Toni wearing an emerald green turtle neck in front of a green background on the right.

A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'Slippery Truths: Gail Jones and Toni Jordan’, and the front covers of Gail's book The Name of the Sister, and Toni's book Tenderfoot.

Acclaimed authors Gail Jones and Toni Jordan join Ashley Hay for a conversation about the power of storytelling and how they shape narratives that convey emotional truth.

🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/slippery-truths-gail-jones-and-toni-jordan/

Brigid Delaney is shown seated on an armchair, smiling and wearing a black silk blouse.

A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'The Seeker and the Sage: Brigid Delaney in Conversation’, and the front cover of Brigid's novel The Seeker and the Sage.

@brigidwd.bsky.social's unique new novel The Seeker & the Sage explores how Stoic wisdom can shape communities & help us build a better world. Brigid will speak with @stephharmon.bsky.social at #NWF2026.

🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/the-seeker-and-the-sage-brigid-delaney-in-conversation

The top two-thirds of the image features a collage with headshots of the featured writers. The bottom third includes the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, and the text 'A Picture Paints 500 Words with Dael Allison, Joanna Atherfold Finn, Morgan Bell, Micheál Lovett & Damien Linnane'.

Writers and visual artists come together in this lively cross-disciplinary showcase at Port Stephens Artisan Collective.

Five Hunter region storytellers unveil 500-word pieces sparked by striking works from local artists.

🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/a-picture-paints-500-words/

A black and white photo of Siang Lu smiling while seated at an author signing desk, wearing glasses, a t-shirt and a suit jacket.

A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, bold black text 'Ghost Cities: Siang Lu in Conversation’, and the front cover of Siang's novel Ghost Cities

Siang Lu’s Miles Franklin Award-winning novel Ghost Cities is a genre-bending masterpiece of literary hilarity that offers a bold reimagining of Sino-Australian storytelling. He speaks with Courtney Collins at #NWF2026

🎟️ newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/ghost-cities-siang-lu-in-conversation

A collage showing a headshot of Bri on the left, and Lucy on the right.

A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'Choice and Circumstance: Bri Lee and Lucy Nelson’, and the front covers of Bri's book Seed and Lucy's book Wait Here.

Bri Lee and Lucy Nelson speak with Maddison Connaughton about the ways fiction creates space for the most intimate questions about the futures we imagine.

🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/choice-and-circumstance-bri-lee-and-lucy-nelson/

A collage showing a headshot of Amie on the left, Natalie in the top right corner and Melanie in the bottom right.

A yellow background with the NWF logo and dates, 27-29 March, the text 'Writing Romance Across Genre with Amie Kaufman, Natalie Murray, and Melanie Saward’, and the front covers of Amie's book Red Star Rebels, Natalie's book Lights, Camera, Love and Melanie's book Love Unleashed

@amiekaufman.bsky.social, Natalie Murray, and @littleredwrites.bsky.social explore what love ignites in narrative and why emotional connection remains important to readers with Katharine Pollock at #NWF2026

🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/writing-romance-across-genre/

Accessibility | Newcastle Writers Festival Read how Newcastle Writers Festival is making every effort to ensure our events are accessible to all members of the community.

We want #NWF2026 to be accessible to everyone in our community and have Auslan interpreters available by request until March 9.

Learn more at #NWF2026 at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/accessibility/

A close-up of a page a student is writing on with the text '24 March, Flash Fiction Masterclass - Students are guided to write their own “flash fiction” with original characters, interesting narratives, and compelling endings.'

Students sitting in a circle on the ground while reading printed handouts, and the text, '26 March, Historical Fiction Masterclass - Focusing on Newcastle Museum’s ‘Fire and Earth’ exhibit that relates to the Hunter’s industrial and mining history, students learn how to blend historical settings with their own imagination.'

Students in Stage 3 (years 5 & 6) are invited to join us at our upcoming Story Hunter workshops.

Schools are encouraged to send a small group of up to 12 students accompanied by a supervising teacher or adult.

Learn more and book at events.humanitix.com/host/newcast...