Festival | Byron Writers Festival

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Susie Warrick Young Writers Award

In memory of Susie Warrick, this award celebrates the art of the short story and supports emerging young writers in furthering their career with a $500 cash prize for first place per category.

The Brief: Write an original short story up to 1000 words on any theme.

Prize Category 1: Year 10 to 12 students
Prize Category 2: Year 7 to 9 students

The Jesse Blackadder Prize

In memory of Jesse Blackadder, this prize celebrates creativity and imagination in Stage 3 writers with a $300 cash prize for first place.

The Brief: Write an original short story from 500 to 1000 words on any theme.

Prize Category: Year 5 to 6 students

Eligibility & Key Dates

Entrants of both competitions must live within the Byron Writers Festival footprint, from Taree in the south, Kyogle in the west and Tweed Heads in the north.

Key Dates

Submissions open: Wednesday 1 June, 2022
Applications Close: Wednesday 29 June, 2022 – 11.59pm
Winners notified: Wednesday 27 July, 2022. Please note all other entrants will be notified of the outcome at this time.

Prizes include:

Susie Warrick Young Writers Award: a $500 cash prize per category.
The Jesse Blackadder Prize: a $300 cash prize.
A Festival Day Pass for Sunday 28 August, 2022
Publication of each winning story in the Byron Writers Festival’s quarterly magazine, Northerly.
A runner up from each category will have their stories published online at the Byron Writers Festival’s blog.

Submission Guidelines

Write and polish an original short story.
Include the title in the header of your story.
Submit your story as a Word Document – Arial 12-point font preferred.
Submissions are judged anonymously. Your name should not be included anywhere on your story – it should only be entered on the submission form.
Entries are limited to one submission per person. A list of all Terms & Conditions can be found here.
Click on the online Application link to submit your story by Wednesday 29 June, 2022

About the Awards

Susie Warrick was a much loved staff member at the Northern Rivers Writers Centre (now Byron Writers Festival). The Susie Warrick Young Writers Award was established to honour her memory, celebrate the art of the short story, and to support emerging young writers in furthering their career.

The Jesse Blackadder Prize was created in 2020 in memory of Jesse Blackadder, much loved Board member, author and founder of Byron Writers Festival’s StoryBoard program.

Prizes are generously sponsored by the Warrick Family, Hilarie Dunn and the Byron Writers Festival Jesse Blackadder Memorial Fund.

Read the 2021 winning stories here.

For some valuable tips on entering Writing Competitions click here: https://www.melindatognini.com.au/writing-competitions-what-you-need-to-know-before-entering/

If you have any enquires, please email [email protected]

anika

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Featuring Matt Okine, Helena Fox, Nevo Zisin, Davina Bell, Craig Silvey, Isobelle Carmody, Randa Abdel-Fattah, Will Kostakis, Evelyn Araluen

About the day

Byron Writers Festival invites your school to participate in our annual Secondary Schools Program – a full day of live conversations and panel discussions with some of the foremost writers and thinkers from the 2021 Festival.

When: Thursday 5 August, 10am – 2pm
Where: The Festival site (Elements of Byron, Byron Bay)
Cost: $17 per student

Program

View the day’s program below and scroll down for author bios and their books.

Southern Cross University Marquee

10.30am: Finding Humour in Hard Times
Matt Okine in conversation with Marc Fennell

11.10am: Beyond Pronouns
Nevo Zisin in conversation with Mia Thom

12.10pm: Paths to Understanding
Craig Silvey in conversation with Zacharey Jane

12.50pm: Coming of Age during the War on Terror
Randa Abdel-Fattah in conversation with Sunil Badami

1.30pm: Poetry and Identity
Evelyn Araluen in conversation with Tony Birch

Greenstone Partners Marquee

10.30am: This is How it Feels
Helena Fox in conversation with Siboney Duff

11.10am: Connecting Ideas and Imagination
Davina Bell in conversation with Sarah Armstrong

12.10pm: Magical Thinking
Isobelle Carmody in conversation with Tristan Bancks

12.50pm: Stuff Happens – Will K.’s unexpected journey to writing
Will Kostakis in conversation with Grace Lucas-Pennington

How to Book

Click the ‘Book Now’ button to reserve the number of tickets required for your school.
After booking, you will have the opportunity to revise ticket numbers until 16 July. We urge you to determine your school’s numbers as soon as possible, as PLACES ALWAYS FILL UP FAST.
You may pay the booking fee immediately, or you may opt to receive an invoice.
After 16 July, we will send you an invoice if applicable. (Payment can be made via EFT, credit card or cheque to secure your students’ positions). Payment will also be accepted by credit card upon Festival entry. Our strong preference is that schools make payment in entirety BEFORE the event.

Key Information

Program is designed especially for students in years 7 – 12
Gates open at 9am, sessions run from 10.30am – 2pm
The Festival does not provide supervision
Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Festival site.
Complimentary waterfilling station is available onsite, please ask students to bring along their own bottle

Staying COVID Safe at Primary Schools Days 2021

Byron Writers Festival Schools Days will be operating under the NSW Public Health Order in place at the time of the event.
Teachers will be responsible for keeping a list of all participating students and will be required to share this information with NSW Health should the need arise.
Students experiencing flu-like symptoms should not attend.
Venues may be operating at restricted capacity with social distancing measures in place.
For the health & safety of all, signage & sanitising stations are set up throughout the venues.
We ask that you adhere to all COVID guidelines while attending the event.
View our COVID-Safe Conditions of Entry and full Ticketing Terms & Conditions here.

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Digital Program

A digital program will also be available for schools unable to attend the live events. More information to come. Presented in partnership with Southern Cross University and the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund.

Do you have a way with words or a story to tell? Study creative writing, digital media or design your degree, combining more of your interests with our range of shared majors from a wide range of disciplines. It’s time to think outside the box with Southern Cross University. scu.edu.au/study

Contact Us

For questions, please email [email protected] or call (02) 6685 5115.

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Randa Abdel-Fattah

Randa Abdel-Fattah is an academic, former lawyer, mother of four children and award-winning author. Her most recent book is Coming of Age in the War on Terror.

Evelyn Araluen

Evelyn Araluen is a Goorie-Koori poet, researcher and co-editor of Overland Literary Journal. Her debut poetry collection is Dropbear.

Sarah Armstrong

Sarah Armstrong has written three novels for adults and her first novel for readers aged 8 – 12 will be published by Hardie Grant next year.

Sunil Badami

Sunil Badami is a writer and broadcaster, who has contributed to most major Australian publications and appears regularly on ABC Radio and TV.

Tristan Bancks

Tristan Bancks is a children’s and teens author. His books include Two Wolves, The Fall, Detention, Tom Weekly and Nit Boy. His latest book is Ginger Meggs.

Davina Bell

Davina Bell is a children’s author. Her books include All the Ways To Be Smart, and her debut Young Adult novel, The End of the World Is Bigger Than Love.

Tony Birch

Tony Birch is an activist, historian, essayist and acclaimed author of the novels The White Girl, Ghost River and Blood. His most recent release is the poetry collection Whisper Songs.

Isobelle Carmody

Isobelle Carmody is one of Australia’s most highly regarded authors of fantasy. Her most recent novel is the final book in the Kingdom of the Lost series, The Velvet City.

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Siboney Duff

Siboney Duff has worked as a freelance writer, editor, and manuscript assessor for over fifteen years. A qualified English teacher, she specialises in HSC Extension English student preparation.

Marc Fennell

Marc Fennell is a Walkley Award-winning journalist, interviewer, author and documentary maker.

Helena Fox

Helena Fox’s debut novel, How It Feels To Float, is an exploration of grief and mental illness that has been published in Australia and internationally.

Zacharey Jane

Zacharey Jane is a writer, teacher and painter. Her two publications with UQP are The Lifeboat, released internationally, and the children’s picture book, Tobias Blow.

Will Kostakis

Will Kostakis is a writer of defamatory celebrity journalism, wrestler tweets and award-winning YA novels. He recently applied his trademark style to fantasy novels Monuments and Rebel Gods.

Matt Okine

Matt Okine is an actor, writer and one of Australia’s favourite award-winning comedians. His novel Being Black ‘N Chicken & Chips was released in 2019.

Craig Silvey

Craig Silvey is from Fremantle, Western Australia. He is the award-winning author of Jasper Jones and Honeybee.

Mia Thom

Mia Thom is a Bundjalung climate activist, a co-organiser of the school strike for climate movement within the Byron Shire movement.

Nevo Zisin

Nevo Zisin (they/them) is a queer, non-binary, Jewish writer, performer, activist and public speaker. Author of award-winning Finding Nevo, and The Pronoun Lowdown.

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Featuring Randa Abdel-Fattah, Eddie Jaku, Will Kostakis and Nevo Zisin

Byron Writers Festival’s 2021 Secondary Schools Digital Program provides an insight into storytelling, debate, and big ideas, eloquently delivered by some of Australia’s foremost writers and thinkers.

Supported by The Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund and Southern Cross University.

FREE on-demand program available from 23 August

The on-demand program will be available to stream from your classroom for four weeks from Monday 23 August (Book Week). Sessions will be accessible from this page, and can be viewed via YouTube.

See below for author sessions and stage suitability.

Teacher resources will be available to download when the program launches. Resources are available as a PDF and include author information, curriculum links, discussions guides and activities.

Teacher resources are presented in partnership with Southern Cross University.

How to Participate

Registration is essential for each participating class group in your school.
From 23 August, all on-demand sessions will be accessible on YouTube via the Byron Writers Festival website.
Duration of each session will be approximately 20 minutes.
Stage suitability ranges from stage 4-6.
Reminder emails will be sent to registered schools when sessions are available.
Teacher resources will also be available via the Byron Writers Festival website.

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Coming of Age during the War on Terror with Randa Abdel-Fattah

Randa Abdel Fattah’s book Coming of Age in the War on Terror brings together first hand accounts from young people, Muslim and non-Muslim, who have been deeply affected by the ramifications of 9/11. It also charts the spread of divisive political discussion in Australia over the last 20 years.

Stage: 5 – 6

The Happiest Man on Earth with Eddie Jaku

What does it mean to choose happiness every day? Eddie Jaku is a 101 year-old Holocaust survivor, yet despite this formative experience his message is one of happiness, friendship and love. Most of all he speaks to the power and importance of remembering.

Stages: 4 – 6

Monuments with Will Kostakis

In Will Kostakis’s bestselling fantasy duology, Monuments, three teenagers search for the ancient gods buried under different Sydney high schools, accidentally kill them, absorb their powers, and attempt to change the world. Will’s novels explore modern dilemmas in an ancient world. In this very personal talk, Will talks about a pivotal and difficult life event and how it inspired him to be a writer.

Note: This video contains content about a young person’s death

Stages: 5 – 6

Beyond Pronouns with Nevo Zisin

Traversing their own pronoun journey author Nevo Zisin’s The Pronoun Lowdown sheds light on the complicated history of gender around the world, in language and across time. Finally we have a book that demystifies and celebrates trans and gender diverse excellence.

Stages: 4 – 6

Supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund, in partnership with Southern Cross University.

Byron Writers Festival is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

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Featuring Davina Bell, Gavin Aung Than, Amie Kaufman, Oliver Phommavanh

Byron Writers Festival’s 2021 Primary Schools Digital Program connects Northern Rivers students with Australia’s best-loved children’s authors and illustrators.

Supported by The Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund and Southern Cross University.

FREE on-demand program available from 23 August

The on-demand digital program will be available to stream from your classroom for four weeks from Monday 23 August (Book Week). Sessions will be accessible from this page, and can be viewed via YouTube.

See below for author sessions and stage suitability.

Teacher resources will be available to download when the program launches. Resources are available as a PDF and include author information, curriculum links, discussions guides and activities.

Teacher resources are presented in partnership with Southern Cross University.

How to Participate

Registration is essential for each participating class group in your school.
From 23 August, all on-demand sessions will be accessible on YouTube via the Byron Writers Festival website.
Duration of each session will be approximately 15 minutes.
Stage suitability ranges from stage 1-3.
Reminder emails will be sent to registered schools when sessions are available.
Teacher resources will be available via the Byron Writers Festival website.

The Super Sidekicks with Gavin Aung Than

Gavin Aung Than’s first series for children, Super Sidekicks, grew out of Gavin’s long-time obsession with superheroes. This fun-filled action adventure series is about four superhero sidekicks who are fed up with taking orders from their adult partners and decide to form their own team.

Stages: 2 – 3

All the Ways to be Smart with Davina Bell

Davina Bell’s All the Ways to be Smart demonstrates a unique ability to reveal to children their strengths and singularity by recognising that there are many ways to excel in life. In these challenging times this book is a valuable tool in bolstering a child’s confidence.

Stages: 1 – 2

The World Between Blinks with Amie Kaufman

Amie Kaufman’s The World Between Blinks centres on a land where everything that is lost can be found. It is filled with treasures, but perhaps not those that first spring to mind. Drawing on history and mythology Amie Kaufman has created a world to delight and enlighten the young reader.

Stages: 2 – 3

Brain Freeze with Oliver Phommavanh

Oliver Phommavanh’s most recent book Brain Freeze is a crazy collection of funny short stories from the wacky mind of bestselling Thai-riffic! author, featuring characters who are all finding a way to step up and be brave.

Stages: 2 – 3

Supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund, in partnership with Southern Cross University.

Byron Writers Festival is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW

Download PDF Poster

Click the image to view and download.

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Byron Writers Festival invites your school to participate in our annual Primary Schools Days Program. Inspiring, fun-filled and creative sessions featuring Isobelle Carmody, Will Kostakis, Sarah Armstrong, Corey Tutt and Kate Foster.

Schedule

Live sessions are 2 hours long and will take place in Byron Bay, Murwillumbah, Lismore and Grafton.

Tuesday 23 August

The Cavanbah Centre, Byron Bay (two sessions)

AM session, 9.30am – 11.30am:

Kate Foster
Will Kostakis

PM session, 12pm – 2pm

Sarah Armstrong
Corey Tutt

Wednesday 24 August

Murwillumbah Civic Centre, 10am – 12pm

Kate Foster
Will Kostakis

Whitebrook Theatre, Southern Cross University, Lismore, 10am – 12pm

Corey Tutt
Isobelle Carmody

Thursday 25 August

Saraton Theatre, Grafton, 10.30am – 12.30pm

Kate Foster
Corey Tutt

Cost

$10 per student / session

How to Book

Click the ‘Book Now’ button to reserve the number of tickets required for your school. The deadline for bookings is 22 June.
After booking, you will have the opportunity to revise ticket numbers until 22 June. We urge you to determine your school’s numbers as soon as possible, as PLACES ALWAYS FILL UP FAST.
You may pay the booking fee immediately, or you may opt to receive an invoice.
After 22 June, we will send you a booking confirmation including your invoice if applicable, book order forms and a checklist to help you prepare for the day. (Payment can be made via EFT, credit card or by cheque to secure your students’ positions).

Staying COVID Safe at Primary Schools Days 2022

Byron Writers Festival Schools Days will be operating under the NSW Public Health Order in place at the time of the event.
Teachers will be responsible for keeping a list of all participating students and will be required to share this information with NSW Health should the need arise.
Students experiencing flu-like symptoms should not attend.
Venues may be operating at restricted capacity with social distancing measures in place.
For the health & safety of all, signage & sanitising stations are set up throughout the venues.
We ask that you adhere to all COVID guidelines while attending the event.
View our COVID-Safe Conditions of Entry and full Ticketing Terms & Conditions here.

Contact Us

For questions, please email [email protected] or call (02) 6685 5115.

Digital Program

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Sarah Armstrong

Sarah was a journalist and has written three novels, including Salt Rain which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin. Big Magic is her first children’s novel.

Isobelle Carmody

Isobelle Carmody is one of Australia’s most highly acclaimed authors of fantasy. Her latest book is The Velvet City, the final instalment in the Kingdom of the Lost series.

Kate Foster

Kate Foster is a children’s author writing about friends, family, and dogs. Her children’s novels include PAWS (2021), and The Bravest Word (2022). Her first chapter book series, Harriet Hound will be published in 2023.

Will Kostakis

Will Kostakis is an award-winning author for young adults, best known for his novels The First Third, The Sidekicks and the Monuments duology. His latest novel is The Greatest Hit.

Corey Tutt

Corey Tutt is the award-winning founder of DeadlyScience, a champion of STEM and the author of The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples.

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We’re tripping again! Byron Writers Festival is sending its Writers on the Road crew out on tour again this May for a series of free community events. Our tour bus will be bursting with stories from acclaimed authors Krissy Kneen, Dylin Hardcastle (formerly Sophie), Danny Teece-Johnson and Jan-Andrew Henderson. Stories that connect us, comfort us, challenge us and keep us going through troubled times.

Join us for conversation at Bellingen, Harwood, Byron Bay, Pearces Creek, and Ballina. All events are free and open to the public.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, bookings are essential at the venue.

Date and Venue details

Bellingen, Monday 9 May

Venue: Bellingen Library
Address: 29/31 Hyde St, Bellingen
Time: 5.30-7.00pm
Bookings: Via Bellingen Library website or call (02)6655 1744

Harwood, Tuesday 10 May

Venue: Harwood Hotel
Address: 2 Morpeth Street Harwood
Time: 5.30-7.00pm
Bookings: Via Harwood Hotel website or call (02)6646 4223

Byron Bay, Wednesday 11 May

Venue: The Book Room
Address: 277 Fletcher Street
Time: 6.00 – 8.00pm
Bookings: Via Book Room event

Pearces Creek, Thursday 12 May

Venue: Pearces Creek Community Hall
Address:40 Pearces Creek Hall Road
Time: 5.30-7.00pm
Bookings: Email [email protected] or call 0458 801 941

Ballina, Friday 13 May

Venue: Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG)
Address: 44 Cherry Street Ballina
Time: 5.30-7.00pm
Bookings: Via NRCG website or call (02)6681 0530

Contact

Zacharey Jane
E. [email protected]
P: 0432 922 381

Dylin Hardcastle

Dylin Hardcastle (formerly Sophie) is a non-binary author, artist, and screenwriter based on Bundjalung Country. They are the author of three critically acclaimed books, including 2020’s Below Deck.

Dub Leffler

Descended from the Bigambul people of South-West Queensland, Dub Leffler has written two books for children and illustrated over 25 titles including the award winning picture books – Once There was a Boy, Sorry Day with Coral Vass & the much lauded Bindi by Kirli Saunders.

Dub’s work is known and held in collections around the world and his latest offering is the beautiful Our Dreaming written by Kirli Saunders and released later this year.

Krissy Kneen

Krissy Kneen is an award-winning author of memoir and fiction, including Affection, An Uncertain Grace and her newest memoir The Three Burials of Lotty Kneen.

Danny Teece-Johnson

A Gamilaraay man from Moree NSW, Danny Teece-Johnson has been working in Black Media for 20 years. In 2012 he wrote and directed the award-winning short documentary Songline to Happiness. Danny is currently the Producer/Presenter of Triple A Murri Country’s flagship show Let’s Talk.

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Photo: North Byron Parklands, credit: Jade Foggo

New festival site and dates announced for Byron Writers Festival 2022!

The Festival team and I are thrilled to announce Byron Writers Festival 2022, set to take place this August 26 — 28 at a new site, the beautiful North Byron Parklands.

It is an incredible gift to create an experience for people who love books to come together in celebration of our mutual love of words and ideas. Now more than ever, the joy of meeting in person at a literary festival, to listen, reflect, laugh and be uplifted, feels so important. So it is with great excitement that I am working with the Byron Writers Festival team to bring back everything you have loved about this wonderful event.

You can expect to hear from your favourite authors, discover new talented writers and listen to conversations with some of our greatest thinkers on the topics that matter now. In August we will gather in a new stunning location on Minjungbal land to immerse ourselves in ideas and imagine the future we want to share.

I can’t wait to see you there.

Zoë Pollock
Artistic Director

3-Day Passes are back!

In other good news, 3-Day Passes are back. Read on for key dates, mark your calendar and help us spread the word – we simply cannot wait to celebrate three days of ideas, storytelling and conversation with you all. It’s been too long!

2022 Key Dates and Ticketing Info

8 — 15 June: Early Bird 3-Day Passes on sale, Members only pre-sale, $235 Members
15 — 22 June: First guests announced, Early Bird 3-Day Passes available for one week only, $235 members, $275 general
30 June: Sunday Locals* tickets on sale (*limited release, conditions apply), $90
12 July: Full program and 24 hour priority booking window available for members*
13 July: Full program announced and all Festival, Workshop and Satellite Event tickets on sale: 3-Day Pass $255 members / $295 general; 1-Day Pass, $110 members / $135 general
26 — 28 August: Festival Weekend

Please note all tickets are subject to booking fees.

Got a question?

For further information about the Festival and how it will run, please refer to our FAQs page.

Stay in the loop

We encourage you to remain signed up to our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for important Festival updates and announcements.

*Member benefits for the 2022 Festival

Not a member of Byron Writers Festival, or yet to renew your 2021 membership? Join today for discounts on Festival tickets. Other Festival member benefits include a special preview of the Full Program online and a 24 hour priority booking window. You can read the full list of annual Member benefits and sign up via our Members Page.

About North Byron Parklands

North Byron Parklands, image: Sam Charlton Photography

North Byron Parklands is a picturesque 660-acre cultural arts and music events venue, located at Yelgun in the north of Byron Shire on Minjungbal land. It features rolling green pastures, lush forest and coastal surrounds. Home to Australia’s much-loved Splendour in the Grass music Festival, Parklands is also used for smaller community festivals and events throughout the year.

Located approximately 20min drive north of Byron Bay, 25min drive from Gold Coast airport and 35min drive from Ballina-Byron Airport. On-site car parking will be available and shuttle buses will run between Byron Bay and the Festival.

Donate to Byron Writers Festival

As a not-for-profit organisation run with a small team of staff and volunteers, donations of any size go a long way in enriching the creative culture of our community and contributing to the success of future Festivals. Donations over $2 are tax deductible. Thank you!

DONATE

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WRITERS

Truth. Facts. Honesty. OMG! It’s not boring is it? Finding the ‘right’ way to tell our stories can be the hardest part of writing them – and the ‘truth’ of our lives so challenging and elusive. This hands-on workshop will give you the tools to make your story both engaging and authentic.

Monday 2 August, 10am — 4pm
Byron Community College, Room 3
$120/100 Members & Students

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There’s nothing worse than getting cornered at a party with a stranger telling you all about themselves – too much backstory! The same is true on the page. Backstory can bog down a manuscript, but it is also essential. This workshop helps writers manage the backstory balancing act.

Monday 2 August, 10am — 4pm
Byron Community Centre, Veranda Room
$120/100 Members & Students

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Ideal for anyone who is curious about the world around them… whether that’s a curiosity for sea breezes, an interest in tree root systems, or a fascination for glacial ice, Sophie will help participants write landscapes to life.

Tuesday 3 August, 10am — 4pm
Byron Community College, Room 3
$120/100 Members & Students

CANCELLED

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Writer / director Benjamin Gilmour, whose script for his feature film Jirga won the 2019 NSW Premier’s Prize for Scriptwriting, hosts a workshop on the art of screenwriting. Participants will explore the growing of ideas, the importance of story, character development and structure. This workshop will provide skills required to work towards the first draft of a screenplay.

Tuesday 3 August, 10am — 4pm
Byron Community Centre, Veranda Room
$120/100 Members & Students

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In an engaging, enlightening and entertaining day-long workshop, writer, broadcaster and academic Sunil Badami will reveal his Golden Rules for Writing a Great Short Story, which he tested by writing four short stories in four weeks — all of which were published in some of Australia’s most prestigious literary journals.

Wednesday 4 August, 10am — 4pm
Byron Community College, Room 3
$120/100 Members & Students

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Award-winning novelist and memoirist Kathryn Heyman (Fury) helps you take a kernel of truth and turn it into a work of art: a novel, memoir or captivating work of narrative non-fiction. Using a mixture of example, discussion and carefully selected exercises Kathryn Heyman will help you discover the core of your story and how to make it sing.

Wednesday 4 August, 1pm — 4pm
Byron Community Centre, Veranda Room
$60/50 Members & Students

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Whether you’re an aspiring or established writer, and whatever your genre of choice, you can now ‘go publish yourself’ on equal footing with the mainstream industry players. Join Debbie Lee from Ingram to learn about print-on-demand and global distribution, and how these services are turning the publishing world on its head.

Supported by IngramSpark

Wednesday 4 August, 10am — 12.30pm
Byron Community Centre, Cavanbah Room
$35/25 Members & Students

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For many writers the most comfortable place is behind the keyboard. Mandy Nolan and George Catsi are story detectives – taking your narrative from the page to the stage. Learn how to nail the public space, how to shine on panels, story pitches, in interviews, at launches and keynotes! An immersive hands-on class that will transform your presentations!

Wed 4 Aug 9am – 5pm and Thurs 5 Aug 9am – 2.30pm
Rockinghorse Studios, Coorabell
$650/590 Early bird inc. hot lunch both days

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In this three-hour guided writing group, novelist, memoirist and playwright, Christopher Raja, will lead participants through a number of the key elements of a story. Participants are asked to bring along a piece of writing, project or story idea to develop in a supportive and positive setting.

Thursday 5 August, 9.30am — 12.30pm
Byron Community College, Room 1
$60/50 Members & Students

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In this lively workshop, learn how to make your work relevant and captivating – how to arrive at your own voice, and weave in the voices of others – what to leave in and what to take out, and what mistakes non-fiction writers make.

Thursday 5 August, 10am — 4pm
Byron Community Centre, Cavanbah Room
$120/100 Members & Students

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From Captain Ahab to Mrs Dalloway, all the way to that kid everyone hates in The Slap – it’s the difficult characters that stay with us. In this session writers will be encouraged to study, dissect and bring difficult characters to life through a series of practical exercises.

Thursday 5 August, 10am — 4pm
Byron Community Centre, Veranda Room
$120/100 Members & Students

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This workshop will guide participants through planning, researching and writing family stories. Participants will develop foundational skills in: understanding the ethics of writing the stories of others; deciding what stories need to be told, and why; and crafting family members as characters.

Thursday 5 August, 1pm — 4pm
Byron Community College, Room 1
$60/50 Members & Students

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WRITERS

Join us as we bring Byron Writers Festival 2021 authors Isobelle Carmody, Roanna Gonsalves, Krissy Kneen and Nevo Zisin to the Mid North Coast. Presenting workshops and panel discussions in Coffs Harbour, Macksville, Port Macquarie, Bellingen and Harwood.

Friday 31 July – Wednesday 4 August
Various venues
Free, bookings essential

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Dr Kathryn Heyman is an award-winning writer. She was awarded the prestigious CAL Author Fellowship for Fury, a memoir of recovery and transformation. She talks with Sarah Armstrong about the book, and about the possibility of reinvention after trauma.

Thurs 5 Aug, 2pm — 3.30pm
Moller Pavilion, Bangalow
$25 + BF inc. afternoon tea by Bangalow CWA

EVENT PARTNER Friends of Libraries, Byron Shire

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Evelyn Araluen is a Goorie-Koori poet, researcher and co-editor of Overland Literary Journal. Her debut poetry collection Dropbear is an innovative mix of poetry and prose from a vibrant new Indigenous voice on the Australian literary scene. In conversation with Lynda Hawryluk, Senior Lecturer at Southern Cross University.

Thursday 5 August, 3pm – 4pm
Southern Cross University, Lismore Campus
Free, bookings essential

EVENT PARTNER Southern Cross University

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A showcase of fresh new voices from Poets Out Loud. Preselected teams and individuals aged 12-18 represent their schools in this thrilling spoken-word competition. Featuring 2020 Australian Poetry Slam champion Ren Alessandra.

Thursday 5 August, 6pm — 8pm
The Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah
$5/Under 18’s free, bookings essential

EVENT PARTNER The Regent Cinema

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Artists living with intellectual disability face a variety of barriers. Hear Studio A artist Greg Sindel and Artistic Director Gabrielle Mordy speak about how artists at Studio A are using the power of comics and storytelling to overcome obstacles and become successful and renowned visual artists.

Friday 6 August, 2pm – 3pm
Lismore Regional Gallery
Free, bookings essential

EVENT PARTNER Lismore Regional Gallery
SUPPORTED BY Southern Cross University

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Dynasty8 Choir presents an hour-long sonic meditation featuring beautiful ancient and modern classical choral music accompanied by eight shimmering gongs played by David Bennett, from Planet Gongs. Bring a mat, pillow and a rug, find a spot on the floor and allow yourself to surrender to this magical experience. Chairs also provided.

Friday 6 August / Saturday 7 August, 6pm – 7pm
Kingscliff Community Hall / Brunswick Heads Memorial Hall
$30/$25 concession + BF

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Danielle Celermajer’s Summertime is written in the shadow of the bushfires. In the midst of the death and grief of animals, humans and ecologies, Celermajer asks us to look around, to become present to all beings who are living and dying through the loss of our shared home.

Friday 6 August, 7pm — 8pm
Crystalbrook Byron (formerly The Byron at Byron)
$30 + BF

EVENT PARTNER Crystalbrook Byron

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Comedians do more than tell jokes – they write books, TV shows and garner huge social media followings. How do they stay zeitgeist fit? How does each medium dilute or amplify the comedic voice? Australian comedy superstars talk with our own local legend Mandy Nolan about using comedy as a tool for world domination!

Friday 6 August, 7.30pm — 9pm
Byron Theatre
$30 + BF

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Open to 10-18 year-olds for a single two-minute spoken poem. Entry is free. For details contact David Hallett 0487 384 993.

Saturday 7 August, 1.30pm — 2.30pm
Byron Theatre
Free, registrations open 1pm on the day

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Join the audience or sign up to perform. Featuring 2020 Australian Poetry Slam champion Ren Alessandra, with MC Miles Merrill.

Saturday 7 August, 3pm — 5pm (Registrations at 2.30pm)
Byron Theatre
Free, bookings essential

EVENT PARTNER Word Travels

More details australianpoetryslam.com

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Olivia Grace is back in Byron Bay, and just as well-disguised as ever! Raise a glass to wisecracking teen detective Olivia Grace’s second mission. A rip-roaring excursion into madcap sunshine noir, with a flavour of Veronica Mars meets Elmore Leonard. Launched by Kayte Nunn, bestselling author of The Last Reunion.

Saturday 7 August, 6pm
The Book Room at Byron
Free, no bookings

Lucy Peach is a singer-songwriter, theatre-maker and author hailing from Fremantle, WA. Her passion for preaching the power of the period is embodied in her latest work, Blood Magic – a song cycle written as an ode to the menstrual cycle.

Saturday 7 August, 6.30pm — 7.30pm
Byron Theatre
$30 + BF

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Matthew Evans’ latest book Soil is a hymn to the remarkable and underappreciated bit of Earth that gifts us life. A swashbuckling tale of soil that arms us all with the knowledge and respect to care about its health. Matthew discusses farming and the importance of soil in regenerating landscapes.

Saturday 7 August, 7pm — 8pm
The Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah
$30

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Fiona Murphy hid her Deafness for most of her life. In her new memoir, The Shape of Sound, Fiona explores issues of stigma and shame, deafness, disability and personal transformation. With a special screening of Fearless Films, a series of short films produced by Feros Care and Screenworks about people living boldly with disability.

Saturday 7 August, 7pm — 8.15pm
Banksia Pavilion, Elements of Byron
Free, bookings essential

EVENT PARTNER Feros Care

Auslan interpreted symbol

This event will be Auslan interpreted.

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In this intimate Tell Me Why concert, Archie’s profound spiritual presence imparts a moving on-stage memoir of his life. He sings of both the heartbreak and joy of his people and calls for justice, for understanding, for empathy, for healing and for a better future for our children and country.

Saturday 7 August, 7pm — 9pm inc. interval
NORPA (Lismore City Hall)
$66.50 + BF

EVENT PARTNER NORPA
SUPPORTED BY Southern Cross University

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Join renowned guitarist, songwriter and author Jeff Lang for an evening of words and music, as he plays songs from across his career and reads some short passages from his book. Some Memories Never Die is a memoir of three decades on the road in which Jeff recalls the gigs, the twists, the turns and the people he met along the way.

Saturday 7 August, 8.30pm — 10pm
Byron Theatre
$30 + BF

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Fiona Foley is a visual artist and academic. Her publication, Biting the Clouds, is a ground-breaking work of Indigenous scholarship. Fiona discusses her art and writing, both of which examine, subvert and dismantle historical stereotypes.

Sunday 8 August, 11am — 12pm
Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre
Free, bookings essential

EVENT PARTNER Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre

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The 29^th anniversary of Writers at the Rails featuring Ren Alessandra, Damien Becker, Sarah Temporal and host David Hallett.

Sunday 8 August, 2.30pm — 4.30pm
The Rails Hotel, Byron Bay
Free, no bookings

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Festival Dates

26 – 28 August 2021

Where

North Byron Parklands, Byron Shire

About the 2022 Festival

Mark your calendar for Byron Writers Festival 2022, set to take place this August 26 — 28 at our new site, the beautiful North Byron Parklands.

Australia’s favourite regional literary festival

For three days in August, more than 100 writers and thinkers will come together in Byron to ponder the power of stories and the written word in shaping who we are. Now in its 26th year, Byron Writers Festival has become famous for its relaxed and friendly vibe, open-air coastal location and compelling conversations spanning a mix of genres including environment, first nations, politics, philosophy, music, art, social issues and of course memoir and fiction.

Let’s celebrate the power of words

Now more than ever, the joy of gathering together to listen, reflect, laugh and be uplifted, feels so important. Expect to hear from your favourite authors, discover new talented writers and listen to conversations with some of our greatest thinkers on the topics that matter now.

We can’t wait to welcome you to this wonderful event!

Key Dates

June 8: Members’ Early Bird pre-sale
June 15: Early Bird 3-day Passes on sale (one week only), first guest announcement
June 30: Sunday Locals Passes on sale (*limited release, conditions apply)
July 13: Full program announced – all tickets on sale
Aug 26-28: Festival Weekend

Who is it for

For writers, readers and people that believe in the power of storytelling, ideas and healthy debate as a force for good.

Tickets

$90 – $135 for a full day pass giving you access to over 35 sessions across 5 stages each day

Images

Web-ready images can be viewed and downloaded from our Website Gallery. Please credit and tag Byron Writers Festival for ALL online applications. High res images available on request.

Media enquiries

Clare McGregor Publicity
[email protected]
M: 0418 192 524

Festival 2022 Media Accreditation

Thank you for your interest in the Byron Writers Festival. Media accreditation is strictly reserved for members of the media – print, photo, radio, TV, film, news agencies and online media – who represent a legitimate media organisation and must be committed to publishing post-event coverage.

For Media Accreditation for 2022 Byron Writers Festival please contact Festival Publicist Clare McGregor on publicity [at] byronwritersfestival [dot] com

Marketing enquiries

Anika Ebner
Marketing and Communications Manager
[email protected]
P: (02) 6685 5115

Social Media

Follow and share posts via facebook, instagram and twitter. A Festival Blog will accompany the launch of the Full Program.

Our festival hashtag is #byronwf2022

E-newsletter Sign-Up

anika

Find out more about Elements of Byron, our on-site accommodation partner, as well as links to other accommodation providers in the area. Due to increasing demand for holiday accommodation in Byron Bay and surrounds, we suggest you research accommodation options early including minimum night stays and cancellation terms with regards to Covid-19 public health orders.

Elements of Byron Resort

Elements of Byron Resort is the proud venue partner of Byron Writers Festival. The resort features 193 private villas dotted amidst 22 hectares of absolute beachfront paradise. The modern Australian beach architecture and interiors are inspired by the native flora and fauna of this exceptional Byron Bay beachside location, where every luxury awaits.

Facilities include a new adults exclusive pool, central lagoon pool and beach lounge.

Graze at Elements is the all-day dining option, along with poolside dining options and the Lobby Bar.

For more information: elementsofbyron.com.au

To make a booking call 02 6639 1500

Crystalbrook Byron

Nestled in 45-acres of magical subtropical rainforest, Byron at Byron, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort, is a celebration of nature, responsible luxury and the local environment. Offering 92 guest suites, each with its own front and rear verandah, the resort works with its surrounding landscape to offer guests an immersive experience in nature.

Featuring new signature restaurant, Forest, Eléme Day Spa daily yoga classes, tennis court and infinity pool, Byron at Byron is proud to offer sustainable luxury loved by locals and travellers alike.

In line with Crystalbrook Collection’s commitment to Responsible Luxury, the resort makes use of environmentally friendly, upcycled, recycled and locally sourced materials wherever possible. The resort has a plastic free policy (no plastic water bottles or straws) and, through the use of technology, has removed 90% of paper used by a typical five-star hotel.

For more information: crystalbrookcollection.com/byron

Byron Bay Accom

Byron Bay Accom has the largest range of holiday accommodation in Byron Bay, with over 200 options to choose from including apartments, holiday houses, beach houses, hotels, guesthouses, resorts and budget accommodation.

Byron Bay Accom helps you book affordable accommodation in Byron Bay and can cater to travellers on any budget.

Byron Bay Accom is a proud accommodation partner of Byron Writers Festival

For more information: https://www.byronbayaccom.net/

To make a reservation call 02 6680 8666

The Atlantic Byron Bay

The Atlantic Byron Bay is a lifestyle hotel. The perfect combination of location and style surrounded by swaying palm trees and the sound of the ocean. The Atlantic is the perfect getaway for couples with cafes, shops and white sandy beaches all steps from your deck. Soak up the sun on the lawn, hide under a palm tree and enjoy the balmy evenings by the fire pit. Cast off your bags and start making moments at your home away from home.

The Atlantic Byron Bay is a proud accommodation partner of Byron Writers Festival

atlanticbyronbay.com.au

The Sunseeker, Byron Bay

The Sunseeker, Byron Bay is ‘80s brick motel nostalgia reimagined in every way into a boutique accomodation experience for the modern conscious traveller. Hidden behind the magnificent beaches of Byron Bay, on Bundjalung Country. The Sunseeker is nestled just out of the hustle and bustle of the main town. With beautifully considered rooms, bungalow-style stays, poolside lounging and lush tropical gardens, The Sunseeker offers a secluded holiday hideaway for the most discerning travelling. A portion of every stay at The Sunseeker supports 1% for the Planet.

thesunseeker.com.au

byronbay.com

byronbay.com connects you with an extensive collection of accommodation options – find your perfect property then book online or direct with the property manager.

A local business, byronbay.com has spent the last two decades sharing an authentic sense of Byron with the rest of Australia and the world. Explore the region on our flagship website, blogs, and social channels.

A proud accommodation partner of Byron Writers Festival.

For more information visit byronbay.com

The Sails Motel, Brunswick Heads

Located in the heart of Brunswick Heads, The Sails offers 22 classic motel style rooms just a short stroll from the river, restaurants and cafes. Facilities include a Swimming Pool, BBQ & Gazebo, Bike Hire, Free Wi-Fi, Onsite Parking, Bar & Restaurant and an Event & Workshop Space.

thesailsmotel.com.au

Bayshore Bungalows

bayshorebungalows.com.au

Wategos Treehouse

wategostreehouse.com.au

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The Festival site is located at Elements of Byron, 144 Bayshore Drive Byron Bay (approximately 5km from Byron town centre). Festival gates open at 8am each day. The Festival car park is open from 7.30am. We encourage you to use public transport if possible.

By Solar Train

The Byron Solar Train runs from Byron Beach station on Lawson St in Byron CBD to North Beach Station at the end of Bayshore Drive, approximately 200m from Festival gates.

During the Festival (Friday 6 – Sunday 8 August), the train will run from 8am – 7pm daily. A one-way trip takes approximately 10 minutes. Tickets are $5 each way and may be purchased online or on the train.

For more info about the Byron Solar Train, head to byronbaytrain.com.au

By Shuttle Bus

A Festival shuttle bus will operate between Byron Bay Interchange in Byron CBD and the Festival site. The bus will depart from the Byron Interchange every 30 minutes from 7.30am. Final departure from Festival bus stop is at 6pm. Cost is $5 per ride, paid directly to the driver.

By Car

Limited car parking is available at the Festival site from 7.30am. Parking is by donation. To alleviate traffic congestion and limit carbon emissions, we encourage carpooling if possible. Please park as directed by the parking attendants. Please ensure that you obey Council parking signs.

By Bike

Bikes can be parked and locked to the safety fencing at the Festival entrance where signposted. Please ride safely and be mindful of merging traffic, parked cars and pedestrians.

Plane

Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is the closest to Byron Bay (30 min drive). Other airports include Gold Coast Airport (approx 45min drive) and Brisbane International (approx 1h45min drive).

Airport Transfers

For transfer options from Ballina Byron Gateway, head to ballinabyronairport.com.au/transport-links

For transfer option from Gold Coast Airport, head to skybus.com.au/byron-bay-express

For transfers to and from Brisbane Airport, please visit brisbane2byron.com

Train

Countrylink provides a rail/coach transfer service to Byron Bay everyday. For reservations and information, phone 132 232 (6-10pm 7 days) or www.countrylink.info

Bus

Byron Bay is serviced daily by interstate coaches. For information contact Greyhound or Premier.

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Buy Tickets

VIEW FESTIVAL PROGRAM

WRITERS

Byron Writers Festival is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

Byron Writers Festival 2021 is supported by the Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government Initiative.

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Byron Writers Festival 2021 is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

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This project was made possible through a Regional Arts Fund Renewal Grant provided by Regional Arts NSW through the Regional Arts Fund, an Australian Government initiative supporting the arts in regional, remote and very remote Australia.

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Southern Cross University has campuses on the Gold Coast, in Lismore and Coffs Harbour and also offers online study. Develop your unique artistic skills with Southern Cross University’s writing, music and visual arts degrees. To find out more visit: scu.edu.au/creative

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At Feros Care, what we care about most is helping people live better lives. Healthier. Better connected. More active. More fulfilling. We call it growing bold and we’ve been doing it for 30 years.

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Greenstone Partners is a leading independent corporate advisory firm. We support several organisations, charities and events including Byron Writers Festival.

In the past 30 years, First National Byron Bay has cemented its position as the region’s number one agency, servicing a footprint that extends from Wardell to Byron Bay, Bangalow, the Hinterland, Mullumbimby and New Brighton.

The Saturday Paper is a quality weekly newspaper, dedicated to narrative journalism. It offers the biggest names and best writing in news, culture, and analysis, with a particular focus on Australia.

Your independent source of local news on the NSW north coast: Delivering online daily news and a free weekly newspaper The Byron Shire Echo.

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Elements of Byron is Byron Bay’s award-winning beachfront resort. Luxury accommodation and world-class facilities hosting unforgettable experiences. Barefoot luxury. Absolute beachfront. Nature all around. Discover the Elements of Byron.

89 Degrees East is a national data, strategy and communications agency. Founded in Byron Bay and with bases across Australia, we deliver campaigns that change the world for the better.

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The Atlantic Byron Bay is the perfect getaway for couples with cafes, shops and white sandy beaches all steps from your deck. Soak up the sun on the lawn, hide under a palm tree and enjoy the balmy evenings by the fire pit.

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Bolinda is a specialist Library supplier, number one Audiobook publisher in the Southern Hemisphere and the largest audiobook and large print supplier in Australia and New Zealand.

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The Book Room Collective is an independent and locally owned group of bookshops in the Northern Rivers, operating from Byron Bay and Lennox Head. The shops are carefully curated to ensure every opportunity to explore and discover.

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Brookfarm is a leading Australian gourmet food producer, committed to sustainable agriculture and premium food production. “It starts on the family farm” with Brookfarm’s prized macadamias, and award winning range of muesli, granola and premium snacks baked in our Byron Bay bakehouse.

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Business NSW is an independent not-for-profit organisation; our purpose is to be a strong voice for the issues important to your business.

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Byron Farmers Market has the freshest range of locally grown produce direct from our farmers, including seasonal fruit and vegetables, pasture-raised meat and eggs, artisan cheese and bread, nuts, honey, rice, pasta and more!

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Byron Shire Council represents a creative and diverse community with a strong commitment to sustainable living.

The Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund supports projects that provide opportunities to individuals in the writing, publishing and visual arts sectors.

Nestled in 45-acres of magical subtropical rainforest, Crystalbrook Byron is a celebration of nature, responsible luxury and the local environment.

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IngramSpark® is an award-winning independent publishing platform that provides the indie-publishing community the same global distribution, print and digital products used by big-time publishers.

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Pukka inspires you to a healthier, happier world through incredible organic herbal teas that are as good for you as they are for the planet.

Quarterly Essay celebrates 20 years as Australia’s leading journal of politics and culture. Publishing the best Australian writers and in-depth analysis, Quarterly Essay continues to foster critical debate.

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Born and raised in Byron Bay, Stone & Wood is a proudly local and independent brewery that is dedicated to handcrafted beer while giving back to our community.

Summerland Credit Union is an ethical and sustainable financial institution with 10 branches across the Northern Rivers of New South Wales and South East Queensland.

Tamara Smith MP is the Member for Ballina and NSW Greens spokesperson for Agriculture, Tourism, Regional Communities and the North Coast.

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The Walkley Foundation’s mission is to benchmark the best in Australian journalism, engage both media and the public in valuing and supporting journalism, and invest in programs that support journalism.

Apex Outdoor is a leader in acquiring and developing exclusive sites for digital billboards and out-of-home advertising throughout Australia.

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Frontline Print and Copy Centre is Byron Bay’s premier copy and digital print centre. With our state of the art Xerox, Canon and Oce equipment, and knowledgeable staff we can handle any size print job from flyers, to posters, to wide format.

Milligram has a passion for design and stylish stationery and has firmly established itself as the premier destination for cult favourite brands from pen icons like LAMY and Kaweco to local and international notebook makers like Rhodia, Clairefontaine, Moleskine and more.

Revolve Your World is a unique waste management system that utilises waste minimisation strategies, onsite waste stream sorting, consolidation and processing. Our goal is to help events and communities achieve 100% recycling rates.

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Rochdale Accounting & Advisory help you manage every aspect of your personal and business finances, and because we establish a personal relationship with each of our clients, our advice will be tailored for your needs.

With huge buying power The Cellar offers the very best local prices, are conveniently located and are the experts at handling large weddings and parties.

The Sunseeker is ’80s brick motel nostalgia reimagined into a boutique accommodation experience for the modern conscious traveller. Hidden behind the magnificent beaches of Byron Bay, The Sunseeker is a family-friendly retro hub, offering beautifully considered rooms, bungalow-style stays, poolside lounging, and lush tropical gardens.

Faber Writing Academy is the writing school inside Allen & Unwin, Australia’s leading independent publishing company, with courses run by renowned writers, publishers and agents.

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Established in 2003, Griffith Review is a key part of Australia’s literary ecology, continuing to spark and foster public discourse that reflects and shapes our nation’s cultural, political and social life.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation is a national charity with a vision of equity of opportunity. Its programs provide access to books, publish community stories, and empower remote communities to lead their own literacy futures. Donate today: www.ilf.org.au

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Lismore Regional Gallery sits in the very heart of Lismore adjacent to The Quadrangle – Lismore’s Creative Playground. The gallery presents a broad range of programs that include tours, workshops, artist talks and high quality exhibitions.

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NORPA is one of Australia’s most exciting regional theatre companies. NORPA makes theatre from the ground up, taking inspiration from the country and culture of the Northern Rivers.

Screenworks is a registered charity that provides support, leadership and vision for the regional screen industries in Australia by offering screen-related development and networking opportunities, programs and initiatives for people living in regional, rural and remote Australia.

Studio A makes great art and is NSW’s only supported studio for professional artists with intellectual disability.

The Regent is a majestic Art Deco treasure built in 1947 that offers Cinema, Live Events, a Cafe, a licensed Bar and alfresco Balcony, located in the heart of the M-Arts precinct in Murwillumbah.

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A popular destination in Murwillumbah, Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre offers stunning views of the Tweed Valley and presents an engaging program of exhibitions, activities and events.

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Word Travels is a not for profit arts organisation, organising literary and literacy programs for festivals, private companies, libraries, schools and cultural institutions around the Asia Pacific with a focus on developing performing writers.

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ABC North Coast – Discover the latest in news, entertainment and sport plus the best stories from across your region. On air, online, on social and the ABC listen app.

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Blank is your local street press; an independent voice for music, arts, lifestyle and community. Available free in print monthly and always online, we’re on a mission to transform our regions cultural landscape.

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byronbay.com has been helping people plan their visit to our region since 1997 – providing a direct connection and sense of place via their popular website, blogs and socials.

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The Northern Rivers Review is a new voice for the Northern Rivers, celebrating the people, places and ideas that make up our colourful and diverse region.

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Paradiso is an independently produced local magazine, celebrating the creative community of Northern NSW – our editorial explores the inspiration that feeds this creativity. And we are free.

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Rusty’s Byron Guide is a magazine to inspire independent thinking and conscious action. It has been working to represent and reflect the Byron community since 1984.

Bob And Patti Lowry
Chris Hanley & Dawn Standfield
Christopher & Lynda Dean
John & Melissa Hertzberg
Scott Malcolm & Jane Taylor
Tom & Sibylle Vidal

ALLEN & UNWIN
Annette Barlow
Apex Digital Billboards
Auslan Interpreters
Bay FM
Bayshore Bungalows
Brian Warrick
Brookie’s
Byron Bay Milk Co.
Byron Theatre

Byron Bay Chocolate Company
Harper Collins Australia
Hilarie Dunn
HOTA
Jane Adams
Jill Eddington
Julianne Schultz
Marele Day
MUP
Murdoch Books

Northern Rivers Plant Hire
Penguin Random House Australia
Penny Leonard
Rob Doolan
Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre
Sydney Writers’ Festival
The Canavan
The Cellars
The Rails Hotel
The Wheeler Centre

Tweed Party Hire
UQP

Plus all the publishers who assisted in creating the 2021 Byron Writers Festival Program

nrwadmin

Is the 2022 Festival going ahead?
Where is the Festival held?
How can I find out what is on?
Do I need to buy tickets?
Are the writers Australian or international?
Do I need to be a writer to enjoy the Festival?
What happens at Byron Writers Festival?
Do Festival sessions have allocated seating?

Is the 2022 Festival going ahead?

It certainly is, and we can’t wait! 2022 Festival dates are 26 – 28 August. For more information including tickets sales and program announcements, please head to our Festival Homepage.

Where is the Festival held?

The new Festival site is located at North Byron Parklands, approximately 20min drive from Byron Bay, 25min drive from Gold Coast airport and 35min drive from Ballina-Byron Airport. On-site car parking will be available and shuttle buses will run between Byron Bay and the Festival.

How can I find out what is on?

The full program of events will be available online from mid-July. The program will include all festival sessions, satellite events and workshops. For program updates please subscribe to our e-newsletter.

Do I need to buy tickets?

You certainly do. Access to the Festival site is only available to Pass holders. A program of separately ticketed workshops and satellite events – some of them free – runs in the lead-up to and throughout the main Festival weekend. Ticket prices vary and details are released when the full program is announced. Release dates for tickets can be found here. Please subscribe to our e-newsletter for writer announcements and ticket release updates.

Are the writers Australian or international?

Byron Writers Festival puts particular emphasis on celebrating Australian writers and storytellers, although many of these writers will be of international renown. You may find an international guest scattered among the line-up, but our philosophy ensures that Australian writing is of core significance in the program.

Do I need to be a writer to enjoy the Festival?

No! Byron Writers Festival is all about words and ideas, perfect for all readers, writers and thinkers. Most attend to listen to contemporary writers, engage with new ideas, meet other curious-minded people and fall in love with new books.

What happens at Byron Writers Festival?

Byron Writers Festival is a 3-day celebration of storytelling, literature and big ideas covering everything from fiction, memoir, the environment, politics and social issues.

We have a purpose-built festival site on the beautiful grounds of North Byron Parklands, with five outdoor marquees filled with conversations, panels, readings, lectures and performances running concurrently. Most sessions are 45 min – 1 hour in length, and you can sit and listen for an entire session or wander between venues as the fancy takes you.

There’s coffee, food and market stalls as well as a splendid bookshop run by The Book Room Collective. Most authors will be in the book signing area after their sessions. On Festival Sunday, one marquee is turned over to children’s authors and the kids can have a special day meeting their favourites. In the evening, you can enjoy one of the satellite events around the region.

Do Festival sessions have allocated seating?

No. Seats in marquees are on a first come best dressed basis.

Where is North Byron Parklands?
Is there parking at the Festival site?
Will there be shuttle buses?
Why are you moving to the new site?
How will the festival differ at North Byron Parklands?
Why have the dates changed?

Where is North Byron Parklands?

North Byron Parklands is a picturesque 660-acre cultural arts and music events venue, located at Yelgun in the north of Byron Shire, on the lands of the Minjungbal people. It features rolling green pastures, lush forest and coastal surrounds. Home to Australia’s much-loved Splendour in the Grass music Festival, the site is also used for smaller community festivals and events throughout the year. It is located approximately 20min drive north of Byron Bay, 25min drive from Gold Coast airport and 35min drive from Ballina-Byron Airport.

Is there parking at the Festival site?

Yes, on-site car parking will be adjacent to the Festival and within easy walking distance of where the action takes place. Parking will be by donation.

Will there be shuttle buses?

Yes, a free shuttle service will run between Byron Bay CBD, Elements of Byron, and the Festival site. The shuttle bus will drop passengers off close to the Festival entrance gates.

Why are you moving to the new site?

After generously hosting Byron Writers Festival for many years, the site at Elements of Byron is no longer available.

How will the festival differ at North Byron Parklands?

Byron Writers Festival will continue to offer the same wonderful three-day experience as in previous years. Five outdoor marquees will be filled with conversations, panels, storytelling and ideas. There will be food, coffee and market stalls on site, as well as the festival bookshop.

Why have the dates changed?

The decision to move to late August was made to give time for site regeneration following Splendour in the Grass, which takes place in late July each year.

Will the Festival be COVID-safe?
What happens if the Festival is cancelled by government order?
What happens if I can’t attend the Festival due to border closures or illness?

Will the Festival be COVID-safe?

The safety and well-being of our guests and artists is a priority and to ensure a Covid-safe event we will be following all NSW Health advice current at the time of the event. Further information will be available on a ‘Stay Covid Safe’ webpage when tickets go on sale.

What happens if the Festival is cancelled by government order?

If the event is unable to proceed on the advertised date or location by Government order, Byron Writers Festival reserves the right to reschedule the Event, and offer a credit or exchange to the rescheduled date, or offer a refund request window of 28 days.

What happens if I can’t attend the Festival due to border closures or illness?

Byron Writers Festival has introduced updates to our ticketing policy giving people more flexibility in the case of illness or border closure:

If you cannot attend Festival events due to testing positive to COVID-19 or having to isolate according to current NSW Health guidelines, please contact the Festival to arrange a ticket exchange or credit. If an exchange or credit cannot be facilitated a refund will be given.
If you cannot attend the Festival due to travel and quarantine restrictions, or border closures, please contact the Festival, where possible, 7 days prior to the event to arrange a ticket exchange or credit – and if that can’t be facilitated a refund will be given.

Does the Festival provide AUSLAN interpreters?
Is there disabled parking at the Festival?
Is there disabled seating at the Festival?

Does the Festival provide AUSLAN interpreters?

Selected sessions from the main program and Kids Big Day Out are interpreted each day of the Festival. You can also go to the Information Tent and request AUSLAN interpreters on an as-needs basis. If you require an AUSLAN interpreter, please email [email protected].

Is there disabled parking at the Festival?

Limited disabled parking is available and our parking volunteers will direct you accordingly. Please have your sticker on display.

Is there disabled seating at the Festival?

Marquees and stages have wheelchair accessible allocated seating. Please make yourself known to the marquee supervisor and you will be ushered accordingly.

How can I get on the program of the Byron Writers Festival?
Does the Festival run any writing competitions?
Can I get a job with the Festival?
Can I volunteer with the Festival?

How can I get on the program of the Byron Writers Festival?

Byron Writers Festival is curated by the Artistic Director and programming committee, in wide consultation with publishers and industry bodies. Participation is by invitation only. The Programming Committee does not accept unsolicited submissions, and due to the large quantity of messages we receive, we are not always able to reply to individual pitches. The program gives a broad definition to the concept of writing and incorporates many genres.

Does the Festival run any writing competitions?

Festival opportunities and competitions are listed on our website as they arise. We encourage people to subscribe to our e-newsletter for opportunity and competition announcements.

Can I get a job with the Festival?

The Byron Writers Festival is organised by the six staff and a hands-on Committee, we are a not-for-profit member-based organisation. Employment opportunities within the office are rare, but will always be placed on the Festival website.

Can I volunteer with the Festival?

The Byron Writers Festival relies on its enthusiastic volunteer workforce, with approximately 160 volunteers being rostered before and during the event. More information about volunteering can be found here.

I have a voucher for the 2020/2021 Festival, what now?
How does my e-ticket work?
Don’t have your Festival ticket printed or your ticket displayed on your mobile device?
I have lost my ticket. What do I do?
Do I get a wristband?
When do the gates open?

I have a voucher for the 2020/2021 Festival, what now?

All 2020 and 2021 Festival vouchers will be transferred and valid for use at the 2022 Festival. Please email [email protected] to arrange this.

How does my e-ticket work?

Tickets are emailed to you via our ticketing site, TryBooking. If you have purchased your ticket online or via the telephone, you should receive your tickets via email (note: mailed FROM TryBooking) as a PDF attachment. Be sure to check your junk mail for this email if you can’t find it. PLEASE PRINT YOUR PDF TICKET before you come to the Festival to facilitate ease of scanning at the entrance gates. Before you approach the Festival gates:

Have your printed ticket with you, with your barcode visible for scanning, OR
Have your ticket displayed on your mobile device.

Don’t have your Festival ticket printed or your ticket displayed on your mobile device?

Please go to the Festival box office where a staff member will assist you. DO NOT join the queue at the Festival gates.

I have lost my ticket. What do I do?

If you have lost your Byron Writers Festival ticket, workshop, special event ticket or membership number, please click here: LOST TICKETS You will just need the email address you booked with. Your lost tickets will be sent from Trybooking, please check your junk email if you can’t find them.

Do I get a wristband?

Yes. Once we scan your ticket, you will receive your wristband. You must wear your wristband at all times while at the festival and you may be checked as you enter various venues.

When do the gates open?

Gates open at 8.30am daily.

Is there a cloakroom?
Can I charge my phone at the Festival?
Where is lost property?
Do I bring my own drink bottle?
Can I purchase food on site?
Where can I get a printed program from?
Is there an ATM onsite?

Is there a cloakroom?

There is no cloakroom at the Festival site. If you have baggage or suitcases, you will need to arrange your own safe storage.

Can I charge my phone at the Festival?

Unfortunately, we do not offer phone-charging services. Please come fully charged up!

Where is lost property?

Lost property is located at the Festival Information Booth. All unclaimed items will be returned to the Festival office and will need to be picked up from there after the Festival weekend has concluded.

Do I bring my own drink bottle?

Byron Writers Festival is a plastic water bottle free event. Please BYO bottles for refills. There will be a water refill station on site, and Byron Writers Festival water bottles for sale at the Information and Merchandise tent.

Can I purchase food on site?

Yes! A range of food stalls will be serving delicious local meals throughout each day of the Festival from our food marquee.

Where can I get a printed program from?

Printed programs are distributed in the Byron Shire Echo upon program announcement and will be available during festival weekend at the Festival entrance and Festival Information Tent. Please note our printed program is subject to last minute changes. An up-to-date daily program of sessions is available from our website. Keep a look out at the Festival site for signage and handouts advising of unavoidable last-minute program changes.

Is there an ATM onsite?

Yes.

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