Mix interesting facts about animals and nature with magic and spells, throw in a few questions about bums and farts, and you’ve got a fair chance of giggling, happy children. Adults were likewise spoiled for choice with panels covering geopolitics, crime, climate, resilience, hope and love.
A cool, wet morning ushered in a tantalising program on Day Two. Packed marquees bore witness to the unfurling conversation about climate change, connection to Country, identity and truth – that most radical of hopes. Our Southern Cross University student reporters wrap up another magnificent day.
Sunshine and clear blue skies set the tone for the first day of ‘radical hope’ at Byron Writers Festival 2022. There were ear-to-ear grins on the faces of patrons as they piled off the local solar train, eager for the first in-person version in three years of their beloved festival. The buzz was palpable as the packed program kicked off.
Internet trolling runs on a spectrum, from the rick-rollers to the criminals who threaten rape and murder, and terrorise those they target. What to do about them?
You may recognise Damon Gameau from his movie, That Sugar Film. His newest film is 2040, a documentary about making environmental regeneration possible by 2040.
Free speech issues are global, but this session focussed on Australia where public interest journalists, whistleblowers and advocates face increasing pressure from government to stop reporting, whistleblowing and advocating.
Considering the topic, these comedians left nothing off the table, leaving the audience in stitches and the Auslan interpreter with some tricky and lewd concepts to sign.
Thea Astley address: A.C. Grayling has delivered an engaging analysis on the crisis of trust in Australian democracy.
Why jellyfish and fire are powerful forces of nature that require more of our attention.
Exploring how research skills are used and appreciated in writing with Jesse Blackadder, Jock Serong and Jessica White.
‘I’m a spearpoint,’ Uncle Jack Charles said. ‘I land in the hearts and minds of people who are a bit iffy on change.’
A silent, sombre hush fell over the Banksia Pavilion early this Sunday morning as we waited for our caller from Manus Island.
#MeToo: where to go in a society that still faces so many complicated, interconnected challenges.
Laughter, dancing and story making: Sunday was funday as the Kids Big Day Out program took over a whole marquee at Byron Writers Festival.
Jess Hill's book on domestic violence was supposed to take six to eight months to write; instead it took three, somewhat harrowing, years.
We think about archaeology as an earthbound science, with its focus firmly in the past. But 'Dr Space Junk' asks us to think how it can also tell us about space and the future.
Our world is quite adept at presenting the nearly 7.7 billion of us with instances of significant adversity but when disaster strikes, it happens on a day out of the blue.
Writing a personal memoir takes strength of mind and soul. To talk publicly and write about the self and the life history of one’s own family is a feat no one should dismiss as anything other than monumental.
Author Markus Zusak only wants to write books that 'mean everything' to him. And considering his international best-selling author status, his six novels must mean everything to his readers too.
An annual highlight at the Byron Writers Festival is the captivating array of sculptures throughout the native parkland festival site.
