We are thrilled to launch the Western Port Writes 2024 Festival Program.

There is something for everyone, no matter your age or reading tastes. Check out the talented lineup of writers, creatives and presenters, across conversations, panels, workshops and special events.

Here is everything you need to know!

• 2024 ticket sales are now open
• Scroll down to see every session, each with a Book Now link
• You can book for multiple events as part of a single booking. See the FAQs for how to book
• Single tickets are available for each event, until sold out
• Day Passes are available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday (limited numbers)
• Day Passes exclude Free and Special events; these must be booked separately
• Free and Special events are ticketed. Please book to attend – no entry without tickets
• Lunch boxes are available for pre-order. Look for Lunch Boxes in the ticketing system
• Please note, there are no food venues at Coolart (Saturday) or Somers Yacht Club (Sunday)
• Dreamer Coffee will be onsite at Coolart and Somers Yacht Club on Saturday and Sunday
• For more information, check out the FAQs
• For more help, email us: hello@westernportwrites.com.au

We hope you enjoy browsing the beautiful Festival Program. Book early – our venues have limited capacity. We don’t want you to miss out.

See you in September!

Western Port Writes, Literary Festival

We are delighted to welcome guests to the publishing day for emerging writers.

Where are you on your writing journey and how do you move your manuscript forward? In this workshop Christine Balint focuses on support structures that can help develop your writing technique and get your work into the hands of readers.

How do you prepare your manuscript for a publisher? How do you approach and pitch your story? Should you call an agent?

Hear ‘how-to’ from publisher Lindy Cameron; debut author, Trish Bolton; and literary agent, Danielle Binks, in conversation with Irma Gold.

Whether it’s memoir, family history, recipes, art books – many have a tale to share or leave. How do you go about self-publishing your story? Join Irma Gold and panellists Fran Henke, Mike Hast and Fiona Hammond as they share their tips.

A night of Community Storytelling for the whole family, with MC Tracee Hutchison and special guests. Join us for readings of Letters to Western Port, live music from Owen Thomas and The Big Hats. Purchase tasty food and cocktails onsite! A celebration of Western Port stories.

Please join us at 9am in the Coolart Observatory for the official Festival Opening and Welcome to Country. No booking required.

Welcome Ceremony by Bunurong Land Council Elder to acknowledge and give consent to events taking place on Bunurong Country.

An exploration of Indigenous innovations over centuries. Professors Lynette Russell and Ian McNiven discuss this legacy of skill and resourcefulness, and their book  Innovation: Knowledge and Ingenuity, with Daniel James. Lessons are more relevant than ever to modern life.

Nothing is better than harvesting homegrown produce and flowers. It is good for the wallet, your wellbeing and the environment. Gardening writers Jaclyn Crupi, Penny Woodward and Jac Semmler discuss the delights and dramas of cultivating gardens.

Introduction by Diane Otto, Convenor – Coolart Community Garden, who has driven its transformation into a thriving, productive plot.

Home cooking has seen an awakening. The food we love to cook comes from our heart and the stories of our lives. Jaclyn Crupi chats to Amy Minichiello and Fiona Hammond about the stories behind their cooking and family traditions passed down through generations.

Simone Callahan introduces her new book Living with Grace exploring the holistic relationship between yogic wisdom, inner peace, nature and spiritual wellbeing. Book signing after the session.

Q&A with Tessa Moriarty, emerging writer and Convenor of the Western Port Writers group.

Free event – bookings essential

Birds are excellent ecological barometers. Harry Saddler and Georgia Angus discuss how birds can indicate the health of ecosystems, biological diversity and the impacts of environmental stressors.

Western Port is a UNESCO-designated Biosphere and Ramsar wetland. It is also a significant blue-carbon ecosystem. Western Port Biosphere zoologist Stephen Brend explains why this carbon-absorbing marine habitat is so special.

Kids sessions

Join Coral Vass as she sings her way through The Forgotten Song – Saving the Regent Honeyeater, reminding us why we love picture books and their ability to educate and inspire.

Karen Anderson tells the Bundjil Creation Story from the book she edited in collaboration with N’arwee’t Carolyn Briggs, Boonwurrung Elder.

Join Faery Emma for a sparkly treasure hunt in the grounds of Coolart. No booking required.

Rebecca Fraser reads from her page-turning fantasy Jonty’s Unicorn, a thrilling adventure of a girl and her unicorn, told with heart and humour.

And Wendy Orr recites her latest book Honey and the Valley of Horses, about the adventures of a young girl and her family, who follow a mysterious herd of enchanted horses to a magical valley.

Official Festival Dinner: Enjoy a three-course meal, with complimentary wine on arrival. Then hear crime writers Christian White and Vikki Petraitis in conversation with Jon Faine as they discuss the line where true crime and fiction intersect. What’s stranger – truth or fiction, and how do they write it?

What is the role of climate fiction in our heating world. Can it make a difference? Else Fitzgerald talks with Sophie Cunningham and Kate Mildenhall about their latest climate-themed books and why these books are so important. Introduction to session by Mel Barker, CEO of Western Port Biosphere.

Why do we like books that celebrate complicated women? Irma Gold talks to Alice Robinson and Imbi Neeme about their books, which portray complex and at times challenging female characters, fraught female relationships, and twisted family dynamics. Stories of our lives.

Please note: Alice Robinson is now appearing in place of Megan Rogers, who is unable to attend.

Susan McCulloch and Liam Pieper discuss his latest book, Appreciation, the deceit and dramas that can infect the arts world, the lure of creative endeavours and the mysteries of ghostwriting other people’s lives. No names, of course!

The places that ‘grew us’ – whether outer burbs, inner city or rural – leave their mark. Jon Faine and William McInnes talk about the importance of the places we grew up in and the lessons and memories we carry through life.

Cathy Gowdie, Kathleen Quealy and Aaron Drummond discuss the impact of climate change on winemaking and the increasing demand from consumers for more sustainable options. How do growers, winemakers and retailers face future challenges? Wine served at this event.

Closing address and thanks.

Please contact us at: hello@westernportwrites.com.au