Whyalla's Readers and Writers Festival
30 March 2023
The Whyalla Public Library is thrilled to be holding Whyalla’s first ever Readers and Writers (RaW) Festival!.
The festival will be held from Friday 14 to Sunday 16 April at the library, Mount Laura Homestead and Library Pod. Visiting authors from around South Australia will be joining our local authors and creatives for a full weekend program of author talks, workshops, panel discussions and lots more.
The RaW Festival will be a rare treat for a regional setting, engaging readers, writers and storytellers of all ages and backgrounds, and bringing together our community and the region to celebrate and share in the importance of storytelling.
Library Team Leader Natalie Williams said she was excited about the weekend’s events.
“It’s a jam-packed program with something for everyone!” Ms Williams said.
“We have workshops, panel discussions, author talks and shared lunches, books for sale and book signings. The weekend will also include Whyalla’s very own published author Stephen Stanley, who will share with us the process of creating a picture book, along with launching his new and improved puzzle book series.
“The library team has been working really hard behind the scenes to make Whyalla’s first RaW Festival a memorable one, including putting together a Friday night event, which will include inspirational keynote speakers Fleur McDonald and Chris Blowes.
“Along with hearing their journeys, we will have local suppliers Ems Palate providing grazing boxes; Project Ale proving refreshments; and local talent Alexander Ian hosting the evening and entertaining the crowd in between guests.”
Mayor Phill Stone said coordinating novel events was a major task for Council, but well worth the effort.
“We are excited that we have such a wonderful line-up up of incredible talent – both visiting and locals – to support this festival,” Mayor Stone said.
“This event will encourage the love of stories, celebrate diversity, and inspire creative thinking.”
“I encourage everyone who loves reading, writing, or both, to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”
The RaW Festival weekend we will see nine visiting published authors come to Whyalla, along with five local authors and creatives.
The authors and illustrators joining us over the weekend include: -
- Fleur McDonald
- Chris Blowes
- Tricia Stringer
- Darry Fraser
- Leonis Kelsall (aka- Laney Kaye)
- Meredith Appleyard
- Lea McInerney
- Audrey Menz
- Lauren Mullinder
- Rachel Attwood (aka-Reign Atkins)
- Michal Hughes
- Stephen Stanley
- The Whyalla Writers Group
Bookings for all the experiences are essential. Most events will be free, with some at a low cost.
To book your weekend of activity, visit Eventbrite or give the Whyalla Public Library team a call on 8645 7891.
The Whyalla Library acknowledges the funding support of the Libraries Board of South Australia and the Government of South Australia.