6-8 SEPTEMBER 2024
SATURDAY PROGRAM
Port Fairy Library Program
FREE EVENTS ALL DAY SATURDAY
presented by the Community Bank Port Fairy & District
10 am – 11.45 am : Early Readers
Popular children's authors, Andrea Rowe, RWR McDonald & Olivia Coates, will read from their books and entertain your youngsters!
12.15 – 1.45 pm : Local Poets' Readings: Hear from Gianna Sponchiado,
Ganga Powell, Leonie Needham & Robyn Wyley.
2 pm – 3pm : Sustaining Creativity in Young Adult Fiction
Nova Weetman and Mark Smith will discuss their works with Maryanne Vagg, and talk about how they have kept their creative spark alive throughout their writing careers.
Saturday, 9.30 – 10.30 am
Lost Children / Lost Culture : Lucy Treloar & Lia Hills
Chair: Carrie Tiffany
Reardon Theatre
Lucy Treloar, acclaimed for her exploration of personal and cultural upheaval, and Lia Hills, who examines the impacts of identity and cultural erosion, will discuss their work on these poignant subjects in their latest novels. Chaired by renowned author Carrie Tiffany, discussion will centre around how literature can address and reflect on the tropes of lost children and vanishing cultures.
Saturday, 11.00 am - 12.00 pm
Life after Loss - Writing through Grief :
Nova Weetman, Mary Garden & Maggie Mackellar
Chair: Hilary Harper
Reardon Theatre
Join Hilary Harper of ABC'S Life Matters for this panel featuring authors Maggie Mackellar, Mary Garden, and Nova Weetman. This will be a discussion about the complexities of writing through, and after, grief and loss, with each author offering unique insights from their extraordinary personal experiences. This session addresses the transformative power of writing in the face of profound personal challenges.
Saturday, 12.30 - 1.30 pm
Families Lost, Made & Found :
Jim Moginie in conversation with Jock Serong
Reardon Theatre
In his memoir The Silver River, Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil delves into his personal journey to find his birth family, navigating the quiet suburbs of Canberra and the lush landscapes of rural Ireland. While his created family that was Midnight Oil tackled global fame and activism, Jim’s search for his roots led to emotional reunions and new connections. Packed with childhood memories, backstage band tales, and insights into the creation of some of Australia’s most iconic songs, this memoir is a lyrical blend of self-discovery and musical history.
2.00 pm - 3.00 pm
Chasing the Muse in Fiction : Katrina Kell & Susan Paterson
Chair: Robert Gott
Reardon Theatre
Katrina Kell, author of Chloe (with its Port Fairy connections), and Susan Paterson, author of Where Light Meets Water, will discuss the dynamic relationship between art, fiction, and historical storytelling. They will reveal how personal inspiration and historical contexts intertwine to shape their narratives and how creativity drives their work.
3.30 pm – 4.30 pm
Imagining Cities : David Kelly & Siang Lu
Chair: Matt Neal
Reardon Theatre
Authors Siang Lu and David Owen Kelly, guided by moderator Matt Neal, will discuss their latest books, Ghost Cities and Host City respectively. Siang Lu's clever and often-comic work paints a vivid multicultural city portrait, while David Owen Kelly's storytelling traverses both historical and imagined urban environments. Together, they will explore how fiction allows for the reimagining of cities, offering new perspectives on urban life and the human experiences within them.
5.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Ecology & Imagination : David Lindenmayer & James Bradley
Chair: Jock Serong
In this conversation, James Bradley and David Lindenmayer will explore the synergy between narrative fiction and ecological science in their latest works. Bradley's fiction often delves into environmental themes, weaving intricate stories that reflect our complex relationship with nature. With his latest non-fiction work, Deep Water, he merges science, history and personal experience. Lindenmayer's scientific expertise and passion for conservation bring a rich, factual perspective to the discussion. Together, they will examine how storytelling and science can work hand-in-hand to highlight environmental issues and inspire change.
OAK & ANCHOR GALA DINNER EVENT
7pm - 10 pm - Oak & Anchor Hotel, Bank Street
JOCK SERONG PRESENTS:
Barry Jones : A Journey Through Time
After some tasty appetisers from the Oak & Anchor kitchen, Barry Jones, an iconic figure in Australian public life and intellectual thought, shares his reflections on a remarkable career spanning decades. In conversation with author Jock Serong, Jones will discuss his extensive contributions to politics, science, and culture, offering insights into his vision for the future. This is a unique opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s most influential voices about the past, present, and future.
Jim Moginie & Shane Howard : Echoes & Reflections
After a fabulous main meal, listen to Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil and Shane Howard of Goanna in conversation with Jock Serong. Jim will discuss his memoir The Silver River, which delves into his personal journey of adoption and its profound impact on his life and music. Shane, who is currently working on his own memoir, will share his experiences of translating a lifetime in music into words. Chaired by Jock Serong, this conversation offers a unique glimpse into the personal stories behind the music and the art of memoir writing. To round out your evening, Jim and Shane will conclude the session with some music! *** NB: Singer/songwriter ALICE SKYE is joining this finale!