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10 am – 11 am
Landscapes of Story : Karen Viggers & Carrie Tiffany
Chair: Andrea Rowe

Reardon Theatre

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Our two authors are Australian literary royalty! Explore the rich tapestry of Australian landscapes and environments with Carrie Tiffany and Karen Viggers. With Andrea Rowe chairing the discussion, the authors will discuss their approaches to depicting rural and urban settings, the environmental themes they address, and the ways their writing reflects and shapes our understanding of the land and how the Australian landscape serves as both a backdrop and a character in their stories. Please note: the project Carrie Tiffany will be reading from and discussing has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.

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11.30 am – 1.00 pm
Diversifying Crime : Anna Downes, JP Pomare & Nilima Rao
Chair: Rob McDonald

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JP Pomare from New Zealand, Fijian Indian Australian Nilima Rao, and UK-born Anna Downes will talk to fellow Kiwi RWR McDonald about how each author’s unique cultural and geographical background influences their approach to crafting suspenseful and engaging crime narratives. Pomare, Rao, and Downes will share their insights into the art of writing thrillers, from building tension to creating memorable characters. This will highlight the diverse perspectives shaping today’s crime fiction landscape.

1.30 pm – 2.30 pm
Poetic Shifts: Tony Birch & Lloyd Jones
In conversation with Susie Anderson

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Acclaimed authors Tony Birch and Lloyd Jones, moderated by poet Susie Anderson (who is at work on her first novel), will discuss the unique challenge of moving between poetry and prose, as Tony and Lloyd discuss how they transition between these forms and how each influences their writing. What impact does their poetic work have on their narrative fiction, and vice versa, and the ways their storytelling evolves with each genre. Learn about the intricacies of blending lyrical expression with narrative depth.

PORT FAIRY THEATRE GROUP PRESENTS

THE CRIME OF THE MODERN MARINER

The Drill Hall @ The Victoria Hotel
Doors open at 2.30 for play to commence at 3.00pm.

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A sentimental poetical divinely comedic melodramatic romance featuring diverse activists, fishermen, mysterious ladies, romantics, readers of tarot, psychologists, singers, sex workers, stonemasons, and responsible servers of alcohol.

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(Please note that this is ticketed separately and is not included in the weekend passes.)

OAK & ANCHOR CLOSING EVENT​

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4.30 pm – 6 pm

CHERRYWOOD LAUNCH

Nibbles provided

Tony Birch will ceremoniously christen and launch Cherrywood, Jock Serong’s seventh novel. This event will be a celebration of the literary achievement of one of Australia's most innovative authors, on his home ground, hosted by an Australian literary legend. 

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Not included in the program, but guests might like to stay on for a cosy Sunday dinner at this gorgeous venue to close out the weekend in style (bookings via the Oak & Anchor Hotel).