Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival 2024

Thu, 10 Oct, 8:30am - 13 Oct, 2pm AWST  ·  Event info

Choose your tickets

  1. Pre Festival
    1. Old Geraldton Movie Matinee - Session 1
      Old Geraldton Movie Matinee - Session 1

      Tuesday 8 October 3.00pm - 4.30pm Geraldton Regional Library Relive days gone by and times past with the screening of a selection of short films featuring old Geraldton from our extensive Local History Collection.

      Tuesday 8 October 3.00pm - 4.30pm Geraldton Regional Library Relive days gone by and times past with the screening of a selection of short films featuring old Geraldton from our extensive Local History Collection.

      Free
      Sold out
    2. Old Geraldton Movie Matinee - Session 2
      Old Geraldton Movie Matinee - Session 2

      Tuesday 8 October 5.00pm - 6.30pm Geraldton Regional Library Relive days gone by and times past with the screening of a selection of short films featuring old Geraldton from our extensive Local History Collection.

      Tuesday 8 October 5.00pm - 6.30pm Geraldton Regional Library Relive days gone by and times past with the screening of a selection of short films featuring old Geraldton from our extensive Local History Collection.

      Free

  2. Thursday 10 October

    1. Festival Opening Night - General Admission
      Festival Opening Night - General Admission

      Thursday 10 October 6.00pm-8.00pm Geraldton Regional Library Get your Festival started with MC Anne Williams! Come along and celebrate the opening of Big Sky 2024. Meet our special guests, while enjoying live music, fun, laughter and light refreshments. Plus we will be announcing the winners of the Big Sky Short Story Prize 2024.

      Thursday 10 October 6.00pm-8.00pm Geraldton Regional Library Get your Festival started with MC Anne Williams! Come along and celebrate the opening of Big Sky 2024. Meet our special guests, while enjoying live music, fun, laughter and light refreshments. Plus we will be announcing the winners of the Big Sky Short Story Prize 2024.

      Free

  3. Friday 11 October
    1. Workshop Painting with Words: Art-Inspired poetry presented by Jake Dennis
      Workshop Painting with Words: Art-Inspired poetry presented by Jake Dennis

      Friday 11 October 9.30am - 11.30am Geraldton Regional Art Gallery Become inspired by the creative relationships between plastic and literary artworks and artists by considering classic and contemporary models of ekphrasis (art-inspired literature). With your pen as your paintbrush, contemplate then experiment with ways to create your own ekphrastic poetry!

      Friday 11 October 9.30am - 11.30am Geraldton Regional Art Gallery Become inspired by the creative relationships between plastic and literary artworks and artists by considering classic and contemporary models of ekphrasis (art-inspired literature). With your pen as your paintbrush, contemplate then experiment with ways to create your own ekphrastic poetry!

      Free
    2. A Life of Crime
      A Life of Crime

      Friday 11 October 12.45pm - 2.00pm Northampton RSL Hall, Cnr Essex Street and Great North West Coastal Highway, Northampton With its thrilling narratives and complex characters, crime fiction crafts a world where justice and mystery collide. Join Chris Hammer in conversation with David Whish-Wilson, on the art of spinning the web of intrigue. Chris Hammer's latest book The Valley will be published in October. Includes book signing and light refreshments.

      Friday 11 October 12.45pm - 2.00pm Northampton RSL Hall, Cnr Essex Street and Great North West Coastal Highway, Northampton With its thrilling narratives and complex characters, crime fiction crafts a world where justice and mystery collide. Join Chris Hammer in conversation with David Whish-Wilson, on the art of spinning the web of intrigue. Chris Hammer's latest book The Valley will be published in October. Includes book signing and light refreshments.

      Free
    3. The Power of Her Voice
      The Power of Her Voice

      Friday 11 October 3.00pm - 4.30pm Greenough Museum and Gardens, 11 Philipps Road, Greenough Women’s writing challenges stereotypes, breaks down barriers and pushes for change. From international politics, to academia, relationships and home, Sue Boyd, Deborah Pike and Caitlin Maling share their experiences and how these have influenced their writing, in conversation with Hon. Sandra Carr MLC. Includes book signing and light refreshments.

      Friday 11 October 3.00pm - 4.30pm Greenough Museum and Gardens, 11 Philipps Road, Greenough Women’s writing challenges stereotypes, breaks down barriers and pushes for change. From international politics, to academia, relationships and home, Sue Boyd, Deborah Pike and Caitlin Maling share their experiences and how these have influenced their writing, in conversation with Hon. Sandra Carr MLC. Includes book signing and light refreshments.

      Free
    4. Storyboarding Workshop
      Storyboarding Workshop

      Friday 11 October 5.00pm-8.30pm Geraldton Regional Art Gallery Leah Addison and Nathanael Whale from the Illustration Club cover the basics of sequential art and comic making techniques. Accessible to all skill levels, everyone will leave with an original comic they have created!

      Friday 11 October 5.00pm-8.30pm Geraldton Regional Art Gallery Leah Addison and Nathanael Whale from the Illustration Club cover the basics of sequential art and comic making techniques. Accessible to all skill levels, everyone will leave with an original comic they have created!

      $20.00
    5. Twilight Story Time
      Twilight Story Time

      Friday 11 October 5.00pm - 5.45pm Geraldton Regional Library Bring your favourite "cuddly" and get ready for lots of fun! Come dressed in your pyjamas and slippers, ready to listen to stories, sing songs and rhymes. Get your twinkle toes ready for some dancing too! Special guest appearance by author and illustrator, Gabriel Evans. Suitable for ages 2–6 years. Please note: We request that children are accompanied by an adult for all sessions.

      Friday 11 October 5.00pm - 5.45pm Geraldton Regional Library Bring your favourite "cuddly" and get ready for lots of fun! Come dressed in your pyjamas and slippers, ready to listen to stories, sing songs and rhymes. Get your twinkle toes ready for some dancing too! Special guest appearance by author and illustrator, Gabriel Evans. Suitable for ages 2–6 years. Please note: We request that children are accompanied by an adult for all sessions.

      Free
    6. Cray Tales Revisited - General Admission
      Cray Tales Revisited - General Admission

      Friday 11 October 6.30pm - 9.30pm Batavia Brewery In 1998, Annie de Monchaux set out to publish Cray Tales, a book offering a colourful account of the Western Australian Cray Fishing Industry. Capturing the raw, magic appeal of the sea, its challenges and the people who pursue cray fishing as a job and way of life, Annie preserved a unique moment in local history. “Cray Tales Revisited” invites fishers back to retell their stories and yarn about times past. Join author Annie de Monchaux and journalist, broadcast producer and presenter, Natasha Harradine as they host this unique reunion of local storytellers. Includes dinner.

      Friday 11 October 6.30pm - 9.30pm Batavia Brewery In 1998, Annie de Monchaux set out to publish Cray Tales, a book offering a colourful account of the Western Australian Cray Fishing Industry. Capturing the raw, magic appeal of the sea, its challenges and the people who pursue cray fishing as a job and way of life, Annie preserved a unique moment in local history. “Cray Tales Revisited” invites fishers back to retell their stories and yarn about times past. Join author Annie de Monchaux and journalist, broadcast producer and presenter, Natasha Harradine as they host this unique reunion of local storytellers. Includes dinner.

      $45.00
      Sold out

  4. Saturday 12 October
    1. Keynote Address
      Keynote Address

      Saturday 12 October 9.00am - 9.30am Queens Park Theatre Experimental writing provides a departure from the traditional boundaries of storytelling and enables a broad mix of perspectives. In her embrace of diverse communities and in the celebration of their stories, Yumna Kassab explores the power of literary expression and its ability to connect us with the human experience, challenge the status quo, and inspire change. Please note: This event will be livestreamed.

      Saturday 12 October 9.00am - 9.30am Queens Park Theatre Experimental writing provides a departure from the traditional boundaries of storytelling and enables a broad mix of perspectives. In her embrace of diverse communities and in the celebration of their stories, Yumna Kassab explores the power of literary expression and its ability to connect us with the human experience, challenge the status quo, and inspire change. Please note: This event will be livestreamed.

      Free
    2. The Creative Journey
      The Creative Journey

      Concurrent Session One Saturday 12 October 9.45am - 10.45am Queens Park Theatre Every writer’s creative journey is different, shaped by their personal background, goals, and the stories they want to tell. Learn what inspires our special guest authors, Chris Hammer and Tess Woods, with poet and musician, Jake Dennis, in conversation with Glenn B Swift. Please note: This event will be livestreamed.

      Concurrent Session One Saturday 12 October 9.45am - 10.45am Queens Park Theatre Every writer’s creative journey is different, shaped by their personal background, goals, and the stories they want to tell. Learn what inspires our special guest authors, Chris Hammer and Tess Woods, with poet and musician, Jake Dennis, in conversation with Glenn B Swift. Please note: This event will be livestreamed.

      Free
    3. Murla-na Bula Wula Bulangul
      Murla-na Bula Wula Bulangul

      Concurrent Session One Saturday 12 October 9.45am - 10.45am Queens Park Theatre Naaguja Singer-Songwriter Theona Councillor is the creator of the upcoming Naaguja-style Opera: ‘Murla-na Bula Wula Bulangul’ which retells the story of the 1854 massacre at Pelican Spring. She will be joined by Yamaji actor Bruce Denny, and settler artist George Criddle to discuss the importance of working together on the opera which will revive Naaguja cultural song, dance and story while producing an important truth-telling opportunity for the community to learn about the history of colonisation and its impact on Naaguja peoples. Bruce Denny - Starting in community theatre in the late 80s, Bruce Denny has worked in professional theatre and film for over 30 years. With numerous writing commissions, acting roles, and directing credits under his belt his experience in all facets of theatre-making keeps him busy.

      Concurrent Session One Saturday 12 October 9.45am - 10.45am Queens Park Theatre Naaguja Singer-Songwriter Theona Councillor is the creator of the upcoming Naaguja-style Opera: ‘Murla-na Bula Wula Bulangul’ which retells the story of the 1854 massacre at Pelican Spring. She will be joined by Yamaji actor Bruce Denny, and settler artist George Criddle to discuss the importance of working together on the opera which will revive Naaguja cultural song, dance and story while producing an important truth-telling opportunity for the community to learn about the history of colonisation and its impact on Naaguja peoples. Bruce Denny - Starting in community theatre in the late 80s, Bruce Denny has worked in professional theatre and film for over 30 years. With numerous writing commissions, acting roles, and directing credits under his belt his experience in all facets of theatre-making keeps him busy.

      Free
    4. Workshop Watercolour Illustration
      Workshop Watercolour Illustration

      Saturday 12 October 9.30am - 11.30am Geraldton Regional Art Gallery Join this hands-on workshop focusing on illustrative watercolour for picture books. Gabriel will share his creative systems in watercolour and teach how you can apply them to illustrations through practical and imaginative exercises. Complete at least four small paintings. All materials provided. Suitable for ages 16 plus.

      Saturday 12 October 9.30am - 11.30am Geraldton Regional Art Gallery Join this hands-on workshop focusing on illustrative watercolour for picture books. Gabriel will share his creative systems in watercolour and teach how you can apply them to illustrations through practical and imaginative exercises. Complete at least four small paintings. All materials provided. Suitable for ages 16 plus.

      $45.00
      Sold out
    5. Searching for Meaning, Finding Joy
      Searching for Meaning, Finding Joy

      Saturday 12 October 11.00am - 12.00pm Queens Park Theatre Two beautifully crafted new stories take the reader along a familiar path of self-discovery, endurance, love and friendship. Join Annie de Monchaux and Deborah Pike in conversation with Lorraine Chapman, as they discuss their most recent releases, growing through life and finding yourself along the way. Please note: This event will be livestreamed.

      Saturday 12 October 11.00am - 12.00pm Queens Park Theatre Two beautifully crafted new stories take the reader along a familiar path of self-discovery, endurance, love and friendship. Join Annie de Monchaux and Deborah Pike in conversation with Lorraine Chapman, as they discuss their most recent releases, growing through life and finding yourself along the way. Please note: This event will be livestreamed.

      Free
    6. Self Help Session Tech is Not the Villain - 11.00am to 11.15am
      Self Help Session Tech is Not the Villain - 11.00am to 11.15am

      Saturday 12 October 11.00am - 11.15am Queens Park Theatre Need help with the Library’s digital resources? Got a new e-Reader that you're looking to master? Are you looking to improve your basic tech and online research skills? Book a power session with a friendly Library staff member!

      Saturday 12 October 11.00am - 11.15am Queens Park Theatre Need help with the Library’s digital resources? Got a new e-Reader that you're looking to master? Are you looking to improve your basic tech and online research skills? Book a power session with a friendly Library staff member!

      Free
    7. Self Help Session Tech is Not the Villain - 11.15am to 11.30am
      Self Help Session Tech is Not the Villain - 11.15am to 11.30am

      Saturday 12 October 11.15am - 11.30am Queens Park Theatre Need help with the Library’s digital resources? Got a new e-Reader that you're looking to master? Are you looking to improve your basic tech and online research skills? Book a power session with a friendly Library staff member!

      Saturday 12 October 11.15am - 11.30am Queens Park Theatre Need help with the Library’s digital resources? Got a new e-Reader that you're looking to master? Are you looking to improve your basic tech and online research skills? Book a power session with a friendly Library staff member!

      Free
    8. Self Help Session Tech is Not the Villain - 11.30am to 11.45am
      Self Help Session Tech is Not the Villain - 11.30am to 11.45am

      Saturday 12 October 11.30am - 11.45am Queens Park Theatre Need help with the Library’s digital resources? Got a new e-Reader that you're looking to master? Are you looking to improve your basic tech and online research skills? Book a power session with a friendly Library staff member!

      Saturday 12 October 11.30am - 11.45am Queens Park Theatre Need help with the Library’s digital resources? Got a new e-Reader that you're looking to master? Are you looking to improve your basic tech and online research skills? Book a power session with a friendly Library staff member!

      Free
    9. Self Help Session Tech is Not the Villain - 11.45am to 12.00pm
      Self Help Session Tech is Not the Villain - 11.45am to 12.00pm

      Saturday 12 October 11.45am - 12.00pm Queens Park Theatre Need help with the Library’s digital resources? Got a new e-Reader that you're looking to master? Are you looking to improve your basic tech and online research skills? Book a power session with a friendly Library staff member!

      Saturday 12 October 11.45am - 12.00pm Queens Park Theatre Need help with the Library’s digital resources? Got a new e-Reader that you're looking to master? Are you looking to improve your basic tech and online research skills? Book a power session with a friendly Library staff member!

      Free
    10. Garden to Globe: a Haiku Writing Workshop
      Garden to Globe: a Haiku Writing Workshop

      Saturday 12 October 11.30am - 1.00pm Geraldton Regional Library Find community, publication, and readers worldwide through the Japanese poetic practice of haiku. Join our exploration of modern and traditional examples and discover elements like kigo and kireji. Gather seeds of inspiration you can plant into haiku ready to harvest.

      Saturday 12 October 11.30am - 1.00pm Geraldton Regional Library Find community, publication, and readers worldwide through the Japanese poetic practice of haiku. Join our exploration of modern and traditional examples and discover elements like kigo and kireji. Gather seeds of inspiration you can plant into haiku ready to harvest.

      $25.00
    11. Naaguja Cultural Knowledge and Holistic Practice Workshop - The Journey to Revitalisation
      Naaguja Cultural Knowledge and Holistic Practice Workshop - The Journey to Revitalisation

      Saturday 12 October 1.00pm - 2.30pm Queens Park Theatre In this workshop led by Naaguja singer-songwriter Theona Councillor, participants will learn the importance of reclaiming and reviving Naaguja language. They will also learn about the revival of cultural practices of song, dance and storytelling that focus on ‘connection, healing and Country’. Open to all genders and ages.

      Saturday 12 October 1.00pm - 2.30pm Queens Park Theatre In this workshop led by Naaguja singer-songwriter Theona Councillor, participants will learn the importance of reclaiming and reviving Naaguja language. They will also learn about the revival of cultural practices of song, dance and storytelling that focus on ‘connection, healing and Country’. Open to all genders and ages.

      $25.00
    12. Literary Lunch
      Literary Lunch

      Saturday 12 October 1.30pm - 3.00pm Laian Restaurant (Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre, Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton) Enjoy a delicious Middle Eastern themed luncheon on arrival at Laian Restaurant. Followed by Speed Dating with the Authors. Have your questions ready as our special guests come to you! Spot prizes, fun and games. Tea and coffee provided, licensed venue.

      Saturday 12 October 1.30pm - 3.00pm Laian Restaurant (Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre, Cathedral Avenue, Geraldton) Enjoy a delicious Middle Eastern themed luncheon on arrival at Laian Restaurant. Followed by Speed Dating with the Authors. Have your questions ready as our special guests come to you! Spot prizes, fun and games. Tea and coffee provided, licensed venue.

      $45.00
    13. Randolph Stow Address
      Randolph Stow Address

      Saturday 12 October 3.30pm - 4.30pm Geraldton Regional Library The year is 1957 - Sally Gare is 21. It's her second year as a teacher at the Forrest River Mission, some 3,000 kilometres north from Perth. Joining Sally at the Mission is Stow, aged 22 years. A strong bond of friendship is formed, as the two young people navigate life in the remote outback landscape. Fast forward some 40 years - it is 1998 and Stow gifts a treasure trove of memorabilia to the Library - bringing with it intimate recollections from the past. Join West Australian poet Caitlin Maling in conversation with Sally Herzfeld (Gare), as they discuss Stow, the memories that spill over from this time, and the career of a remarkable teacher and her life-changing adventure in the remote north-west of Australia.

      Saturday 12 October 3.30pm - 4.30pm Geraldton Regional Library The year is 1957 - Sally Gare is 21. It's her second year as a teacher at the Forrest River Mission, some 3,000 kilometres north from Perth. Joining Sally at the Mission is Stow, aged 22 years. A strong bond of friendship is formed, as the two young people navigate life in the remote outback landscape. Fast forward some 40 years - it is 1998 and Stow gifts a treasure trove of memorabilia to the Library - bringing with it intimate recollections from the past. Join West Australian poet Caitlin Maling in conversation with Sally Herzfeld (Gare), as they discuss Stow, the memories that spill over from this time, and the career of a remarkable teacher and her life-changing adventure in the remote north-west of Australia.

      Free
    14. Poetry in the Pub
      $45.00 - $55.00
      Price (per ticket)

      Details

      Tickets $45 or $55 (includes bus pass) Bus Details: Departs 5.30pm from the Library, Chapman Road carpark. Returns to Library approx. 9pm Buffet dinner included. Saturday 12 October Walkaway Tavern, 1 Padbury Road, Walkaway Poetry in the Pub is back with a rustic dinner night of poetry at the Walkaway Tavern. Featuring Poet of Jazz, Jake Dennis, with appearances by festival special guest poet Caitlin Maling and storyteller extraordinaire, Glenn B Swift. Join the Open Mic!

      Poetry in the Pub
      Poetry in the Pub

      Tickets $45 or $55 (includes bus pass) Bus Details: Departs 5.30pm from the Library, Chapman Road carpark. Returns to Library approx. 9pm Buffet dinner included. Saturday 12 October Walkaway Tavern, 1 Padbury Road, Walkaway Poetry in the Pub is back with a rustic dinner night of poetry at the Walkaway Tavern. Featuring Poet of Jazz, Jake Dennis, with appearances by festival special guest poet Caitlin Maling and storyteller extraordinaire, Glenn B Swift. Join the Open Mic!

      Tickets $45 or $55 (includes bus pass) Bus Details: Departs 5.30pm from the Library, Chapman Road carpark. Returns to Library approx. 9pm Buffet dinner included. Saturday 12 October Walkaway Tavern, 1 Padbury Road, Walkaway Poetry in the Pub is back with a rustic dinner night of poetry at the Walkaway Tavern. Featuring Poet of Jazz, Jake Dennis, with appearances by festival special guest poet Caitlin Maling and storyteller extraordinaire, Glenn B Swift. Join the Open Mic!

      $45.00 - $55.00

  5. Sunday 13 October
    1. Workshop Building Narrative Suspense - Strategies and Techniques
      Workshop Building Narrative Suspense - Strategies and Techniques

      Sunday 13 October 9.45am-11.15am Geraldton Regional Library A sound working definition of good writing is that it makes the reader want to read on, instead of putting the book down. This is applicable across all genres of prose fiction writing. In this workshop we’ll discuss some of the techniques and strategies that will help inject your narratives with a sense of urgency and intrigue – on a line by line level, and at the level of the scene, chapter and overall story arc – before applying these understandings in written exercises.

      Sunday 13 October 9.45am-11.15am Geraldton Regional Library A sound working definition of good writing is that it makes the reader want to read on, instead of putting the book down. This is applicable across all genres of prose fiction writing. In this workshop we’ll discuss some of the techniques and strategies that will help inject your narratives with a sense of urgency and intrigue – on a line by line level, and at the level of the scene, chapter and overall story arc – before applying these understandings in written exercises.

      $25.00
    2. A Dissection of Migrant Stories
      A Dissection of Migrant Stories

      Sunday 13 October 9.30am - 11.00am Geraldton Regional Library In collaboration with the Midwest Multicultural Association, join us for an insightful Q&A with Yumna Kassab and Linda Liem, as we dive into migration stories and the challenges of preserving heritage in a new cultural landscape. Explore Australian life through a diverse lens, exploring the complexities of integrating into the fabric of regional communities, and the interplay of cultural displacement, race, and belonging—with an opportunity to share your own transhumance experience to enrich the conversation.

      Sunday 13 October 9.30am - 11.00am Geraldton Regional Library In collaboration with the Midwest Multicultural Association, join us for an insightful Q&A with Yumna Kassab and Linda Liem, as we dive into migration stories and the challenges of preserving heritage in a new cultural landscape. Explore Australian life through a diverse lens, exploring the complexities of integrating into the fabric of regional communities, and the interplay of cultural displacement, race, and belonging—with an opportunity to share your own transhumance experience to enrich the conversation.

      Free
    3. Creating Picture Book Characters - a Workshop for Kids
      Creating Picture Book Characters - a Workshop for Kids

      Sunday 13 October 11.30am - 12.30pm Geraldton Regional Library Are you a crafty kid with a wicked imagination, who likes to draw and create interesting characters? Would you like to learn more from a real life author-illustrator? Suitable for ages 7-12. Please note: We request that children are accompanied by an adult for all sessions.

      Sunday 13 October 11.30am - 12.30pm Geraldton Regional Library Are you a crafty kid with a wicked imagination, who likes to draw and create interesting characters? Would you like to learn more from a real life author-illustrator? Suitable for ages 7-12. Please note: We request that children are accompanied by an adult for all sessions.

      $5.00
    4. Festival Finale - Reading Between the Shelves
      Festival Finale - Reading Between the Shelves

      Sunday 13 October 12.15pm -2.00pm Geraldton Regional Library After a packed weekend of literary delights, sit back, relax and enjoy our Festival Finale, with a selection of readings from special guests. Featuring Tess Woods, Yumna Kassab, Deborah Pike, Caitlin Maling and Sally Herzfeld (Gare).

      Sunday 13 October 12.15pm -2.00pm Geraldton Regional Library After a packed weekend of literary delights, sit back, relax and enjoy our Festival Finale, with a selection of readings from special guests. Featuring Tess Woods, Yumna Kassab, Deborah Pike, Caitlin Maling and Sally Herzfeld (Gare).

      Free

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Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival 2024
Thu, 10 Oct, 8:30am - 13 Oct, 2pm AWST
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