Patrick White Oration

The Patrick White Oration is a major, stand-alone literary event for the Scone Literary Festival that acknowledges the rich literary heritage of the Upper Hunter and celebrates Australia's only Nobel Laureate for Literature, Patrick White of Belltrees White family. The guest speaker addresses an issue/topic that faces contemporary Australia whilst drawing on Patrick White's body of work. The Oration is held every two years alternating with the three-day Festival in the second weekend of March. Previous speakers have included Judy White, Christos Tsiolkas and General Sir Peter Cosgrove. 

This year's guest is influential Australian, Wendy McCarthy, AO, educator, agent of change and businesswoman. Wendy, a 'country girl,' will draw on her success as a country woman and discuss the role of women and girls in contemporary Australia. 

Wendy has made her mark on Australia in many extraordinary ways. For more than 50 years, she has been on the leading edge of feminism and corporate and public life in this country and her trailblazing advocacy and leadership have made her a widely respected and revered figure. 

Her most recent book, Don't Be Too Polite, Girls, is a memoir of that extraordinary life as educator, change agent, relentless campaigner, businesswoman, wife, mother, grandmother.

The Oration is a cocktail style event with light food and drinks including champagne, wine, beer and non alcoholic drinks.