South Coast Writers Festival - Pay what you can program

Wollongong’s literary celebration of the year is here! Join us for the 2023 South Coast Writers Festival: a weekend filled with captivating stories, thought-provoking discussions, and inspiring conversations. With over 20 sessions to choose from, and a festival line-up featuring stellar award-winning authors, talented new voices, and acclaimed poets, broadcasters and thinkers, the South Coast Writers Festival program showcases the power of the written word and storytelling in all its forms. Whether you're a devoted bookworm, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about the creative process, join us for an exceptional and inspiring weekend at the South Coast Writers Centre Festival. 

The festival's pay-what-you-can offers all of our community the opportunity to join the festival at a price they can afford.

For the full South Coast Writers Festival program visit: South Coast Writers Festival

THURSDAY 17th AUGUST

Emerging Writers Readings - University of Wollongong. Building 29, Room 313, 7pm -8:30pm

Join us to hear fresh and talented new voices from SCWC’s 2022 Emerging Writers Mentoring program. Mentor Emma Darragh will introduce mentees Diana Plater, Deborah Huff-Horwood, Rose Searby and Spencer Barberis from Bramble literary journal, reading works in progress. Emerging Aboriginal Writers mentor Judi Morison introduces mentees Tabatha Cann and Nicole Smede. Emerging Refugee and CALD Writers mentor Zohra Aly introduces Xiaoxue Li, and Young Writers Collective mentor Helena Fox introduces Rhys Lorenc, Sky Carrall, Paige Webster and Jamilla Dempsey. 

This event is presented in partnership with the University of Wollongong.  

FRIDAY 18th AUGUST

Big Meg -  Wollongong City Library. Upstairs in The Lab. 1pm -2pm

Join renowned scientist Tim Flannery as he tells the story of the largest and most mysterious predator that every lived. Tim Flannery appears in conversation with Claire O'Rourke. 

This event is presented in partnership with the Wollongong City Library.  

SATURDAY 19th AUGUST

Artist Adelaide Perry - Wollongong Art Gallery. BlueScope Gallery. 11:15am - 12:15pm

* Online stream is available for this event.

Jo Oliver speaks with art historian Joseph Davis about her biography of Modernist artist Adelaide Perry, some of whose stunning paintings featuring local landscapes from the 1930's are held in Wollongong Art Gallery. 

Wollongong Poetry Showcase ONLINE STREAM 6pm – 7.30pm

Bringing lines from the escarpment to the sea, this year’s poetry month showcase sees an electric line-up of poetry and spoken word including Dakota Ferrier, Sara Saleh, Lore White, Mark Tredinnick, Holly Isemonger, Butch Schwarzkopf, Tamryn Bennett, and Rozanna Lilley plus a guest musical set by Jodi Phillis (The Clouds). Hosted by Nicole Smede, this event is presented in partnership with Red Room Poetry.

To book in-person seats for this event, at Wollongong Town Hall click here

SUNDAY 20th AUGUST

Writing the Everywhen  - Wollongong Art Gallery. BlueScope Gallery. 12:30pm - 1:30pm

* Online stream is available for this event.

Two Award-winning writers, Darug Burruberongal poet, playwright and novelist Julie Janson and Koori/Goori and Lebanese writer-editor Mykaela Saunders, sit down with Judi Morison to yarn about writing time past, present and future while affirming community, culture and, always, Country.  

 Festival close: SCWC Poetry Award 2023  - Wollongong Art Gallery. BlueScope Gallery. 2pm-3pm

* Online stream is available for this event.

Join us for the announcement of the South Coast Writers Centre + Wollongong Art Gallery 2023 Poetry awards. Hear from judges Peter Ramm and SCWC director Sarah Nicholson, plus readings from the poets Kathleen Bleakley, Meredith Wattison, Laksmi Kanchi, Carolyn Leach-Paholski and Glenn McPherson. Stay to have a glass of wine with us to celebrate the end of the festival! 

These events are presented in partnership with the Wollongong Art Gallery.  

** To book tickets for South Coast Writers Festival sessions held at Wollongong Town Hall click here