Hanging out with refugees, rough sleepers, queers, disabled folk, and blokes: ways of writing and engaging with others

This workshop will help you hangout with and write about folk who are different. We’ll reflect upon the challenges of appropriation, intimidation, cultural sensitivities, and conflict. Mostly, we will celebrate the creative wonders of engaging with oddballs, outcasts and just about anyone. Together, we will discuss and pick apart Kim’s efforts to amplify the voices of refugees and migrants, queer communities, people with disabilities and chronic conditions, and blokes. This will involve listening to interviews and articles that he’s conducted for ABC Radio Canberra and parts of a documentary that he did with local runner, poet and rough sleeper Martin Steer. Guided exercises will draw upon strength-based thinking, the practices of everyday life, and joy.

About Kim Huynh

Kim Huynh is an academic, writer, and broadcaster. He contributes to public life by teaching politics and philosophy in the ANU, as an ABC presenter and producer, and by facilitating a current affairs discussion group at the Early Morning Centre. Kim has also run as independent in ACT and federal elections.

He’s currently working on a book about caring for his old man and was recently commissioned to write A Statement from Australia’s Carers which sits atop the National Carers Strategy. Kim’s published books on Australia's Refugee Politics, contemporary Vietnam, and a biography of his parents entitled, Where the Sea Takes Us along with essays on politics and culture for a range of outlets.

DETAILS

Workshop Date: 20 September 2025

Time: 11am - 4pm (5hrs)

Location: Harry Hartog ANU

This workshop is best suited to intermediate to advanced writers.

COST OF PROGRAM

• MEMBER TICKETS:
  $60 for members of MARION, the First Nations Australian Writers Network (FNAWN), or Canberra Society of Editors (CSE)

• GENERAL TICKETS: $80
  for those who are not members of MARION, the First Nations Australian Writers Network (FNAWN), or Canberra Society of Editors (CSE)
  

  MARION offers 2 semi-subsidised places in each program for those experiencing financial hardship. This is on a first come, first served basis — email creative@marion.ink