2026 FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS & SATELLITE EVENTS
FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS
WORKSHOP: UNLOCKING YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS
14 JULY, 5:30–8:30PM
COLEDALE COMMUNITY HALL
Session description coming soon.
WORKSHOP: THE STORYTELLER’S VOICE
17 JULY, 5:30–8:30PM
COLEDALE COMMUNITY HALL
Whether you're writing memoir, biography, family history, research, journalism or lived experience, telling someone else's story requires a unique set of skills. In this short and practical workshop, award-winning journalist Dr Erin O'Dwyer will explore how to find, shape and honour another person's voice while creating a compelling narrative in any genre of storytelling. Through discussion, examples and guided exercises, participants will learn interviewing, listening and storytelling techniques that help transform real lives into powerful stories. Suitable for writers of all levels. Please bring an example of your work or project to share in class.
WORKSHOP: WRITING POETRY IN ORDER TO SEE
24 JULY, 12:00–4:00PM
THIRROUL DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE
Writing poetry allows us to see what we think, or what we know. Poetry can be a kind of self revelation, and not just an exercise in saying things. Join poet Judith Nangala Crispin to write poetry and then see what has been revealed by that poem, before finally editing it into a finished piece.
WORKSHOP: HARNESSING WONDER
24 JULY, 2:00–4:00PM
THIRROUL DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE
The act of writing is an act of attention; at its best it’s an enactment of wonder. In writing, we learn to steady the gaze and direct our attention on the page and off. Rich, luscious writing is writing which has wonder in it - wonder on the page, and the life in the writing of it.
In this workshop for writers and those wishing for more creativity in their lives, Kathryn Heyman will explore ways of making your words sing with wonder. Using carefully curated exercises we will focus on sharpening our attention, bringing you keep the sense of life and joy into your creativity. This inspiring session will help you awaken your curiosity and wonder.
EVENTS FOR KIDS
FREE: JOURNAL MAKING
25 JULY, 10:00–11:00AM
THIRROUL LIBRARY
Create your very own handmade journal using a paper shopping bag and lots of different papers, stickers and other fun items. This is a free event, ticketed separately, for ages 8–12.
SATELLITE EVENTS
WINTER FOLLIES: A POETRY EXTRAVAGANZA
11 JULY, 1:30–4:30PM
RED POINT ARTS, PORT KEMBLA
Calling all poetry lovers! Join us on Saturday 11 July from 1.30pm to 4.30pm for a warming winter afternoon of poetry and spoken word performance. Featuring Linda Godfrey, Kai Jensen, Susie Fagan and a SPECIAL GUEST along with an open mic and music.
Entry via gold coin donation.
