About Us
The Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival (SHWF) was established in 2012 in the NSW country town of Bowral. Over the years the SHWF has attracted some of Australia’s leading writers and thinkers. Past speakers have included Mike Carlton, Robert Dessaix, Nikki Gemmell, David Malouf and Don Watson.
The SHWF is produced by Southern Highlands-based Creative & Co, a dynamic, collaborative group of artists working together to craft unique entertainment.
Our Team
Michaela Bolzan
Festival Director
Michaela is the brainchild behind Creative & Co, the Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival and the Southern Highlands Festival of Lights. As a writer, producer, director and occasional actor, Michaela loves exploring creativity across various platforms. Michaela has a BA Hons (Drama) from the University of Newcastle and is a graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) Playwrights’ Studio.
This will be the twelfth SHWF Michaela has programmed; she has also been the Artistic Director of the Rose Scott Women Writers’ Festival and the Canberra Writers’ Festival.
James Norton
Art Director
James is the creative brain behind the look and feel of Creative & Co and all the events we produce. He is a freelance designer (JND) who specialises in visual identity design for social and renewable tech enterprises. James is also the creator of the story world The Adventures of Little James that inspires people to appreciate the small things in life.
Saneia Norton
Front of House Manager
Since the very first SHWF, Saneia has run our Front of House, with style, efficacy and good humour, adding to the professionalism of this volunteer-run event. She is also the Founder and Director of Saneia Norton Design Communication, empowering designers to become stronger communicators. She hosts the podcast Dig Beneath Design, uncovering successful communication strategies used by top designers.