Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival

In her much anticipated third novel Shell, Kristina Olsson captures a defining moment in Australia’s history. The year is 1965 and Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s striking vision for the Sydney Opera House is transforming the skyline under a storm of controversy, the shadow of the Vietnam War and a deadly lottery that threatens to tear the country apart.

Nadine Ingram has worked in high-profile establishments around the world, including London’s Le Gavroche and The Ivy, as well as Sydney’s MG Garage and Bourke St Bakery. In 2011 she finally realised her vision of a bakery that would serve classic inspired pastries with Flour and Stone, her first bricks and mortar store. Over a coffee and a selection of Nadine’s tasty treats, we will hear about her fascinating culinary career.

J.R. Lonie is an author, playwright, screenwriter and script editor. With The Woman from Saint Germain, John has slightly altered his authorial name because this novel represents a return to prose after a more than twenty year break during which time he co-wrote the film Kokoda, was a writer on the hit Foxtel television series A Place to Call Home and was for a time the Head of Screenwriting at the Australian Film Television and Radio School.

This year we are delighted to be offering a Literary Lunch. Christine Manfield, one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, will be our guest chef, and the lunch will consist of delicious food from her latest cookbook, Tasting India. During lunch, Christine will enthral us with her extensive travel tales through India, explaining the complex and vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine.

Mikey Robins is one of Australia’s most well-known comedians and broadcasters. He spent seven years as the host of Triple J’s National Breakfast Show before appearing as team leader on the smash hit TV series Good News Week. His new book, Seven Deadly Sins and One Very Naughly Fruit, is an irreverent romp through the history of food as Mikey uncovers the most bizarre food-related stories of all time!

A few years back, Todd and his partner Jeff, had had enough of the city. Sick of the daily grind and workday corporate shenanigans, they threw caution to the wind and bought 100 acres in the renowned Hunter Valley wine region. How hard can it be? Over a glass of one of Todd’s wines, we will hear about guys’ escapades and his new book Thirty Thousand Bottles of Wine and a Pig Called Helga.