SHwf 2019 Gallery
The 2019 Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival took place on Saturday 20th July at the historic Homewood House in Bowral. It featured some of Australia’s greatest writers and thinkers including Kristina Olsson, J.R. Lonie, Mikey Robins and Todd Alexander. There day featured coffee & cake with Nadine Ingram and a sold out Literary Lunch with renowned chef Christine Manfield.
A special shout-out to our official photographer Greg Jackson for capturing the Festival so beautifully. Enjoy the photos from this year.
Saturday 20 July - Morning
Kristina Olsson
In her much anticipated third novel, Shell, Kristina Olsson captured a defining moment in Australia’s history. The year was 1965 and Danish architect Jørn Utzon’s striking vision for the Sydney Opera House had transformed the skyline under a storm of controversy, the shadow of the Vietnam War and a deadly lottery that threatened to tear the country apart. Kristina was interview by Kate Evans.
Nadine Ingram
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 from her new cookbook Flour and Stone – Baked For Love, Life and Happiness, we heard about her fascinating culinary career.
J.R. Lonie
J.R. Lonie is an author, playwright, screenwriter and script editor. With in latest historical novel, The Woman from Saint Germain, John entertained us a tail of two strangers from vastly different worlds – one a celebrated writer, the other an enigmatic foreigner – who are forced to become allies to survive the Nazi occupation of their country. He was interview by Sue Turnbull.
Literary lunch
Christine Manfield
This year we were delighted to offer a Literary Lunch with Christine Manfield, one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs. The lunch consisted of delicious food from her latest cookbook, Tasting India. During lunch, Christine enthralled us with her extensive travel tales through India, explaining the complex and vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine. Christine was interview by Festival Director, Michaela Bolzan.
Saturday 20 July - Afternoon
Mikey Robins
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. He entertained us with excerpts from his new book, Seven Deadly Sins and one very naughty fruit. It is an irreverent romp through the history of food with some of the most bizarre stories of all time! He was interview by Festival alum Lisa Forrest.
Todd Alexander
A few years back, Todd and his partner Jeff, had had enough of the city. Sick of the daily grind and workaday 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 heard all about the their escapades from his new book Thirty Thousand Bottles of Wine and a Pig Called Helga. Todd was interview by Sue Turnbull.
SPECIAL THANKS
Thank you to the event team at Hopewood House and Christine Manfield’s team. We couldn't have done it without you.
A huge thank you to our Festival Partners including: Alexandra Springett, The Bookshop Bowral, Creative & Co, The Empire Cinemas, Escape, Gibraltar Hotel, Harper Entertainment, Highlife, King Computers, The Modern, Officeworks, Springfield & Co and the University of Wollongong. Without your generosity, kindness and support the Festival could not continue.
Finally the biggest, most heartfelt thanks to my amazing little team of volunteers, James Norton (my incredible Art Director and 2IC), Saneia Norton (my brilliant Front of House Manager), Brydie Murphy, Margaret Hammond, Andrew Bunce, Alison Taylor, Caroline Verity, Bindi Gethen, Alyssa Hatcher, Imogen Hatcher, Megan Bird, Netty Hunter, Marian St Leger Moss, Lynne Lindsey, Rachel Armstrong and of course my mum and dad Roz and Len - you make the Festival a reality! Thank you for your time and extraordinary expertise in making the SHWF so unique, along with your grace and sensational good senses of humour!