SHwf 2022 Gallery
The 2022 Southern Highlands Writers’ Festival took place on Saturday 15th – Sunday 16th October at Fairground Follies, the Empire Cinemas and the Highlands School of Performing Arts (THSPA) in Bowral. It featured some of Australia’s greatest writers, thinkers and directors Professor Clare Wright OAM, Dr Kate Forsyth, Belinda Murrell, Paula McLean, Jaclyn Booton, Tracey Spicer AM, Professor Larissa Behrendt OA, Dr Debra Dank, Jasmine Seymour and Kirli Saunders OAM.
A special shout-out to our official photographer Greg Jackson for capturing the Festival so beautifully. Enjoy the photos from this year.
Saturday 15 October
Monumental Women
Did you know Australia has more statues of animals than of women? It was time to smash the bronze ceiling and celebrate Australian women writers past and present. We had a stellar panel of Professor Clare Wright OAM, Dr Kate Forsyth, Belinda Murrell, Paula McLean, Jaclyn Booton and Tracey Spicer AM. Set in the quirky and little known Fairground Follies warehouse in Bowral, Festival goers were encouraged to stay on after the panel for a glass of bubbles and canapés by the legendary Moss Vale CWA (evening) volunteers.
Professor Larissa Behrendt OA
Professor Larissa Behrendt AO, Eualeyai/Kamillaroi woman, is a legal academic, writer, filmmaker and Indigenous rights advocate. We showcased Larissa’s recent novel After Story, and her two documentaries, Unveiling An Icon and Araatika: Rise Up. Choc tops and popcorn were on the house and it was set in the Empire Cinemas, Bowral.
Sunday 16 October
Dr Debra Dank
The first session from our day-long event showcasing remarkable Indigenous women writers was Dr Debra Dank. Debra is a Gudanji woman, author and lifelong educator. She showcased her latest book, We Come With This Place, which is a deeply personal, profound tribute to family and the Gudanji Country to which she belongs. Debra was interviewed by Robertson-based Atul Joshi, a former classical musician who has worked with the Bangarra Dance Theatre.
Jasmine Seymour
Jasmine Seymour is a Dharug woman, children’s book author and teacher. She is also a descendant of Maria Lock, daughter of Yarramundi, the Boorooberongal elder who met Governor Phillip on the banks of the Hawkesbury in 1791. Maria was the first Aboriginal woman to be educated by the Blacktown Native Institute. It was Jasmine’s wish that through her books, everyone will know that the Dharug mob are still here and still strong. Jasmine was interviewed by Exeter-based journalist, Ross Coulthart.
Kirli Saunders OAM
The final session from our day-long event showcasing remarkable Indigenous women writer was Kirli Saunders OAM. Kirli is a Gunai woman and award-winning international writer of poetry, plays and picture books. She is also a teacher, cultural consultant and artist. Her debut picture book The Incredible Freedom Machines was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literacy Awards and CBCA notables and her poetry collection, Kindred, was shortlisted for the ABIA 2020 Book Awards. Kirli was interviewed by Michaela Bolzan.
SPECIAL THANKS
Thank you to our wonderful team of technicians including Adam Thorp from Aaron Media Group and Dave, James, and Gerard from the Empire Cinemas, Bowral. We couldn't have done it without you.
A huge thank you to our Festival Partners including: Aaron Media Group, The Bookshop Bowral, Creative & Co, The Empire Cinemas, Highland FM (107.1), King Computers, Highlife, Springfield and The Modern. 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), Maree Reid, Janeska Ahmed, Will, Deb Blackah, 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!