About this Event
ALWAYS WAS, ALWAYS WILL BE Thomas Mayo in conversation with Charmaine Ledden-Lewis // Sunday 3 November // 2:00 - 3:00pm // Venue: The Carrington Hotel // Part of the 2024 Blue Mountains Writers' Festival
In Always Was, Always Will Be, bestselling author Thomas Mayo investigates ‘what's next?’ for reconciliation and justice in Australia after the failed October 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum.
Since the referendum, supporters and volunteers have been asking for guidance as to how to continue to support Indigenous recognition. Thomas, a leader of the Yes 23 campaign and co-author of the bestselling The Voice to Parliament Handbook, has penned a new book to answer that question.
Essential for people who want to keep the positive momentum going, Thomas is joined in conversation by local illustrator and proud Bundjalung woman Charmaine Ledden-Lewis.
Thomas Mayo is the Assistant National Secretary of the MUA, an award winning author, and a signatory to the Uluru Statement from the Heart. He is on the board of Australians for Indigenous Constitutional Recognition and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. His next book is Always Was, Always Will Be: The Campaign for Justice and Recognition Continues.
Charmaine Ledden-Lewis is a proud Bundjalung woman and award-winning illustrator living on Dharug and Gundungurra Country. Some of the books Charmaine has illustrated include Found by Bruce Pascoe, Born to Run by Cathy Freeman, 2023 CBCA notable Charlie’s Swim by Edith Wright, and most recently Ask Aunty; Seasons by Aunty Munya Andrews, shortlisted for the Wilderness Society’s 2024 Karajia Award.
/ A Blue Mountains Writers' Festival Event /
Join us on beautiful Dharug and Gundungurra country for a weekend of joyful, thought-provoking and thrilling opportunities to connect with the written word. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains, this unique literary festival brings together the country’s greatest minds and most exciting new talent. 1-3 November, 2024.
/ Ticketing /
Adult $20.00 // Concession $17.50 // Under 30's $15.00 // Disability Support Pension $10.00 // Mob Tix $10.00
To take full advantage of all the events on offer, we recommend purchasing a weekend or day pass. Subject to availability, single tickets for this event will be available from 10 September.
/ Accessibility /
This venue is wheelchair accessible, but please visit our Accessibility page or email [email protected] if you have any other accessibility requirements.
Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival will have Auslan interpreters available for the Festival and will schedule them into sessions on request. Please complete the Auslan request question at checkout.
Head to bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au for more information about the festival, individual events and accessibility.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Carrington Hotel, 15-47 Katoomba Street, Katoomba, Australia
AUD 5.86 to AUD 21.43