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Storytelling is found in the shape of our landscapes, in the words and voices of those who are long gone. When looking to the future, how will our stories of now echo? What imprints will we leave behind? In turbulent times, we walk on a precipice of right or wrong, resistance or compromise, individualism or community. How does literature balance us as we walk these edges? How do the edges define us?
Hosted by Festival Director Maeve Marsden, the evening features celebrated writers and poets Pip Williams, Larissa Behrendt, Micaela Sahhar, Marie Elena Ellis and Michael Winkler. Each incredible writer will share a piece of writing inspired by the Festival theme — Echoes & Edges — followed by a breathtaking musical interpretation by cabaret icon Victoria Falconer.
Don’t miss this spectacular start to the Blue Mountains Writers Festival — a chance to kick off your weekend with a sense of inspiration and connection.
KEY INFO
Date: Friday, 30 October 2026
Time: 6:00-7:30 pm
Venue: Tibbi Whalan Hall
Tickets & More Info: https://www.bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au/events/opening-night
Pip Williams is the author of social research, essays, memoir and the occasional poem, but she is best known for her companion novels, The Dictionary of Lost Words and The Bookbinder of Jericho. Since its publication in 2020, The Dictionary of Lost Words has won a number of major book awards, was chosen for the Reese Witherspoon Book Club and became a New York Times bestseller.
Larissa Behrendt AO is a Eualeyai/Gamillaroi woman, award-winning author, filmmaker, lawyer and one of Australia's most respected public intellectuals. Larissa has written fiction and non-fiction books, including Finding Eliza, After Story and her new book, Finding Justice. Her work explores history, justice, identity and the enduring strength of First Nations cultures and communities.
Micaela Sahhar is an Australian-Palestinian writer and educator living on unceded Wurundjeri country. Her essays, poetry and commentary have been widely published in Australian literary journals. Her book, Find Me at the Jaffa Gate: an encyclopaedia of a Palestinian family won the 2026 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Non-fiction, was shortlisted in the 2026 NSW Literary Awards and was longlisted for the 2026 Stella Prize.
Michael Winkler is a writer of fiction and non-fiction. His latest novel, Griefdogg, is about a Mildura water scientist who wants to live as the family pet, but discovers this gives him unwanted insights into secret grief. His previous novel Grimmish was shortlisted for the 2022 Miles Franklin Literary Award. Michael’s journalism, reviews, short fiction and essays have been widely published and anthologised.
Marie Elena Ellis is an Arrernte/Warlpiri woman from the Amoonguna remote community, located east of Mparntwe (Alice Springs). Renowned as a cultural adviser, multi-linguist, educator, scriptwriter and poet, Marie has made significant contributions to the arts and education sectors.
Victoria Falconer is an award-winning theatremaker, multi-instrumentalist and cabaret artist of Filipino-English heritage. She is co-Artistic Director of Hayes Theatre with Richard Carroll, and the 2024 recipient of the Asian-Australian Arts & Culture Leadership Award. Accolades include two Adelaide Fringe Best Cabaret awards, two Green Room awards, and being named a Top 10 Cabaret Artist by Time Out London.
This event is part of the 2026 Blue Mountains Writers Festival, head to bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au for more information.
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Event venue
81-83 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia, 81-83 Katoomba St, Katoomba NSW 2780, Australia, Katoomba
Tickets
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