An introduction to the Gippsland Writers Festival, featuring Michael Earp, RWR McDonald, Troy Hunter and Lisa Habermann. The panel will be a discussion around where these four are as professional writers, and then move into a wider discussion around where queer writing is at the moment.

A Free Event brought to you by the super powers of QLit, the Queer Write Sessions podcast and the Gumboot Collective.

10:00am Acknowledgement of Country and introduction to the festival

10:30am Panel: The Importance of Good Character

Victoria Brownlee, Vanessa Len, Siang Lu and Ellie Marney

11:30am Panel: Writing Our Selves and Our Histories: Past, Present and Future

Nikki Gemmell, Amy Han, Ashley Kalagian Blunt and Alli Parker

This panel has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program.

Enjoy a boutique lunch at Cafe Aga in the company of international bestselling author, Nikki Gemmell, as she presents her thoughts on the world and her latest novel, “Wing”. Tickets are limited and include a meal and beverage, as well as entry to Nikki’s session.

Join three crime writers as they talk about their craft in the Yarram Library. This event is supported by the Yarram Library and Wellington Libraries. Light refreshments will be supplied.

2:30pm Panel: A Cheeky Little Romance

Victoria Brownlee and Ella Ward

3:00pm Panel: Using Story to Reclaim Voice

Tash Agafonoff, Siang Lu, RWR McDonald and Ella Ward

This panel is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria

4:00pm Danger/Beauty: Wild Places in Literature

Vikki Conley, Nikki Gemmell and Mark Smith

Seventies disco murder mystery: Stay Alive. Groove, dance, and uncover clues in a fabulously retro setting. Party in style!

Dance your way back in time to a groovy seventies disco, complete with flared pants, platform shoes, and ABBA records. It’s time to unravel the mystery of Art Deco’s enigmatic murder and the key to survival is to “Stay Alive”. Set against a backdrop of characters and music from the fabulous seventies, we’ve even got a Nutbush dance clue to reveal the answer. Put on your best glam seventies attire and let’s get this party started! Highly recommended for a fun-filled experience.

A free event, where people are encouraged to bring a share lunch and materials to write or pursue creative outlets in a group setting.

Quill & Shield present an afternoon-into-evening roleplaying game extravaganza, where new players and experienced players are able to come together in the Regent Theatre for a range of games.

The all-ages session runs from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and the adults-only session runs from 5:30pm to 10:00pm.