2025 Festival Program
“You Are Here”: Friday Night Session
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.
Vikki Conley - Kids Activity at the Library
Come and join Vikki Conley as she takes a group of young readers on an amazing journey through the wilderness of her award winning picture book, Where The Lyrebird Lives and her new release, Where The River Runs Free.
This event is free, but bookings are essential. When booking, please just book for your child. Parents and guardians do not require a ticket.
Vikki will appear at the Yarram Library as part of the Gippsland Writers Festival, celebrating readers young and old. The session will include a reading from her books as well as a hands-on activity for children aged 1-6.
Regent Theatre Program: Morning
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.
Lunch with Nikki Gemmell
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.
Yarram Library: Three Crime Writers On Getting Away With It
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.
Regent Theatre Program: Afternoon
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
Murder Mystery Party: “Not Staying Alive”
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.
Writing Workshop - Fiction Writing with Amy Han
Fiction Writing with Amy Han
Join Melbourne-based writer and Words of a Feather founder Amy Han for an inspiring two-hour fiction writing workshop that will unlock new pathways into your creative practice.
Through thought-provoking discussions and dynamic writing exercises, you'll explore the deeper truths that fiction can reveal and discover how your personal experiences can transform into compelling narratives. Using creative prompts and timed writing sprints, you'll experiment with character, place, genre, and emotional memory to create the beginnings of unexpected and authentic fiction.
Whether you're a beginner looking to start your fiction journey or an experienced writer seeking fresh inspiration, this workshop offers practical tools for overcoming creative blocks and finding new entry points into your work.
What you'll gain:
Three completed writing exercises to build upon
Techniques for using prompts to spark creativity
Insight into how personal truth translates into fiction
Connection with fellow writers in a supportive environment
Opportunity to submit to the 2025 EVOLVE Anthology
Perfect for writers of all levels who want to explore the art of fiction in a welcoming, creative atmosphere.
Writers Picnic
A free event, where people are encouraged to bring a share lunch and materials to write or pursue creative outlets in a group setting.
Role Playing Games at The Regent Theatre
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.