First writers' festival 'hugely successful'
The first national writers' festival to take place on the Peninsula, Words on the Waves, has been described by its organisers as a "hugely successful inaugural event".
The festival was held over the long weekend from June 11 to 14.
It had nearly 20 sold-out sessions, more than 40 inspiring authors, a schools program involving as many as 1200 primary school students, and a bookshop run by local independent bookseller.
"This inaugural event was a roaring success," said organiser Ms Angela Bennetts.
She reported a similar response from participating authors, including Ms Nikki Gemmell saying: "This is the most beautiful literary festival in the world."
Ms Bennetts said: "Despite currently having no federal, state, or council funding, plans are already underway for the 2022 festival as well as regular events throughout the year.
The committee's event manager Ms Benny Agius commented in her launch speech:
"The Central Coast is a thriving, book-reading literary community that deserves to have a yearly writers festival.
"We have so many talented authors and illustrators.
"We have so many readers that want to celebrate them, and the words that they write.
"We want to have good discussions about why words matter.
"We want to encourage young people to write and embrace creativity and storytelling.
"We want to challenge ideas and create meaningful conversation.
"We want to celebrate and know more about Aboriginal storytelling - and we should be able to do that in our place, this place."
Among those at the launch were members of the Mingaletta dance group, who danced for the opening in their first performance of the year.
Workshops run by authors Kirrli Saunders, Deb Abela and Oliver Phommmavanh were held in the Umina Beach Public School hall for students there, as well as with other schools at Umina Beach Surf Club.
Ms Bennetts said: "The main program kicked off on Saturday June 12 with five sessions and then four sessions on the Sunday, after a rousing opening night event with Richard Fidler alongside David Hunt.
"Themes included place, belonging, identity, equity, and our shared environmental future, with authors as varied as OzHarvest founder Ronni Kahn, student climate activist Daisy Jeffrey, literary writer Emily Maguire, local historian Garry Linnell, and crime novelist Candice Fox.
"Festival patron Margaret Pomeranz hosted an intimate movie screening and conversation alongside lauded film and theatre director Neil Armfield on the Saturday evening.
"On Sunday, June 13, Matt Stanton led a rollicking family fun day, the culmination of a Coast-wide illustration competition for youths.
"The weekend concluded on Monday with a literary cruise through the scenic Brisbane Waters, led by authors with a tie to the region, historian Grace Karskens and memoirist Vicki Hastrich."
SOURCE:
Media release, 25 Jun 2021
Angela Bennetts, Words on the Waves