Clunes Booktown Festival

Kick off the festival by listening to stories told by some of our foremost First Nations authors incorporating oral storytelling traditions. Be captivated by Jeanine Leane, Ron Murray and Susie Anderson as they each tell us a story that is important to them and their culture.

Hear a short sample from three of the books shortlisted for the inaugural John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing, followed by a discussion led by judging panelist (and daughter of John) Lorin Clarke. How hard is it to write something funny? Can anything be funny for anybody? And why is it important to champion humourous writing? Hear from Sam Elkin (Detachable Penis), Gabiann Marin (The Medusa Project) and Robert Skinner (I’d Rather Not), with Lorin Clarke (The Fitzroy Diaries, Would That Be Funny?) chairing.

Explore the undiscovered experiences of ageing. Brian Castro (Chinese Postman), Carol Lefevre (Bloomer), and Anna Johnston (The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife) discuss the unexpected joys, reflective moments, and opportunities for flourishing that can arise as we grow older. In conversation with Clunes community elder Tess Brady.

Three experts in the environmental field - Gardening Australia's Costa Georgiadis, Milkwood's Kirsten Bradley, and permaculture co-founder David Holmgren - will discuss the challenges of our rapidly changing climate and how we can adapt, not only our gardens but also various aspects of our lifestyles, in an increasingly uncertain world.

Helen Garner discusses her latest book, The Season, in which she follows her grandson’s under-16 footy team. In typical Garner style, this book explores many themes - ageing, family, masculinity, and the epic theatre of Australian football. Her sharp observations will be drawn out by her biographer, Sean O’Beirne.

Professional foodie Jess Ho (Raised by Wolves), chef Helly Raichura (The Food of Bharat), and ASRC founder Kon Karapanagiotidis (A Seat at My Table: Philoxenia) talk about the role food plays in their lives, the contrast between restaurant food and home cooking, sustainability, and how food can create community. Hosted by Chris Gordon from Readings.

Kate Grenville has often drawn inspiration from her family history for her writing. In her new memoir, Unsettled: A Journey Through Time and Place, she revisits her family story and repositions First Peoples within it. In conversation with Jason Steger, she will reassess both her own and Australia’s history of colonisation.

Language evokes childhood memories, the wonder of Country, and the essence of humanity. Join First Nations poets Evelyn Araluen (Dropbear) and Jeanine Leane (Gawimarra: Gathering), along with artist Vicki Couzens, as they discuss their favourite words in First Nations languages from the collection Words to Sing the World Alive, with chair Jane Harrison (The Visitors).

Talented storytellers from the Goldfields region discuss their inspiration, motivation, and what makes a good story - whether fictional or true. Hear from Vanessa Bowen (Apple Pies and Other Lies), Em Chandler (Out-Side: Queer Words and Art from Regional Victoria), and JC Ryland (The Player and the Prince), with chair Sez Lothian.

Autism, ADHD, and dyslexia diagnoses are on the rise, yet society remains slow in providing adequate support for neurodiversity at home, school, and work. Join Clem Bastow (Late Bloomer and Someone Like Me), Sarah Hayden (Parenting Different), Jess Ho (Someone Like Me), and chair Kim Percy as they unpack the stereotypes and share insights on living with neurodiversity.