An inspiring, convivial few days in Mildura, I really hope to see you there!

Mildura Writers Festival- 14th - 17th July

In 1994 I called up my dear friend Phillip Hodgins, who at the time was living in Timor, near Maryborough, to see if he would come to Mildura to do a poetry reading.  He was enthusiastic and said he'd bring along Robert Gray, an Australian poet from Sydney.  With Donata, my wife, we promoted this event so that guests could dine in the fledgling Stefano's restaurant and then hear the poets' readings.  We wanted it to be a simple affair; a bowl of pasta and the chance to hear two of Australia's finest poets reading their own work and that of others like John Shaw Neilsen. We thought we might get 20 - 25 people keen to come along.  When the numbers blew out to 80 we had to relocate to the Grand Hotel Ballroom.  The night was a great success and it really set the scene for what was to become the Mildura Writers' Festival which is now into its 17th year. 

This year I get to have a chat with an old mate, Shane Maloney, in a session which has been called Two Larrikins. The blurb for the session says we worked together at Brunswick City Council in the 1980's and also on the Melbourne Olympic bid. This is all true.  While the Council was abolished and the Olympic bid failed we have emerged unscathed and look forward to recounting some of the stories from those days.  I'll also be probing Shane about characters in the Murray Whelan crime novels and asking him about the Brunswick Institute  - a questionable, self-appointed solo think-tank located in his back yard.

I really encourage you to have a look at the program and join us for a few events. There's so much to enjoy from current political affairs, to poetry, to satire, to discussions about crime, punishment or sense of place.  Guest writers are the best in their field, here in Mildura for a whole weekend, for you to listen to and chat with over meals or a coffee.  It's a convivial, inspiring couple of days that will leave you looking forward to the next one.  If you haven't been before, don't miss out this year. I would also suggest you consider buying a festival package for only $280 which will entitle you to access to 13 events, three lunches and two dinners.  That's amazing value!! I really hope to see you there.

www.artsmildura.com.au/writers