Clunes Booktown Festival 2022
A weekend of Author Talks, Panel Discussions and Book Sales
How Do I Look? Australian Designers Chat
Saturday 11 March 2023
Clunes Booktown collaborates with Chill Out Festival on Saturday 11 March for the special event ‘How Do I Look?’, a Saturday chat about queer fashion and costume design.
A colourful group of well-known artists, photographers, curators, creative producers, and designers will gather to chat all things queer fashion and costume design. Joining the conversation will be Gregory Ladner, Ashe, Joseph Noonan, and Jordyn Smith. The conversation will be chaired by Leigh Raymond, a journalist and writer with an eye for all things queer.
This event is hosted by Clunes Booktown, a festival of everything storytelling and books hosted in the beautiful historic town of Clunes running March 25 - 26.
Attitude
Clunes Free Lending Library: Family Open Day!
Saturday 22 October 2022
The Clunes Free Lending Library (CFLL) is throwing open it's doors to allow the community to explore the uses for this newly revived space and to celebrate our new partnership with Clunes Neighbourhood House.
We have a full schedule of family friendly activities. Kids and kids-at-heart are invited to join! Some events are priced, some are free.
Clunes Free Lending Library
Panel | Short and Sharp
Sunday 1 May 2022
There’s power in brevity – telling a short story that can be captivating and satisfying. Wayne Marshall (Shirl), Melissa Manning (Smokehouse), Bryan Andy (Flock) and Alicia Sometimes (From the Outer) are great short story tellers, and will they share how they pack so much punch into a small package, and why they are drawn to short and sharp stories.
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Attitude
2022 Festival Weekend Pass
WEEKEND PASS
Access both days of the weekend for all book-browsing, exhibitions, music performances, kids activities and free talks.
9am-5pm Saturday
9am-4pm Sunday
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home. Please be kind to our staff and volunteers.
Adults $10
Students $5
Children (under 16) FREE
Clunes Township, Victoria
FREE | Presentation: Shoulder to Shoulder
Sunday 1 May 2022
Broadening the men’s shed movement in the company of men and women. Presented by Prof. Barry Golding.
FREE EVENT
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Court House (adjacent to the Town Hall)
Panel | Living Bold - Women's Voices
Sunday 1 May 2022
Rebecca Lim (Tiger Daughter), Sneha Lees (Good Indian Daughter) and Van Badham, writer and activist, discuss what it is to be a woman in contemporary Australia.
Chaired & Presented by Jess Lilley (Triple R)
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel | Book Clubs Staying Power
Sunday 1 May 2022
The staying power of book clubs through the global pandemic has shown us that connecting through books is more important than ever when times are tough. Shay Leighton, founder and director of the Tough Guy Book Club and Bill Collopy, from the Centre for Adult Education talk about what makes for a great tale to discuss at a book club and how to keep interest energised. Chaired by Maryanne Vagg.
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Attitude
FREE | Panel | 5 minutes each
Sunday 1 May 2022
10 Independent authors, via Shawline Publishing, join us for a fun event where independent authors give an elevator speech about their work and why they decided to go with independent publishers.
Sponsored by Shawline Publishing
FREE EVENT
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Court House (adjacent to the Town Hall)
Panel| Seeking Asylum - The Voices Australia Should Hear
Sunday 1 May 2022
Everyone has the right to seek asylum from persecution but overcoming racism and loneliness can be equally as traumatic as the refugee journey itself. Listen to the touching stories of resilience, courage, love and hope through our panel of authors who have experienced the journey firsthand. This talk will be both moving and powerful. Chaired Ogy Simic, Advocacy Manager at the ASRC.
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Town Hall
Presentation| True Stories: Courage and Compassion
Sunday 1 May 2022
Don Farrands wrote Courage and Compassion, A Stretcher Bearer’s Journey from No–man's Land and Beyond about his grandfather Nelson Ferguson. Ferguson’s life has been the focus of Hannie Rayson’s play The Glass Soldier and Nigel Westlake’s orchestral piece The Glass Soldier Suite. Farrands shows us what it was about his remarkable grandfather that has made his story so inspiring.
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Attitude
FREE |Panel | Independent Publishing
Sunday 1 May 2022
Brad Shaw (Shawline Publishing Group and Jane Willson (Murdoch Books) offers an insight into how independent minded and focused writers can become successful in getting their books to you, the book lover.
FREE EVENT
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Court House (adjacent to the Town Hall)
Panel | DRIVE
Sunday 1 May 2022
Let’s all move to the regions! It’s more relaxed, people are friendly, living is affordable, and you can enjoy a creative lifestyle. Delve into the stories, the joys, the cliches and realities of what it means to be a man - queer or straight - in regional Australia. With Dale Campisi and Brady Michaels (The Gents) and Dr Barry Golding (Shoulder to Shoulder). Chaired by Douglas Gellatly, Clunes author and podcaster.
Ticket holders must show proof of vaccination upon entry.
Attitude
Panel| A Brave New Future
Sunday 1 May 2022
Scott Ludlam, Ian Lowe and Alex Kelly are thinkers who spend much of their time contemplating possible futures. We have entered the Anthropocene – an era in which humans are changing the earth's climate irreversibly, and political, human and natural systems are on the cusp of collapse. We are headed for radical change and this mob explore the issues we will inevitably face. Chaired by Prof. Tim Lynch.
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Town Hall
FREE | Clunes Writers’ Group presents Unmasked: An Anthology
Sunday 1 May 2022
The Group has a rich diversity of writers, each one with a story to tell - memoirs, short stories, poetry, prose and haikus. Lots of the pieces in the anthology reflect the pandemic experience. Members are eager to directly present their work to real people after months of isolation.
FREE EVENT
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Court House (adjacent to the Town Hall)
In Conversation| Arnold Zable
Sunday 1 May 2022
Arnold Zable in conversation with Kerrie O’Brien (The Age). Arnold is a legendary storyteller. Kerrie will fire him up, with a focus on his latest work The Watermill. This is a quartet of true stories around displacement, survival and resistance that spans the globe and reflects the universal spirit of humanity. He takes us near and far, weaving tales within tales of people compelled to live extraordinary lives.
This is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Town Hall
Happy Hour | We need a good laugh!
Saturday 30 April 2022
When times are tough, we need a good joke more than ever. Justine Sless the Mistress of Mirth, Fiona Scott-Norman and Sean O'Beirne chat about how to turn the dark into the comedic. Chaired & Presented by Daniel Burt (Triple R)
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel | Self-Publishing: how to get your story out there
Saturday 30 April 2022
Publishing your own book is a major challenge but, if successful, the result can be satisfying (and sometimes spectacular). Self-publishers Hugh Wayland, Martine Murray (Parachute Press), Richard Gilbert and DJ Hammond take us through the ups and downs of DIY publishing and tick off the dos and don’ts of this cottage industry with Dr Tess Brady in the Chair.
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Attitude
Poetry Session
Saturday 30 April 2022
Join Alicia Sometimes, a poet, musician and co-editor of the Australian literary journal Going Down Swinging, with Lee Kofman, Andy Jackson, Frank Prem and surprise local poets as they read excerts of their work for your enjoyment.
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Court House (adjacent to the Town Hall)
Panel | Living and Growing - positive action for us all
Saturday 30 April 2022
Join us for an exciting and inspirational discussion on gardening, chooks and living the best way you can in your corner of the world, “igniting the skills and knowledge you already have but may not realise”. With Millie Ross (ABC The Thrifty Gardener) Fiona Scott Norman (This Chicken Life) and Jill Teschendorff (Grow Wild)
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel | We’ve got this
Saturday 30 April 2022
Jacinta Parsons (Unseen) joins Eliza Hull, disability advocate and editor of "We've Got This: Stories by disabled parents", Nat Bartsch (ARIA-nominated pianist) and Jeremy Hopkins to discuss disability and overcoming adversity in 2022.
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Attitude
In Conversation | The Ethical Investor
Saturday 30 April 2022
Journalist Nicole Haddow is the author of Smashed Avocado: How I Cracked the Property Market and You Can Too and most recently The Ethical Investor in which she presents an essential guide to growing wealth while making a difference. Nicole outlines the steps she takes to ensure her hard-earned cash isn’t going straight into the pockets of toxic companies.
Presented by The Courier
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Court House (adjacent to the Town Hall)
In Conversation|Don Watson
Saturday 30 April 2022
Don Watson in conversation with Sean O’Beirne. Don’s latest book Watsonia brings together the best bits of his writing life. Of course, the result is powerful, insightful, and wryly witty. He covers everything from Oz humour to the U.S. gone berserk, from Don Bradman to Oscar Wilde, from birds and horses to history and politics.
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel | Life of Crime, Tall Tales and True
Saturday 30 April 2022
At least in the book world, crime always pays. Whether it be an imaginary mystery or a serious documentation, readers devour anything criminal. JP Pomare, Katherine Kovecic and Mary Rose Cuskelly ruminate on our obsession with bad behaviour. Jock Sarong will attempt to keep the discussion legal.
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Attitude Building
Panel | Writing Place
Saturday 30 April 2022
Writers Victoria presents a trio of writers in discussion about the ways in which their work is informed by and explores their relationships with place. Kim Kruger, Madeleine Ryan and Demet Divaroren explore the role of memory, history and literature in shaping the ways in which we engage with landscapes and cities and will perform short readings of their own work. Moderator: Anna Kate Blair (Writers Victoria)
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Court House (adjacent to the Town Hall)
Panel | In discontent there is (hope) power
Saturday 30 April 2022
Blackfellas do some truth telling. The Melbourne School of Discontent is a collective of Aboriginal and Islander academics, activists, artists, writers,poets and pests. They examine, analyse, and critically dissect the popular and accepted narratives of Australian history. Featuring Gary Foley, Jacqui Katona with Kim Kruger.
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel | Up Close and Personal
Saturday 30 April 2022
Carmel Bird, Lee Kofman and Chloe Hooper discuss the challenges that can be encountered when making the personal public. How lived experience can be transformed into compelling stories. Chaired by Maryanne Vagg.
Clunes Booktown is a covid-safe ticketed event. If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
Clunes Attitude Building
Clunes Booktown Lifetime Membership
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Benefits of your lifetime membership are
- funding to support our Literacy in Schools program & Booktown on Sunday
- 10% discount on all ticketed Booktown events
- 10% discount on all books purchased at Booktown on Sunday
- invitations to the annual Booktown welcoming event & post Booktown Party
- acknowledgement by name in the annual Booktown program
Clunes Township, Victoria
Booktown on(line) Sunday; Lisa Leong and Monique Ross (CANCELLED)
Sunday 20 February 2022
This Working Life is the book you need to navigate your career with courage, openness, and a good dose of laughter in these chaotic and uncertain times. Springing off the success of her ABC podcast, Lisa Leong, together with journalist Monique Ross, are bringing a deep curiosity to the world of work.
Join us for an afternoon conversation with Lisa Leong, host of ABC Radio National's This Working Life, and Monique Ross, journalist, writer, and editor.
Life Cycle of The Book Expert Panel: Publishing (CANCELLED)
Tuesday 7 December 2021
Join us for another expert panel from our series of seven around Publishing. Learn from Pam Brewster Publisher at Hardie Grant Publishing, Bestselling Author of Australian Fiction Jennifer Scoullar who will be in conversation Jen Hutchison, author and independent publisher who champions mature writers.
Life Cycle of The Book Expert Panel: Writing & Editing
Tuesday 30 November 2021
Join us for an expert panel around Writing & Editing with Anne Gracie, award-winning author of 20 novels published internationally and Lindy Cameron, author, editor and independent publisher of Clan Destine Books in conversation with journalist, strategic communications consultant and non-fiction writer Leslie Falkiner-Rose.
Authors Online Series; Lucia Osborne-Crowley in Conversation
Wednesday 10 November 2021
In My Body Keeps Your Secrets, Lucia shares the voices of women and trans and non-binary people around the world, as well as her own deeply moving testimony.
Join us for an evening with Lucia Osborne-Crowley, journalist, essayist, writer, and legal researcher in conversation with Christine Gordon from Readings.
Date: Wednesday 10 Nov
Time: 7pm
Booktown on(line) Sunday; Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist
Sunday 31 October 2021
Two Steps Onward is the wise, witty and wine-filled follow-up to Two Steps Forward, Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist’s bestselling novel about walking the Camino. It’s about helping the people you love, and knowing when to let go. Figuring out what you really want in life. And seizing your chances, before it’s too late.
Join us for an afternoon conversation with Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist chatting to Maryanne Vagg.
Authors Online Series with Keith Banks - Gun to The Head
Thursday 22 July 2021
This is the true story of Keith Banks, one of Queensland’s most decorated police officers and his experience as a Tactical Operations Specialist Officer in the eighties. After Keith left deep undercover duty - as told in his bestselling first book - Drugs, Guns and Lies - he continued to seek the adrenaline and rush of the sharp end of policing.
TURN THE PAGE; The Business of Book Clubs
Thursday 24 June 2021
FREE EVENT.
While most Book Clubs organise themselves, there are still many organised for them. Hear about the experiences of the Council for Adult Education, which started its book club to address isolation on solider settlements after World War II & now has thousands of members. Booktown partner, Readings, has run books club for many years out of its bookstores & have a wealth of knowledge to share on running Book Clubs.
Join Maryanne Vagg in conversation with Angela Crocombe & Bill Collopy.
TURN THE PAGE; Diversity in Book Clubs - Together is Better
Monday 21 June 2021
FREE EVENT.
One of our aims is to think about how Book Clubs can help bring culturally diverse communities together. In this panel you will hear about working with older Australians, why there was a need to set a book club for south Asian women and how the vision impaired benefit from Book Club membership. Be inspired by our panellist stories from Daizy Maan, Richard Freadman and Sarah Bloedorn. Chaired by Maryanne Vagg.
TURN THE PAGE; Connecting Authors and Book Clubs
Thursday 10 June 2021
FREE EVENT. Connecting Authors and Book Clubs.
Learn about how book clubs and authors can connect more for mutual benefit in a discussion led by Toni Jordan novelist, with Vikki Petraitis, true crime author and successful podcaster, and Lindy Cameron, author and independent publisher, Clan Destine Books.
Book Clubs Hub has set up a searchable author register where book clubs can seek out authors that are happy to meet with them in person or online. This talk will explore what more can be done.
TURN THE PAGE; The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Book Clubs
Wednesday 9 June 2021
FREE EVENT. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Book Clubs.
Book Clubs each have their own personality and with that comes myriad positive and negative challenges. Hear from those with long standing book club experience. The aim of this amazing talk is for you to come away with great tips on how to set up, run and/or market your book club better. Join Chair Jennifer Hutchison in conversation with Pam Kershaw, book club veteran, and Shay Leighton, founder and director, Tough Guy Book Club.
Book Clubs Hub Weekend - National Weekend For Book Clubs (CANCELLED)
BOOK CLUBS HUB SYMPOSIUM
Join us for the first national symposium to explore how book clubs connect us with ideas, books, and each other. On May 29 & 30 we will celebrate the power of book clubs; share stories and experiences; discuss the best ways to run different types of clubs; and look at how clubs interact with authors, libraries, the publishing industry, and local communities. Full program on website.
Tickets include morning and afternoon tea and a Saturday evening reception with drinks and nibbles.
Clunes Town Hall
Kate Torney, CEO, State Library of Victoria Key Note Speech (CANCELLED)
Sunday 30 May 2021
Many Book Clubs are run out of libraries. How does that benefit both the libraries and the readers? State Library of Victoria CEO, Kate Torrney, will address this question through her Key Note Speech, followed by an audience Q+A.
Leading us into: The Book of Tomorrow
Where to from here? How can we best support and encourage book clubs around Australia?
Audience Discussion led by Cora Trevarthen, member of the Book Clubs Hub Committee.
Clunes Town Hall
The Business of Book Clubs (CANCELLED)
Sunday 30 May 2021
While most Book Clubs organise themselves, there are still many organised for them. Hear about the experiences of the Council for Adult Education, which started its book club to address isolation on solider settlements after World War II and now has thousands of members. Booktown partner, Readings, has run books club for many years out of its book stores and have a wealth of knowledge to share on running Book Clubs. Maryanne Vagg will be joined by Angela Crocombe and Bill Collopy.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel: Rare Books; Together is better (CANCELLED)
Saturday 29 May 2021
One of our aims is to think about how Book Clubs can help bring culturally diverse communities together. In this panel you will hear about working with older Australians, why there was a need to set a book club for south Asian women and how the vision impaired benefit from Book Club membership. Be inspired by our panellist stories, which include; Richard Freadman, Daizy Maan, Sarah Bloedorn and Nathalie Jones. Chaired by Maryanne Vagg.
Clunes Town Hall
Life in the Fast Lane followed by Tales From The Trenches (CANCELLED)
Saturday 29 May 2021
Life in the Fast Lane
Book Clubber Heather Horrocks, part of our Book Clubs Hub Steering Group, will wrangle those in the room so they can quickly learn about each other and then share the stories discovered as Tale From The Trenches……
Tales From The Trenches
Hear about the weird, wonderful and heart-warming range of experiences of book clubbers from around the country.
Clunes Town Hall
Connecting Authors and Book Clubs (CANCELLED)
Saturday 29 May 2021
Learn about how book clubs and authors can connect more for mutual benefit in a discussion led by Toni Jordan novelist, with Vikki Petraitis, true crime author and successful podcaster, and Lindy Cameron, author and independent publisher, Clan Destine Books.
Book Clubs Hub has already set up a searchable author register where book clubs can seek out authors that are happy to meet with them in person or online. This talk will explore what more can be done – all good ideas most welcome.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Book Clubs (CANCELLED)
Saturday 29 May 2021
Book Clubs each have their own personality and with that comes myriad positive and negative challenges. Hear from those with long standing book club experience. The aim of this talk is for you to come away with great tips on how to set up, run and/or market your book club better. Please come prepared with your juicy questions for the panellists. Chaired by author, Jennifer Hutchison. Panelists: Pam Kershaw, book club veteran, and Shay Leighton, founder and director, Tough Guy Books Club.
Clunes Town Hall
Clunes Booktown Yearly Membership
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
Benefits of your annual membership are
- funding to support our Literacy in Schools program & Booktown on Sunday
- 10% discount on all ticketed events
- 10% discount on all books purchased at Booktown on Sunday
- invitations to the annual Booktown welcoming event & post Booktown Party
- acknowledgement by name in the annual Booktown program
Clunes Township, Victoria
Tales from the Trenches
Tuesday 18 May 2021
Sharing stories found during the sleuthing. Hear about the weird, wonderful and huge range of experiences of book clubbers from around the country
Clunes Town Hall
The Book of Tomorrow
Tuesday 18 May 2021
Where to from here? How can we best support and encourage book clubs around Australia?
Audience Discussion led by Cora Trevarthen, member of the Book Clubs Hub Committee
Clunes Town Hall
A Celebration of the Diversity of our First Peoples
Sunday 2 May 2021
Culture is Life. Renowned Aboriginal photographer Wayne Quilliam discusses his stunning new book in conversation with Sue Lawson.
Clunes Town Hall
In Conversation |Fickle Fashion
Sunday 2 May 2021
Writer and historian Robyn Annear and author and ‘Modern Mender’ Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald will discuss the fickle nature of fashion and whether what goes around does or should come around again?
Attitude
In Conversation | Lapsed with Monica Dux and Sue Lawson
Sunday 2 May 2021
Writer, columnist and social commentator, Monica Dux shares her frank attempt to exorcise her religious upbringing in conversation with Sue Lawson.
ATTITUDE
Panel Discussion | Stories from the Heart
Sunday 2 May 2021
Best-selling authors, Maya Linnell, Alli Sinclair and Fiona Lowe talk to Maryanne Vaag about their contemporary tales of love and loss that have struck a chord with readers of all ages.
Clunes Town Hall
In Conversation | The Recovery
Sunday 2 May 2021
Renowned thinkers and writers Ross Garnaut and Bill Bowtell explore the politics and economics of the COVID-19 pandemic. Who got it right and where to from here?
Clunes Town Hall
Crime Takes to the Back Roads | Interrogating Rural Noir
Saturday 1 May 2021
Katherine Kovacic, Sandi Wallace, and Lyn Yeowart talk about why rural and remote communities are ideal scenes of the crime with Maggie Baron. Presented by Sisters In Crime.
Clunes Town Hall
Sprinter and Sprummer |Our Changing Seasons
Saturday 1 May 2021
Gardening expert Stephen Ryan (3CR) and Director of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Tim Entwisle explore our response to the unique Australian climates and seasons and discuss what to plant and grow.
Attitude
A Letter to Layla | Travels to our Deep Past and Near Future
Saturday 1 May 2021
Ramona Koval discusses the journey of her beautifully wrought latest release in conversation with Elizabeth McCarthy.
Attitude
Panel Discussion | Telling Tales of Awful Truth
Saturday 1 May 2021
Adrian Tame and Derryn Hinch reminisce with Leslie Falkiner-Rose about the good, bad, and often hilarious days of gripping gossip, the Truth newspaper, tabloid TV and their resonance in news today.
Clunes Town Hall
A Room Called Earth | A Celebration of Neurodiversity
Saturday 1 May 2021
Debut author Madeine Ryan talks to Andrew Fuller about the searingly honest moments of her brilliant new novel.
Attitude
Stealing the Scene | Landscape as Character
Saturday 1 May 2021
The poetry of Margaret Hickey and prose of Rosalie Ham and JP Pomare resonate deeply within their settings. Join this insightful discussion with Robert Gott.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel Discussion | Crime Does Pay
Saturday 1 May 2021
Murder, Mystery and Criminally Good Stories! Join Robert Gott, Garry Disher and Karina Kilmore as they reveal their crime writing secrets to Jane Sullivan.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel Discussion | In a Nutshell; the Art of Short Stories
Saturday 1 May 2021
Is short always better? Sean O’Beirne, Scot Gardner and Leah Swann share their insights into the unique craft of short story writing with Elizabeth McCarthy from Triple RRR
Attitude
Booktown on Sunday; Mature and Marvellous
Sunday 21 February 2021
FREE EVENT. Mature and Marvellous? Older and Awesome?
Join us & celebrate literary forces behind mature writers with Natalie Conyer who, at age 70+, won prestigious Best Debut Crime Novel in the 2020 Ned Kelly Award, Jennifer Hutchison, an author and independent publisher who champions mature writers & Emeritus Professor Richard Freadman, an international expert on biography and autobiography, who now works with older people to help them tell their stories
Booktown on Sunday with Dr Karl - Surfing Safari
Sunday 29 November 2020
Join polymath Dr Karl Kruszelnicki as he takes us on a Surfing Safari through Science, in conversation with Paul Fleckney, Clunes author.
A former roadie, taxi driver, TV weatherman, car mechanic, film maker, labourer and doctor at a children's hospital, Karl has qualifications in science, maths, engineering, medicine and surgery. He is the author of over 40 books, including his latest book for everybody, ‘Surfing Safari through Science’ released in October 2020.
Booktown on Sunday with Tony Birch - The White Girl
Sunday 8 November 2020
Join Tony Birch, 2020 NSW Premier's Literary Awards – Indigenous Writers' Prize Winner, in conversation with Clunes Booktown on Sunday. In The White Girl, Miles-Franklin-shortlisted author Tony Birch shines a spotlight on the 1960s and the devastating government policy of taking Indigenous children from their families.
Booktown on(line) Sunday; Chris Hammer's Trust
Sunday 25 October 2020
In this Clunes Booktown online Sunday event, Chris Hammer, a leading Australian crime fiction novelist and author of international bestsellers Scrublands and Silver joins Book Clubs Hub chair, Leslie Falkiner-Rose, to chat about his new book, Trust.
Set in a Sydney riven with corruption and nepotism, privilege and power, Trust is the third riveting novel from the award-winning and internationally acclaimed writer.
Booktown on Sunday; Knowing Me & Meeting You - YA Fiction
Sunday 13 September 2020
Clunes Booktown celebrates Australia’s literary forces behind young adult fiction in Knowing Me & Meeting You, a special online conversation with authors Michael Earp, Nina Kenwood and Nova Weetman.
In this Clunes Booktown on Sunday event, three leading young adult fiction writers discuss coming out, coming-of-age, connections and stories of family, friends, lovers and strangers.
Booktown on Sunday with Keith Banks - Drugs, Guns & Lies
Sunday 9 August 2020
Join Keith Banks, one of Queensland's most decorated police officers, in conversation with Leslie Falkiner-Rose. Keith Banks was in the Queensland Police Force for twenty years (1975-95), going undercover during the premiership of Joh Bjelke-Petersen and Terry Lewis' time as police commissioner, the most notoriously corrupt period in Queensland history.
A Panel for Grown-ups | Writing for Children (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
Writing for Children (A Panel for Grown-ups) with Leigh Hobbs, Andy Griffiths, Ann James.
Chaired by Dan Nixon
Presented by Melbourne Young Writers’ Studio
Clunes Thomas Aquinas Church
Panel/Workshop | Fickle Fashion (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
When it comes to fashion, we didn’t always have a fetish for newness. Join historian Robyn Annear and mending advocate and author of Modern Mending, Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald for an afternoon of fickle fashion!
Chaired by Chris Gordon
Presented by Readings
Clunes Free Lending Library
Storytime | Jane Sullivan (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
Jane Sullivan is a Melbourne-based writer specialising in literary journalism. She has worked for The Age as a reporter, feature writer and editor. Jane won the inaugural Australian Human Rights Award for journalism.
Join Jane in conversation with Tess Brady.
Clunes Town Hall
Andy Griffiths Climbs A Tree - FREE EVENT (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
Andy Griffiths Climbs A Tree - Andy Griffiths is one of Australia’s most popular children’s authors. He and illustrator Terry Denton have collaborated on more than 30 bestselling books since their first title, Just Tricking, was published in 1997. Their much-loved Treehouse Series has been embraced by children around the world and is now published in more than 35 countries.
This is a free event but space is limited so booking is advised to avoid disappointment
Esmond Gallery - Clunes Warehouse
Tim Entwisle | Sprinter and Sprummer (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
Growing It - Sprinter and Sprummer. Spring starts on the first day of September, right? Not if Dr Tim Entwisle, director of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and the author of 'Sprinter and Sprummer', has anything to do with it. Here he argues we should scrap the European approach and adopt a five season model. Join Tim Entwisle in conversation with Angus Stewart.
Clunes Thomas Aquinas Church
Panel Discussion | Rural Writing (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
In pursuit of an already self-isolating career is the rural writer further disadvantaged? Panel Discussion with Kirsten Alexander (Riptides), Maya Linnell (Wildflower Ridge), J P Pomare (In the Clearing)
Chaired by Robert Gott
Clunes Town Hall
Workshop | Kids Writing with Nova Weetman (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
Join award winning children's and YA author, Nova Weetman for a fun and informative workshop on Kids Writing Workshop.
(9-14 year olds)
Clunes Free Lending Library
Drawing Stories with Leigh Hobbs - FREE EVENT (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
Drawing Stories with Leigh Hobbs. Leigh Hobbs is an artist and author best known for his children’s book characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Mr Chicken and Mr Badger.
This is a free event but space is limited so booking is advised to avoid disappointment
Esmond Gallery - Clunes Warehouse
Panel Discussion | All the Ways to Write the Truth (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
All the Ways to Write the Truth with Sean O’Beirne (A Couple of Things Before the End: Stories) Chris Flynn (Mammoth) and Bruce Venables (Eureka Run)
Chaired by Jane Sullivan
Clunes Thomas Aquinas Church
Panel Discussion | Sunburnt Country (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
Sunburnt Country – Regenerative Farming. 200 years of clearing and mechanisation has had a serious impact on Australia's agricultural land. Regenerative agriculture practitioners seek to repair that through agricultural practices. Join us for a topical panel discussion with Charles Massy and David Pollock.
Chaired by Chris Pollock
Clunes Free Lending Library
Peace | Garry Disher (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
Garry Disher has published fifty titles across multiple genres. His last standalone novel, Bitter Wash Road, won the 2016 German Crime Prize, a prize he has previously won twice. In 2018 he received the Ned Kelly Lifetime Achievement Award. Join Garry Disher in conversation with Andrew Masterson.
Clunes Town Hall
Creating Characters with Leigh Hobbs - FREE EVENT (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
Creating Characters with Leigh Hobbs. Leigh Hobbs is an artist and author best known for his children’s book characters Old Tom, Horrible Harriet, Mr Chicken and Mr Badger.
This is a free event but space is limited so booking is advised to avoid disappointment
Esmond Gallery - Clunes Warehouse
The Arsonist | Chloe Hooper (CANCELLED)
Sunday 3 May 2020
On the day that became known as Black Saturday, one man deliberately lit two fires near the small town of Churchill, Gippsland, then sat on the roof of his house and watched the flames. The Arsonist, by the acclaimed author of The Tall Man, is the story of that man, the fire he lit, and the people who were killed. Join author Chloe Hooper in conversation with Caleb Cluff
Presented by the Ballarat Courier
Clunes Thomas Aquinas Church
Panel Discussion | Murder, Mystery and Motherhood (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
Celebrating Women’s Crime Writing Since 1991, join Sisters in Crime Leah Swann & Anna George for a talk about how the passions surrounding motherhood can range from deep love, self-sacrifice and intense protectiveness to murderous rage – and why it has been such a fertile (and deadly) theme for crime fiction.
Chaired by Anne Buist
Presented by White Ribbon Ballarat
Clunes Town Hall
Panel Discussion | Historical Fiction (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
Historical Fiction
Judy Nunn in conversation with Bruce Venables
Chaired by Kerrie O’Brien
Clunes Free Lending Library
Remembering Bob | Sue Pieters-Hawke (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
A warm, moving and revealing collection of stories and memories about Bob Hawke from across the nation, edited by his eldest daughter Sue Pieters-Hawke. Chaired by Catherine King MP
Clunes Thomas Aquinas Church
How Powerful We Are | Sally Rugg (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
Sally Rugg is an LGBTIQ rights activist, writer and public speaker. She is Executive Director at political activist group change.org, and was previously Campaign Director at GetUp where she lead the campaign for marriage equality for five years. Join Sally in conversation with Chloe Hooper
Clunes Town Hall
Panel Discussion | Knowing Me & Meeting You (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
Coming out, coming-of-age, connections and stories of family, friends, lovers and strangers with Michael Earp, Nina Kenwood and Alison Evans
Chaired by Hilary Harper (ABC Life Matters)
Clunes Free Lending Library
Panel Discussion | A Short History of Human Ideas (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
Eminent economist and climate change expert Ross Garnaut discusses emission reduction, low carbon opportunities with environmental scientist Paul Hardisty.
Chaired by Mark Ogge
Clunes Thomas Aquinas Church
Don Watson | Collected Writings (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
Don Watson's books, articles and essays have been widely acclaimed. His bestselling titles include Recollections of a Bleeding Heart: Paul Keating Prime Minister, which won the Age Book of the Year and Non-Fiction Prizes, the Brisbane Courier Mail Book of the Year, the National Biography Award and the Australian Literary Studies Association's Book of the Year. Join Don in conversation with critic Sean O'Brirne.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel Discussion | Book Reviewers (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
Professor Christina Twomey joins Chris Flynn to talk about the practicalities and pitfalls of book reviewing.
Chaired by Peter Rose
Presented by ABR
Clunes Free Lending Library
Before We Forget | Geoffrey Blainey (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
Now in his late-eighties, and listed by the National Trust as a ‘Living Treasure’, Geoffrey Blainey reflects on his humble beginnings as the son of a Methodist Minister and school teacher, one of five children, and a carefree childhood spent in rural Victoria, from Terang to Leongatha, Geelong to Ballarat. Join us for an unforgettable discussion on History, Writing and Books. We present Geoffrey Blainey in conversation with Prof. Keir Reeves
Clunes Thomas Aquinas Church
Panel Discussion | Book Clubs (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
Power of the People: Book Clubs on Authors, Authors on Book Clubs, and Book Clubs about Themselves.
What’s the value of the thousands of Australian book clubs? Is their word of mouth more important than professional reviews? What can authors and book clubs learn from each other? Also, key takeaways from Book Clubs Friday — the first national symposium on book clubs held on May 1 in Clunes.
Audience and panel discussion led by Leslie Falkiner-Rose
Clunes Town Hall
Panel Discussion | Does Crime Pay (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
Join two of Australia’s leading crime writers, Robert Gott & Garry Disher, talking about their books, their criminals and the good guys that catch them.
Chaired by Jane Sullivan
Clunes Thomas Aquinas Church
Presentation | Ferment For Good (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
The ancient art of fermenting is finding new popularity again as modern science and trends discover the importance of gut health for overall wellbeing. Join us for a presentation with Sharon Flynn, the founder of the award winning, fermented food and drinks company, The Fermentary.
Chaired by Jeo Rubbo
Presented by Readings
Clunes Free Lending Library
Panel Discussion | In a Nutshell; the Art of Short Stories (CANCELLED)
Saturday 2 May 2020
Is short always better? Australian authors Leah Swann and Sean O’Beirne are joined by Canada’s Lis de Nikolits discussing the short form, its brevity and breadth.
Chaired by Liz McCarthy RRR
Clunes Town Hall
Festival Weekend Pass (CANCELLED)
WEEKEND PASS
Access both days of the weekend for all book-browsing, exhibitions, music performances, kids activities and free talks.
Under 16 and locals are free!
Clunes Township, Victoria
Book Clubs Friday Symposium (CANCELLED)
BOOK CLUBS FRIDAY SYMPOSIUM
Join us for Book Clubs Friday – the first national symposium to explore how book clubs connect us with ideas, books and each other. On May 1 we will celebrate the power of book clubs; share stories and experiences; discuss the best ways to run different types of clubs; and look at how clubs interact with authors, libraries, the publishing industry and local communities.
Book Clubs Friday tickets include morning and afternoon tea, lunch, parking and Booktown Festival Weekend entrance
Clunes Football Netball Club, Clunes, Victoria
Fighting for Peace Conference
Monday 11 November 2019
Fighting for Peace: Aftermath, Commemoration and Regional Remembrance Conference
Clunes Warehouse - Esmond Gallery
Chris Weaver Ceramics Workshop
Sunday 22 September 2019
Chris Weaver is a leading New Zealand ceramicist internationally renowned for his contemporary tableware and design innovation. Chris is visiting Australia as a guest judge at the 2019 Clunes Ceramic Award. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise. This workshop is a rare opportunity to observe Chris making and discussing his unique and outstanding work.
Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. Please advise of any dietary requirements on booking.
Clunes Town Hall Supper Room
George Megalogenis | The Football Solution
Sunday 5 May 2019
George Megalogenis has dedicated his literary life to examining what makes Australia tick, economically, politically and socially. He has a remarkable ability to make the complex comprehensible. A football ‘tragic’ and devoted Tigers fan, his most recent book, 'The Football Solution', reveals how Richmond found a new way to win – and how Australia might do the same.
George will be in conversation with Peter Rose.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel Discussion | Value of Books
Sunday 5 May 2019
Why we Value Books in our Lives
What do you get when you gather together authors, book collectors, reviewers and a bookseller who are at the top of their game? A wondrously bookish Panel. Michael McGirr (Books that Saved My Life), Stuart Kells (The Library), and Robbie Egan (Australian Bookseller Assoc.) share their lifelong passion for books with Professor Andrew Reeves.
Clunes Free Lending Library
Poetry, Wine and Cheese
Sunday 5 May 2019
Join poets Nathan Curnow and Alicia Sometimes in one of Clunes’ oldest cottages to hear them read and discuss a selection of their poems. Nick Lanyon will host this special event.
The Cottage - Free Event
Panel Discussion | Gripping Crime
Sunday 5 May 2019
Building the Fictional World for Gripping Crime
How important is ‘location’ for the crime novelist? Is as much attention paid to setting as to character? Three women crime/thriller writers who have readers waiting for their next novels, Sarah Bailey (Into the Night), Anne Buist (This I Would Kill For) and Sarah Epstein (Small Spaces) will be in conversation with Leslie Falkiner-Rose.
Clunes Free Lending Library
Panel Discussion | Short Stories linger longer!
Sunday 5 May 2019
Short Stories linger longer!
Tony Birch (Common People) and Paddy O’Reilly (Peripheral Vision) are masters of the Short Story and have created consummate short story collections. In conversation with Mark Rubbo, Tony and Paddy share how they pack so much punch into a small package, and when and why they are drawn to the short story form over the novel.
Presented by Readings
Clunes Town Hall
Workshop | Writing and Illustrating
Sunday 5 May 2019
with Writer/Illustrator Gabrielle Wang
for 8-12 year olds
The Cottage - Free Event
Georgina Reid | The Planthunter
Sunday 5 May 2019
Georgina Reid and The Planthunter: Truth, Beauty, Chaos and Plants
The Planthunter is a sumptuous publication for a new generations of gardeners. Georgina Reid has brought together an uplifting collection of stories about gardeners who are committed to the cultivation of the earth and the human spirit. A qualified horticulturalist and landscape designer, Georgina celebrates the exceptional and ordinary ways people engage with plants. She will be in conversation with Angela Crocombe.
Clunes Free Lending Library
Panel Discussion | Capturing Evocative Landscapes
Sunday 5 May 2019
Some novelists create places and landscapes that are irresistibly compelling and speak to us like characters. Moreno Giovannoni (The Fireflies of Autumn) and Robbie Arnott (Flames) do just this, and more. Moreno and Robbie write with unique voices that transport readers. They will be in conversation with Michael McGirr.
The Cottage - Free Event
Panel Discussion | What is Defining us as a Nation?
Sunday 5 May 2019
What is Defining us as a Nation in 2019?
When a factionalised society harbours deeply divided views on refugees, migration, national growth and climate, what will ultimately define Australia as a Nation in 2019 and the immediate future? Professor Marilyn Lake will chair an impressive Panel with authors George Megalogenis, Kon Karapanagiotidis and Melanie Cheng.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel Discussion | Navigating the Art of Book Reviewing
Sunday 5 May 2019
Have you thought about trying your hand at book reviewing? Join the experts in the field, Peter Rose and John Arnold, who will be in conversation with Philip Mead to hear what book reviewing is really all about, the skills to hone, and the impact reviewing has on our literary culture.
Presented by Australian Book Review
The Cottage - Free Event
Panel Discussion | Women writing about Women
Sunday 5 May 2019
Women writing about Women
More and more Australian women authors are winning the hearts and minds of readers. Alice Pung (Close to Home), Andrea Goldsmith (Invented Lives) and Jane Caro (Accidental Feminists) join Dr Jenna Mead to consider the development of women writers in contemporary Australian literature and the perspectives they bring, particularly to their female characters.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel Discussion | Writing for the Millennial Mind
Sunday 5 May 2019
Writing for the Millennial Mind
Are the millennials demanding new forms of fiction? Three authors who write for a new generation of readers – Danielle Binks, Sarah Epstein and Jack Henseleit - come together to consider the impact of the ‘millennial mind’ on the crafting of their stories.
Presented by VATE
Clunes Free Lending Library
Andrea Goldsmith | Invented Lives
Saturday 4 May 2019
Andrea Goldsmith and Invented Lives
'Invented Lives' is rich, haunting and compassionate. It is a story of love but foremost it tells a story of exile: exile from country, exile at home, and exile from one’s true self. Andrea, one of Australia’s most esteemed authors, will be in conversation with Tess Brady.
Clunes Free Lending Library
Jane Caro | Accidental Feminists
Saturday 4 May 2019
Jane Caro is a champion for women of 50 and over. Her new book, 'Accidental Feminist', is about the generation of Australian women who changed life for those that followed. On the page Jane’s message is pithy, forthright and fresh. In person Jane is energetic, witty and wise. Almost a year after winning the Walkley Women in Media Leadership Award, Jane will be in conversation at Clunes with Melissa Cranenburgh.
Presented by Triple R
Clunes Town Hall
Poetry, Wine and Cheese
Saturday 4 May 2019
Join poets Peter Rose and Nathan Curnow in one of Clunes’ oldest cottages to hear them read and discuss a selection of their poems. Nick Lanyon will host this special event.
The Cottage - Free Event
In Conversation | Ting, Ting the Ghosthunter
Saturday 4 May 2019
Gabrielle Wang is a much-loved author for young readers. An exquisite theatrical interpretation of her novel, A Ghost in My Suitcase, featured at the 2019 Sydney Festival. Ting, Ting, the Ghost Hunter is the much-anticipated sequel to this novel. Join a very special Panel event where Gabrielle will be in conversation with Melissa Dunley and some of Gabrielle’s young readers.
The Cottage - Free Event
Jock Serong | Preservation
Saturday 4 May 2019
Jock Serong is a master storyteller. 'Preservation' is his most recent novel, a gripping and impressive tale based on the true story of the wreck of the Sydney Cove. It is a novel that readers find they cannot put down. Jock will be in conversation with Tim Nolan
Clunes Free Lending Library
Panel Discussion | The State of Writing
Saturday 4 May 2019
The State of Writing with Tony Birch, Kirstyn McDermott, Alicia Sometimes and Josh Pomare.
To mark Writers Victoria’s 30 Year Anniversary, Clunes Booktown Festival has partnered with them to bring together a panel of authors who represent the diversity of writing in our State. You will be inspired by hearing the work of the established, the new, and the emerging writer. Michelle Scott Tucker will chair this session.
Presented by Writers Victoria
Clunes Town Hall
Kon Karapanagiotidis | The Power Of Hope
Saturday 4 May 2019
Kon Karapanagiotidis’s message is clear; we can change the world when we value community and respect others. As the Founding Director of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, Kon has transformed the lives of thousands of refugees. His own story of overcoming racism and loneliness is equally powerful and moving. Kon will be in conversation with Louise Permezel.
Clunes Town Hall
Panel Discussion | New Voices and Smart New Writing
Saturday 4 May 2019
New Voices and Smart New Writing
Robbie Arnott (Flames), Sarah Epstein (Small Spaces) and Josh Pomare (Call Me Evie) are three authors who are quickly making their mark on the Australian literary scene. Their writing is fresh and arresting. In the company of literary reviewer Michael McGirr, Robbie, Sarah and Josh reflect on the journey of the debut author and what lies ahead.
Presented by Australian Book Review
Clunes Free Lending Library
Panel Discussion | New Ways to Love the Book
Saturday 4 May 2019
Today we have so many ways to connect with the authors we love and the books we love. Danielle Binks and Jack Henseleit will be in conversation with Amy Dainton. Together they have a wealth of insights to share about new forms of publishing, blogging, engaging with young readers and how you can join BookTubers.
The Cottage - Free Event
Panel Discussion | Blaze a Tale
Saturday 4 May 2019
The Power of Story: What does it mean to be a storyteller in Australia today? Two of our most treasured authors, Tony Birch (Common People) and Alice Pung (Close to Home), will be in conversation with Paddy O'Reilly, to discuss the thrills, dangers and possibilities of storytelling.
They'll discuss how stories transport and transform us. Does form matter? And what's the special significance of stories from, and about, home?
Presented by the Wheeler Centre
Clunes Town Hall
Panel Discussion | Reading to Escape, or Face, Reality
Saturday 4 May 2019
Are we Reading to Escape, or Face, Reality?
Never has there been a greater range of books written for adolescent readers. There are books that invite them into worlds that teem with the extraordinary, the fantastical, or pulse with gritty realism. How do authors make decisions about the worlds that will best tell their story? Authors, Gabrielle Wang, Danielle Binks, Nicole Hayes and Jack Henseleit share their strategies to engage younger readers with Amanda McGraw-Pleban.
Presented by VATE
Clunes Free Lending Library
Panel Discussion | Building Gardens that Sustain & Nourish
Saturday 4 May 2019
Passionate gardeners and inspirational permaculturalists, Kirsten Bradley & Nick Ritar of Milkwood join Georgina Reid, author of The Planthunter, to share their knowledge, stories and a wealth of tips to inspire both the novice and experienced gardener. The productive home garden, on any scale, has never been more important. 'Milkwood' & 'The Planthunter' are gorgeous publications in their own right, so what a treat it will be to meet the authors.
Presented by Smith Journal
Clunes Town Hall
Panel Discussion | Male Violence & the Contemporary Thriller
Saturday 4 May 2019
Writing about Men and Violence in the Contemporary Thriller
Charismatic male characters committing violence against women is a staple element in one of the most popular forms of recreational reading, the Thriller. How does this stack-up today in the #MeToo era? Sarah Bailey (Into the Night), Josh Pomare (Call Me Evie) and Jock Serong (On the Java Ridge) will be in conversation with Ashleigh McMillan.
Presented by The Courier and White Ribbon Ballarat
Clunes Free Lending Library
Festival Weekend Pass
WEEKEND PASS
Access both days of the weekend for all book-browsing, exhibitions, music performances, kids activities and free talks
Clunes Township, Victoria