A small group of passionate writers gathered for an informal meeting last week and the subject of conversation was centred around reinstating the Whitsunday Writer’s Festival.
First established in 2010 and taking place annually until 2017, the Whitsunday Writers Festival was a popular event for lovers of reading, writing books, and words.
Over the years, the festival attracted a host of guest speakers which included one of Australia’s most prolific non-fiction authors Peter FitzSimons, Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s wife Blanche d'Alpuget, famous sailor Jessica Watson, and winner of Hamilton Island’s Best Job in the World, Ben Southall.
A mixture of writing workshops, talks and interactive sessions, the Writers Festival was an intimate affair where attendees would spend time with authors, dining together and enjoying spirited conversation.
Known also for its lively social activities, the event opened with a cocktail party and a highlight of the weekend was Saturday evening’s Gala Dinner which featured fresh local seafood and an entertaining panel discussion with a selection of the weekend’s guest speakers.
The event wrapped-up on Sunday afternoon with a long table lunch.
Over the years the festival was held at Daydream Island, the VMR, and Coral Sea Marina – the sea views and relaxed atmosphere attracting attendees from far and wide.
Sadly coming to an end when festival founder and much-loved leader Gloria Burley passed away in 2018, it has taken several years for like-minded individuals to pick up the baton.
“Gloria Burley was an incredible woman and an inspiring leader,” said Whitsunday Writers Festival committee member, Rachael Smith.
“Her passion and dedication to the festival knew no bounds - she was the driving force behind the event - and although she is dearly missed by all that knew her, I am sure she would be thrilled to hear that the festival she loved is now continuing with new faces carrying on all her good work.”
When Cultural Ambassador of the Whitsundays and ‘voice of Siri’, Karen Jacobsen brought a group of avid writers together last week, she introduced Australian author Richard Evans who moved to the region with his wife Julia last year.
Richard spoke about their intention to re-launch the festival in 2024 and plans are now underway to form a small committee and host of volunteers.
Any local authors or interested people are invited to contact this newspaper directly to connect with the committee.
Back row: Tom Hudak, Jess Begun and Richard Evans. Front row: Melinda Hutchings, Karen Jacobsen and Sofi Fortunato
The Whitsunday Writers Festival committee and volunteers in 2016. At the centre, festival founder Gloria Burley.
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