Stunning sunsets and the written word, the stage is set for Words Out West – the third annual Western Downs Readers and Writers Festival.
At a time when keeping in contact is so important, especially for those in regional Australia, the festival is based at Dalby from March 4-19 and provides the chance for writers and aspiring writers to get together.
Western Downs Regional Council spokesperson for community and cultural development Cr Kaye Maguire said that after two years of battling the Covid-19 epidemic, the region was set to set to welcome record crowds with a host of speakers at a variety of venues.
“We are so excited to bring Words Out West back to the Western Downs in 2022,’’ Cr Maguire said.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for the region.
“A huge spotlight will be placed on the area due to the line-up of readers and writers.
“It will bring a great economic benefit to the region. It’s a way of showcasing the area by giving people a reason to come and enjoy some of the great aspects that are here.
“Then there’s the social aspect and the psychological support of having like-minded people to talk to.
“In times such as this it is tough for farmers and businesspeople to cope.
“Going to an event such as this must help their mental health.’’
Cr Maguire said some events were already sold out, with no more tickets available for the opening night Cocktail Chronicles with Samuel Johnson, and the Memoir Writing writer’s retreat with Kristina Olsson.
This festival will see a line-up of literary royalty taking part including international best-selling author of The Book Thief, Markus Zusak, prize-winning Australian novelist and journalist Matthew Condon, ABC journalist Lisa Millar, and Sydney-based novelist Nicola Moriarty.
The regional author’s tour will see best-selling women’s fiction writer Tricia Stringer visiting regional library branches from March 7-9.
Curiosity, creativity and enquiry without barriers – that’s what the Words Out West School Days on March 8-9 are all about.
At Dalby and Chinchilla, students will be invited to engage with key literacy themes through a range of workshops, presentations and hands-on activities presented by Stig Wemyss, Andrew Daddo, Peter Carnavas and Deano Yipadee.
More than 1600 school students from across the region are expected to attend.
The Schooners and Stories series with former Australian, Queensland and Brisbane Broncos rugby league player Sam Thaiday, will provide entertaining evenings at Dulacca, Jandowae and Tara hotels on March 17-19.
There has also been a short story competition to coincide with the festival.
Having grown up on a farm at Chinchilla, Cr Maguire loves the sunsets and the wide open spaces of the Western Downs.
“But really, it’s the people who make it,’’ she said.
“It’s festivals such as this that showcase why everyone is here … their loves, their talents, their past times.
“It’s the authenticity and importance of such cultural events to regional areas that makes this one stand out.’’
Cr Maguire said the people of the region took pride in putting on the festival, even if they were not directly involved.
“It’s about knowing things are still happening, and that gives a sense of excitement.
“We are trying to bring new things to the event.
“With the Sam Thaiday nights, we are showing the different areas of the region and trying to engage with more than the readers.
“It’s an excuse to encourage different people to come … a fantastic opportunity to have a great, fun night out.
“We are trying to appeal to a wider generation of people. It’s all part of reading and writing, and sharing their own stories.’’
The School Days program has been inspirational to the children.
Cr Maguire said watching the children react at previous festivals had been encouraging.
“To watch how kids react, the questions they ask.
“Then when we ask them who has written a story, all of their hands go up.
“I didn’t realise how involved the writers are in encouraging children to read from an early age.
“It’s so important to encourage them when they are young. It opens the whole mind up to vocabulary, words, and imagination.’’
To find out more and to book tickets visit wordsoutwest.westerndownslibraries.com/
