2026 PROGRAM
2026 program
Friday 28th August 2026
FRIDAY NIGHT BOOKCLUB
Friday 28th August, 6pm
Sterling Place, Dunkeld
Join Michael Williams, Marieke Hardy and Jason Steger for an evening of lively literary conversation as they discuss three remarkable books selected especially for this year’s Festival Book Club.
Recommended Reading List:
Griefdogg by Michael Winkler
Whistler by Ann Patchett
At Sea by Yassmin Abdel-Magied
2026 program
Saturday 29th August 2026
OUT OF THE SHADOWS
Saturday 29th August, 9am
Sterling Place: Dunkeld Community Centre
What makes crime fiction so popular? How do crime writers keep our mind engaged with their plots and characters. Which authors call us back into that pleasurable darkness, time and time again?
Rebecca Lim and Jessica Mansour-Nahra discuss their latest novels, in conversation with Michael Williams.
Saturday 29th August, 10:30am
Sterling Place: Dunkeld Community Centre
Literary fiction takes us on a journey into thematic depths. It does not guarantee a clear conclusion. It tells its tale through different styles and complex character journeys. It describes the messiness of our existence. It makes our moral compass tremble.
Robbie Arnott, Tony Birch and Alice Pung in conversation with Jason Steger.
TRUTH, TRUST AND POWER
Saturday 29th August, 11:45am
Sterling Place: Dunkeld Community Centre
Progressive Patriotism versus the Culture of Complaint: Does the media seek to echo the loudest aspects of current thought or does it seek to create genuine discussion. Is impartiality a pipe dream or are the manipulators winning?
Antoun Issa and Amy Remeikis discuss the their new books with editor-in-chief of Schwartz Media, Erik Jensen.
THE JAMES & ISABELLA DAWSON ORATION
Saturday 29th August, 2pm
Mt Sturgeon Woolshed
We acknowledge the work of James and Isabella Dawson, mid nineteenth century regional pastoralists, linguists and advocates for Western Victoria’s first peoples.
This keynote discussion will be presented by Tony Birch, Aboriginal author, academic and activist, in conversation with Michael Williams.
BEYOND THE TASTING PLATE
Saturday 29th August, 3:30pm
Mt Sturgeon Woolshed
Beloved cook, broadcaster and author Alice Zaslavsky joins Erik Jensen for a lively conversation celebrating the people, produce and stories behind great food.
From paddock to plate, they’ll explore how place shapes what we eat, why regional food cultures matter, and what makes the Western District such a remarkable culinary landscape.
THE DUNKELD WRITERS FESTIVAL DINNER
Saturday 29th August, 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start
Parker Street Project, Royal Mail Hotel
Wine and dine alongside our festival authors over a three course dinner at the renowned Royal Mail Hotel. This event is always a highlight of the Festival Weekend.
2026 program
Sunday 30th August 2026
THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE BOOKS...
Sunday 30th August, 9.15am
Sterling Place: Dunkeld Community Centre
Jason Steger quizzes Robbie Arnott, Jessica Mansour-Nahra and Simone Kain on the books that have stayed with them.
We ask our panellists to tease out their favourites in the world of fiction and to decide which books they would send unceremoniously to the bottom of the pile. Why is disagreement so much fun?
NOT ALWAYS ROSE COLOURED GLASSES
Sunday 30th August, 10:45am
Sterling Place: Dunkeld Community Centre
Why are we so drawn to stories of the past? Marieke Hardy leads Antoun Issa, Alice Pung and William McInnes in a conversation about memory, nostalgia and memoir.
Together they’ll explore how our lived experiences become stories, why we revisit the moments that shape us, and how writing about the past can help us understand who we are today.
WHO'S AWAKE AT 4AM?
Sunday 30th August, 12pm
Sterling Place: Dunkeld Community Centre
Sports fans, that’s who. A dip into the psyche of fans, in their the quest for merch, memorabilia and memories amongst the muddle of corporate sponsorship in the land of big betting.
John Harms and William McInnes will be joined by one yet to be revealed surprise guest on our Sunday sports panel.
THE GREAT HAIKU CHALLENGE AWARDS - FREE EVENT!
Sunday 30th August, 1.15pm
Sterling Place: Dunkeld Community Centre
Join us for a free final event as part of the 2026 Dunkeld Writers Festival. Our esteemed judges will read aloud their prize-winning picks and our people’s choice will be revealed.