Media Release - Writers and Readers Festival back for 2022

The Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival (BWRF) returns in 2022 with 20 no-charge events, from 17-26 March, that are sure to cater to Brimbank’s diverse community of book lovers. 

All-Australian AFL champion and three-time premiership player Bachar Houli will be the special guest at the launch event on Thursday 17 March, at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans. He will be speaking about his book, co-authored with acclaimed broadcaster and writer Waleed Aly, Bachar Houli: Faith, Football and Family.

The 2022 festival offers a range of entertaining, insightful and inclusive events over 10 days at locations around Brimbank and online. Bookings are essential and there is no cost to attend any of the events.

Other highlights include:

  • The screening of Palazzo Di Cozzo, a new documentary about iconic western suburbs furniture king - Franco Cozzo. The director of the documentary Madeleine Martiniello will join local storytellers and historians to discuss post-WWII migrants who made the west
  • Intergenerational storytelling with a panel of authors who discuss the joy and complexity of multilingual and cultural stories, and why we need more diverse voices in Australian writing
  • An evening with author and actor William McInnes as he shares stories from a colourful and creative career
  • Author talk with Brimbank’s own Mia Gjoni, a 14-year-old writer who will celebrate the release of her second book, Our Trip to Alien Kingdom.

The program also includes grassroots stories by local authors, poetry readings, and tips for writing a manuscript, competitions, and the new Story Strolls program that brings local stories to Brimbank’s lively shopping strips.

BWRF events explore topics including youth LGBTIQA+ storytelling, panel discussions by authors of books about growing up disabled in Australia and parenting with a disability. For families there is a story time session that explores the Islamic faith, and also a fun writing workshop for children. 

The festival is proudly presented by Brimbank City Council with support from principal sponsor Victoria University Polytechnic and support sponsor Borrow Box.

Learn more, browse the program and book at brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/writersfestival

Quotes to be attributed to Brimbank Mayor Cr Jasmine Nguyen:

“Now in its 17th year, the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival encourages a love of reading, writing, literature and storytelling. It celebrates creativity and diversity and promotes life-long learning.

“This festival proudly shares the stories of individuals and groups that often have a harder time being heard. People with disability, the LGBTIQA+ community, youth, and those from CALD backgrounds … all have interesting and important stories to share.”

Last updated: 28 February 2023 - 3:26pm