Writers Fest praised by speakers, attendees

THIS year’s Bendigo Writers Festival came to an end on Sunday with the likes of Nick Hornsby, Tom Keneally, Yves Rees and Barry Jones taking the stage over the four days.

The festival, which was established in 2011, was held in partnership with La Trobe University with attendees and talent alike saying it was a success.

Professor of political communication at La Trobe, Andrea Carson, was a host and panellist and said it was a fantastic weekend for everyone involved.

“It was great,” she said. “It was my second time doing it and I find it’s a great atmosphere in Bendigo.

“It’s a real asset for the town and it creates a real buzz. The cafes and shops nearby are always full, and people are coming and going.

“Personally, it was hard for us to get a feed, we hadn’t thought ahead and booked dinner Saturday night.”

Professor Carson was part of the program’s Independents Day discussion held on Saturday morning and said it was a great turnout.

“This year I was talking about the independents’ political movement with Simon Holmes à Court, Cathy McGowan and Phil Cleary,” she said.

“It was at the Capital and was well attended with an engaged audience.

“It was a great experience. The panellists were all forthcoming about why they think the independents’ movement is important in Australian politics and what role independents will play.”

White Hills resident Margaret Thompson said the session was a highlight for her across a busy weekend.

“It’s great listening to an eclectic group of people talk,” she said. “Subjects range from the political to international and local news as well as personal and cultural stories.

“The hosts are all well versed and the opportunity for the audience to text through questions that are responded to throughout the mostly hour-long sessions is great.

“There are many choices to consider from across the festival, but the Independents Day session was the highlight for me.

“It’s a set date every year with a few friends and we look forward to coming again next year.”

Professor Carson also said she was keen to return and gave the Bendigo festival some high praise.

“If I’m lucky enough to be asked, I will certainly come again,” she said.

“It’s a warm and friendly event with interesting speakers, it’s got a great feel to it, and I’d love to continue to be involved, I feel very privileged.”