Writers’ festival comes to Bannockburn

As part of this year’s Local Word Writers’ Festival, Dr Bev Blaskett will lead a special workshop at Bannockburn Library focused on transforming trauma into a positive life story.

The session will be held on Saturday 23 August from 10.30am to 12pm. Tickets are $40 or $20 for concession card holders.

Participants will be guided through short, reflective writing exercises designed to develop a narrative of growth, learning and accomplishment. Attendees will not be required to share their experiences.

“Some people have gone through really horrific and terrifying tragedies that have been really shocking,” Dr Blaskett said.

“Sometimes that can mean that we get stuck in the past or stuck in panic mode when we remember those past traumatic events.

“What I want to do is ensure that people can feel comfortable about looking back at their lives in a positive way.”

Dr Blaskett has a long career as a social researcher, social worker and lecturer in welfare history and political sociology. She currently works in aged care and is an advocate for compassionate public policy.

“I’ve cut back on my working hours as I’ve gotten older and made a lot more use of the library,” she said.

“I have been researching my own life story and looking at my own memories, and I feel in a good position to talk with other people about supporting them in writing their positive life story.”

The workshop is suitable for adults. Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/4fc9Dqr.