New director for Geelong word fest

Geelong’s Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival has a new festival director, with Rochelle Smith appointed to the role.

Ms Smith is no stranger to the event, having occupied the role of festival coordinator for the past four Word for Word Festivals; Australia’s only major literary event dedicated exclusively to non-fiction writing and ideas.

Word for Word is held annually at the iconic Geelong Library & Heritage Centre and will run across November 15-17.

The festival also hosts a series of nonfiction writing masterclasses at Geelong Regional Libraries branch locations across
four municipalities – City of Greater Geelong, Surfcoast Shire, Golden Plains Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe.

Ms Smith said she was delighted to be leading the festival that has put Geelong firmly on the map in terms of the Australian literary scene.

“I’m immensely proud that I have been involved in this festival since 2015 and have played a role in it becoming one of Australia’s most exciting literary events,” Ms Smith said.

“I’m look forward to leading the Word for Word program in some exciting new directions and taking our audiences beyond their comfort zone.”

Ms Smith is a former Geelong Advertiser journalist with a background in PR and marketing and a decade of experience working in festival publicity.

“This year’s Word for Word audience can expect to be challenged, confronted, informed and entertained by some of our greatest thinkers and commentators, who will be dissecting the issues confronting Australia and the world right now,” she said.

Chair of the Word for Word Festival Advisory Committee and deputy chair of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, Cr Margot Smith, said Word for Word’s unique non-fiction focus had established Geelong as a key destination for both non-fiction writers and followers.

“This year will be the sixth Word for Word and the reputation and following that this festival has established in such a short time is something that makes us very proud,” Cr Smith said.

“Rochelle’s appointment to the role of director is a natural progression for a person who has played an integral role in the festival thus far. We are looking forward to the further development of Word for Word as a unique and vital part of the cultural landscape of our region.”

Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival is at Geelong Library & Heritage Centre on 15-17 November. For further information, and to subscribe for program announcements, visit wordforwordfestival.com.au.