Join Madeleine Gray, @alliparkerwriter.bsky.social, and Zoe Terakes for a powerful, candid conversation with Kaya Wilson about what it means to write – and live – queer stories today. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/

Last Sunday, booklovers joined us at The Grand Hotel for a relaxed afternoon of reading, conversation and community. Thank you to everyone who attended the booked-out event. Our next reading party will be held on 12 September at LOLAS Darby St. Book now at events.humanitix.com/read-the-roo...

In this conversation recorded at NWF2026, @joshbornstein.bsky.social, @acgrayling.bsky.social, and @antoinettelattouf.bsky.social examine the impact of censorship and what we stand to lose. Hosted by Peter Greste. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts

Recent books by Tyree Barnette, Brandon Jack and Andrew Pippos offer insight into the complexities of men’s lives. They talk to Michael Williams about masculinity and identity, and the impact of men speaking openly – or not – about what hurts. 🎧 Listen at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts

Submissions for the 2026 Fresh Ink Prize are now open to emerging writers in regional NSW! Learn more and submit at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-fresh-ink-prize-now-open/

Join us for a special event with multi-award-winning Australian/British writer Suzie Miller on 1 October. In conversation with Rosemarie Milsom, Suzie will speak about her powerful new novel Inter Alia. Learn more and book tickets at events.humanitix.com/an-evening-w....

An Evening with Suzie Miller

Suzie Miller reflects on her remarkable career across theatre, literature and law, discussing the ideas and experiences that have informed her work

events.humanitix.com

Newcastle Writers Festival is excited to announce that Tristan Sharp has been appointed Managing Director and Amy Lovat is the new Artistic Director. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/new-festival-leadership-announced/

The #StoriesToYou podcast series is back! The first of 10 episodes features Charlotte McConaghy in conversation with Courtney Collins about her award-winning third novel Wild Dark Shore. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/

Entries for the Story Hunter Schools Writing Competition close on 1 July! The winner in each age category will be awarded a $200 cash prize thanks to the generous support of The MacDougall Foundation. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-story-hunter-writing-comp/

Do you know a child with a story to tell? Entries for the Hunter Schools Writing Competition close on 1 July. There are 3 age categories, and the winner in each will be awarded $200 thanks to The MacDougall Foundation. Learn more at newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-story-hunter-writing-comp

Only 2 weeks left to submit to the Story Hunter Schools Writing Competition. The prize seeks to celebrate and encourage the next generation of young writers and offers cash prizes to winners in each age category. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-story-hunter-writing-comp/

We are recruiting for two key leadership roles: Managing Director and Artistic Director. These positions will play a vital role in leading the future of this thriving cultural institution. Applications close 5pm on 17 June. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/work-with-us-2026/

Story Hunter explores big ideas with young writers. Your support can help us continue taking local writers into schools to challenge young minds and inspire a love of writing. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/donate/

Yesterday afternoon, booklovers gathered at Hilliers Cafe for the festival's 2nd reading party. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the booked-out event, and to Dan Cox for hosting. Our next reading party will be held on 26 July at The Grand Hotel. 🎟️ events.humanitix.com/read-the-roo...

We are at a stunningly possible moment. The question is, who are you going to be in this moment? Sarah Wilson on living in a collapsing world during her in conversation with Rosemarie Milsom on Friday night.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of reading, conversation and community at our 2nd reading party! The project brings booklovers together for quiet reading and guided conversation hosted by Dan Cox. 📍 Newcastle Art Gallery's Hilliers cafe 📅 Sunday 31 May, 3pm-4pm 🎟️ events.humanitix.com/read-the-roo...

Don't miss our special evening event with New York Times bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson this Friday from 7.30pm. Sarah will speak to festival director Rosemarie Milsom about her new book I Eat the Stars. 🎟️ events.humanitix.com/nwf-sarah-wi...

I Eat the Stars: Sarah Wilson in Conversation

Bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson speaks to Rosemarie Milsom about her powerful, wise guide to finding beauty and meaning in a collapsing world.

events.humanitix.com

Young writers living in the Hunter region are invited to submit to the Story Hunter Schools Writing Competition. The prize seeks to celebrate and encourage the next generation of young writers. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2026-story-hunter-writing-comp/

We are welcoming submissions from published writers at all stages of their careers to participate in the 2027 festival, which will be held from 2 to 4 April. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2027-program-submissions-now-open/

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of reading, conversation and community at our 2nd reading party! Hosted by Dan Cox. 📍 Newcastle Art Gallery's Hilliers cafe 📅 Sunday, 31 May 3pm - 4pm Learn more and book at events.humanitix.com/read-the-roo...

Read the Room in May

Settle in with a cuppa and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of reading, conversation and community. Bring your current book and discover new favourites.

events.humanitix.com

Join us for an evening with New York Times bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson on Friday, 29 May! Sarah will speak to festival director Rosemarie Milsom about her new book, I Eat the Stars. Learn more and book tickets at events.humanitix.com/nwf-sarah-wi...

I Eat the Stars: Sarah Wilson in Conversation

Bestselling author and journalist Sarah Wilson speaks to Rosemarie Milsom about her powerful, wise guide to finding beauty and meaning in a collapsing world.

events.humanitix.com

#NWF2026 would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Thank you to our core funder Create NSW and major partner The University of Newcastle.

We are seeking two flexible, passionate people with a background in education and/or creative writing to support the delivery of our Story Hunter program. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/story-hunter-guides/

WORK WITH US: Story Hunter Guides - Newcastle Writers Festival 2027

Newcastle Writers Festival is seeking two flexible, passionate people with a background in education and/or creative writing to support the delivery of our Story Hunter program. The Story Hunter Guide...

newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

After 14 years at the helm of Newcastle Writers Festival, founding director Rosemarie Milsom has announced she will step down from the role in late May to take up the position of director of Adelaide Writers’ Week. Learn more www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/important-update-from-nwf-director/

Important Update from NWF Director - Newcastle Writers Festival 2027

After 14 years at the helm of Newcastle Writers Festival, founding director Rosemarie Milsom has announced she will step down from the role in late May to take up the...

newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

You will be spoilt for choice at this year’s festival when it comes to food and drink 🍕🍷☕️ Within NUspace, there will be pizza and coffee vans as well as a kiosk with healthy takeaway options. A pop-up bar will operate on the ground floor of NUspace from 2pm to 6pm Saturday and 1pm to 5pm Sunday.

Heading to #NWF2026? 📚 Check out our guide to a seamless festival experience in the thread below!

On Wednesday night we celebrated the unofficial launch party of #NWF2026 with Literary Trivia 📚 Thank you to Customs House for hosting, @nickmilligan.bsky.social for facilitating and everyone who attended. Explore the 2026 program at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/

Former NSW premier Bob Carr speaks to @janecaro.bsky.social about his candid new memoir and the fragile, hard-won process of finding solace amid crushing grief. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/bring-back-yesterday-bob-carr-in-conversation/

Join us at #NWF2026 for a book launch! Many of the book launches in this year's program have now sold out, so get in quick to avoid missing out! Learn more in the thread below or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/

Dive into the dark world of crime fiction with bestselling writers Candice Fox and JP Pomare, who are making their festival debut. Hosted by Abby Millerd. 🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/murder-they-wrote-candice-fox-and-jp-pomare/