By Lea Dodd
BACK for its second year, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival has unveiled its full program for 2025.
Over three exciting days from May 3-5, the hinterland will come alive with a carefully curated lineup of over 60 authors, kicking off with special guest, award-winning Australian portrait artist Vincent Fantauzzo at the Gala Opening Party to celebrate the creative heart of the region.
Artistic Director Lea Dodd shared her excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to bring you the opportunity to engage with award-winning authors, memoirists, political commentators, dynamic podcasters, remarkable musicians, and captivating poets.”
On Saturday May 3, the festival will offer sessions for young readers and writers at the Maleny Showgrounds, featuring children’s and YA favourites Peter Carnavas, Matt Stanton, Josephine Moon, and Lili Wilkinson, with a special performance by entertainer Mattie Barker.
This year’s line-up of panelists at Maleny Showgrounds on Sunday May 4 brings together guests from far and wide, including international star Dominic Amerena from Greece, bestselling crime writer Fleur McDonald from WA, and interstate writers from Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney.
Award-winning authors from Brisbane include Steve MinOn, Kristina Ross and Laura Elvery. The program welcomes Sunshine Coast authors including S.R. White and Ian Lowe OA.
Events across the hinterland include a Pre-Mother’s Day Breakfast featuring the undisputed queen of romance Rachael Johns with Melanie Saward, and former Bachelorette Brooke Blurton, a Poetry Salon, Workshops for writers, two Book Markets and a Festival Wrap Party.
For more details and tickets, visit the festival website at www.schwritersfestival.com.au.
Blurton.
McDonald
Carnavas.