From the Harbour to the Highlands: Sydney Writer’s Festival Live and Local program on in the New England
This month, literature lovers in regional Australia will have front-row seats to one of the country’s premier literary events – without leaving their hometowns.
The Sydney Writer’s Festival’s Live and Local program, running from May 22 – 25, will livestream author talks and panel discussions directly to regional libraries, including locations across the New England region, including the Inverell and Tamworth.
More than 140 venues nationwide will take part in the initiative, which broadcasts events from the festival’s central hub at Carriageworks in Sydney to libraries, performing arts centres and community spaces around the country.
Sydney Writers’ Festival Artistic Director Ann Mossop says the idea behind Live & Local is simple – “We want to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy this beautiful festival.”
“We’ve been doing the Live and Local program for over 10 years now,” Mossop said.
“It started with the vision of bringing our incredible lineup of writers to people who can’t always make it to Sydney. Now we work with over 140 locations across Australia, from Western Australia to regional New England.”
In Tamworth, the city library will stream the full program of sessions from morning to late evening. Satellite sessions will be also be available at Armidale, Nundle, Kootingal, Narrabri, Wee Waa, Quirindi, Werris Creek and Uralla.
According to Ita Hanssens, Reader Services Librarian at Tamworth City Library, bringing literature to rural communities is about more than just access – its about belonging.
“Bringing literature to rural communities is so important. It gives people a sense that we matter—we belong in the national conversation. You don’t have to travel all the way to Sydney to experience the same quality of discussion and creativity.”
The Live & Local program includes a wide range of topics and speakers from internationally acclaimed authors to first-time novelists, and fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, poetry, philosophy and much more.
Highlights include conversations with award-winning authors such as crime writer Ian Rankin, “Book Thief” author Markus Zusak and children’s author Jeff Kinney, creator of the popular “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series.
And in a rare literary family reunion, the Moriarty sisters will share a stage to discuss the writing life and their shared upbringing.
Although Live & Local primarily features Sydney-based events, the regional twist often comes from local libraries themselves.
“Some libraries will invite local authors or hold their own complementary events,” Mossop said. “It’s fantastic to see how creative and community-driven these partnerships become.”
To lead in to the festivities, Tamworth Library is hosting Gina Chick, author of “We are the Stars” and known for winning Alone Australia, for a writing workshop with afternoon tea tomorrow, Saturday May 3.
Importantly, the Live and Local program is free for all attending, something Mossop emphasizes is core to the mission.
“Libraries are changing, but what they will never stop being is hubs for their communities. This is another way to bring people together—by sharing stories.” Mossop said.
Although not every library will stream the full 10am-late lineup, most are offering selected sessions tailored to their communities. In Tamworth, audiences can expect continuous coverage, while smaller branches like Walcha and Uralla are providing specialised screenings.
For locals interested in catching a session or two, Hanssens says to check in with your nearest library for their exact schedule.
“There’s guaranteed to be something for everyone.”
So, grab a seat, settle in, and enjoy the buzz of a world-class literary festival—live and local.
For full local program details, contact your nearest participating library or visit their website:
- Tamworth Library: Full sessions, Thurs–Sat (10am–late)
- Armidale: Thurs- Sat (varying sessions)
- Kootingal: Thurs–Fri 1–5pm, Sat 10am–12pm
- Nundle: Fri–Sat, all sessions
- Narrabri & Wee Waa: Thurs–Sat, 10am–5pm
- Liverpool Plains Libraries (Quirindi, Werris Creek, Uralla): Varying daytime sessions
- Walcha: Thurs–Fri 10am–5pm, Sun 12–1pm
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