Eric Beecher is shown speaking into a microphone while gesturing with one hand.

Rick Morton is shown speaking into a microphone while gesturing with one hand

Join journalists Eric Beecher and @squigglyrick.bsky.social as they shed light on the state of media and what it means for the future of democracy. Hosted by Kylie Morris at #NWF2025

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/

Helen Garner is shown smiling while holding a microphone

A yellow background with a graphic of a microphone and the text, 'Stories to you.', 'Listen wherever you get your podcasts' and 'newcastlewritersfestival.org.au'

Helen Garner returns with her signature candour and wit in an exuberant new book The Season, an account from the sidelines of the highs and lows of her youngest grandson’s footy team.

Helen spoke with NWF director Rosemarie Milsom at #NWF2025

🎧 www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/

Thomas Mayo is shown smiling while holding a microphone.

Thomas is shown standing and speaking while Clare Wright sits beside him, listening.

A yellow background with a graphic of a microphone and the text, 'Stories to you.', 'Listen wherever you get your podcasts' and 'newcastlewritersfestival.org.au'

In his book Always Was, Always Will Be, @thomasmayo.bsky.social investigates 'what's next?' for reconciliation and justice in Australia after the failed Voice to Parliament referendum. He spoke with Clare Wright at #NWF2025.

🎧 Listen at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/

Michelle de Kretser is shown speaking into a microphone while gesturing with one hand.

A stack of Michelle's book, Theory & Practice, on a table.

A yellow background with a graphic of a microphone and the text, 'Stories to you.', 'Listen wherever you get your podcasts' and 'newcastlewritersfestival.org.au'

For 25 years, award-winning author Michelle de Kretser has been dazzling readers with her novels. She spoke with Kate Evans about craft, creativity, and the enduring influence of Virginia Woolf at #NWF2025.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts

Jimmy Barnes is shown speaking into a microphone on stage at Newcastle Conservatorium of Music.

A yellow background with a graphic of a microphone and the text, 'Stories to you.', 'Listen wherever you get your podcasts' and 'newcastlewritersfestival.org.au'.

From larger-than-life adventures to vivid and poignant tales of the imagination, no one tells a yarn quite like Jimmy Barnes. He spoke with Richard Glover at #NWF2025.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/podcasts/

Dave Wells and Symphony Rain Riley performing.

Chelsea Reed and Poppi Kent from Chain Daisy performing.

Dylin Hardcastle reading from their book A Language of Limbs.

Patrick Truscott of ChaiChester performing with a cellist.

Throwback to Word & Music at #NWF2025 with these brilliant images captured by Perry Duffin 📸

This special event, curated by @nickmilligan.bsky.social, returned for its third year to celebrate music, literature and the nature of inspiration.

Di Morrisey in conversation with Jane Novak.

Huang Fan smiles while signing a copy of his book.

Markus Zusak in conversation with Dan Cox.

Honey Kassel reading her creative writing work.

Shout out to Simone De Peak, who captured these moments at #NWF2025 📸

Want to see more photos from the festival? Head to the 2025 photo gallery page on our website www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/2025-photo-gallery/

Jimmy Barnes speaks into a microphone while gesturing with his free hand.

Michelle De Kretser is shown speaking into a microphone while smiling and with a distant gaze.

Jennifer Robinson is shown signing a book for an audience member.

Lech Blaine is shown speaking into a microphone with Drew Ambrose beside him.

We’ve been lucky to have Liam Driver capturing NWF since 2017 and it's always a pleasure to see the weekend through his lens 📸

Enjoy this collection of photos captured by Liam at #NWF2025

Eric Beecher speaks into a microphone during his in Conversation with Jennifer Byrne.

Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts smiles while holding a microphone during her in Conversation.

Omar Sakr speaks into a microphone during The Limits of Language: Poetry as Protest panel.

Lauren Fuge speaks into a microphone while Jennifer Byrne, Inga Simpson and James Bradley listen during A Call to Action: Nature Writing.

We had an incredible team of photographers and videographers at #NWF2025 and couldn't wait to share their snapshots of the weekend!

Reminisce with this collection of photos captured by Max Mason-Hubers 👏

A yellow background with the text ‘Thank you.’, the NWF logo and a graphic of a silhouette of a head facing side on, with a book opening added over the top.

Thank you to the writers, hosts, volunteers, festival team, our sponsors and partners and everyone who joined us at #NWF2025

We value your feedback and would appreciate it if you could take 5 minutes to complete an online survey and tell us about your experience at the festival.

bit.ly/3DYU9br

A student from Broke Public School is shown reading their stories from the I Live Here anthology as two of his peers listen, smiling.

Jeanine Leane is shown reading from her book of poetry, Gawimarra: Gathering in Watt Space Gallery.

Shankari Chandran is shown speaking on The Power of Place panel as Jock Serong and Ashley Kalagian Blunt listen, smiling.

Misha Zelinsky is shown speaking into a microphone, with Antony Loewenstein and Peter Greste on either side listening.

And that's a wrap on #NWF2025

We kicked off Sunday with the launch of I Live Here, the second anthology from our Story Hunter program, then explored ideas from poetry as protest to the state of democracy and the power of place.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the festival a success 💛

And thus ends five days of @newwritersfest.bsky.social goodness. My soul is full. I feel honoured that so many extraordinary authors let us into their lives and minds. I've loved books for almost as long as I've lived and can I say, there's no better place for a bibliophile than a festival #NWF2025

Australian Writer and comedian John Safran at a book signing with Gabe McGrath. Gabe is holding John's new book 'Squat' - out now.

"When I was growing up, I worked out I was more 'Looney Tunes' than Disney'..." Great to hear some of the early satirical influences of John Safran. He spoke to the talented @mariekehardy.bsky.social about his book SQUAT at #NWF2025.

Volunteering today with the Newcastle Writers Festival and I’ve landed in Melanie Cheng’s session. She’s talking about her book The Burrow to a completely full house. #NWF #nwf2025 @newwritersfest.bsky.social #booksky #diaryofacoastalbookseller

Thomas Mayo speaking passionately on stage while Clare Wright looks on

David Owen Kelly is shown holding a microphone mid-sentence with a contemplative gaze.

Our festival bookshop buzzing with people

Natasha Rai speaking into a microphone on a panel with Raeden Richardson and Elfy Scott

Saturday at #NWF2025 was buzzing with ideas and stories and we have another huge day in store for you!

Explore the program at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/

📸 Max Mason-Hubers and Simone De Peak

Newcastle turning it on for #NWF2025

Also, the Newcastle Writers Festival bookshop is epic. It’s a highlight every year. Seriously good for my brain just not my bank balance. #books #writersfestival #nwf2025 @newwritersfest.bsky.social

The @newwritersfest.bsky.social is on all weekend in the Civic Precinct, Newcastle. Tickets are still available for tomorrow’s sessions. Visit newcastlewritersfestival.org.au #nwf2025

An image from the Opening Night event, showing Gina Chick and Benjamin Law on stage deep in conversation

A wide shot of the audience and Gina Chick and Benjamin Law on stage at the Opening Night event

Gina Chick and Benjamin Law are shown on stage while Gina leads the audience in a sing-a-long.

Gina is shown hugging a fan after signing their book.

‘F—k taboos!’ Gina Chick's response to the notion of taboo subjects at opening night of #NWF2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to @mrbenjaminlaw.bsky.social and Good Weekend Magazine for supporting the event.

🎟️ Explore the 2025 program at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/

fantastic workshop today to kick off #NWF2025! as someone who can fall all-too-easily into hermit status I crave the constant reminder that writing/creating doesn't have to be a solo gig

I love kicking of the @newwritersfest.bsky.social each year with a big night of book-related trivia. Thank you to the festival and to Customs. And thank you all for coming along! Another HUGE crowd.

#trivia #NewcastleWritersFestival #NWF #NWF2025 #BookSky 📚

People are shown sitting at a table discussing the answer to a trivia question

People are shown sitting at a table laughing and Nick is in the background holding a microphone.

People are shown sitting at a tables.

Paper bags filled with books by writers in this year's program that were awarded to the winning team.

Last night we kicked off #NWF2025 with Literary Trivia 📚 Thank you to Customs House for hosting, @nickmilligan.bsky.social for facilitating and everyone who attended.

Join us in the Civic precinct for the festival this weekend. Explore the 2025 program at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/

The images included in this post show a series of informative graphics with text detailing public transportation options for the 2025 festival. Newcastle Transport light rail, buses and ferries are accessible. Mobility aids, including wheelchairs, motorised wheelchairs, walking frames, prams and strollers, can safely board and travel on light rail, most buses, ferries and trains. Approved assistance animals are allowed on Newcastle Transport. For more information visit www.newcastletransport.info/tickets-and-travel-info/accessible-travel

Planning your journey to #NWF2025? We strongly encourage you to make use of Newcastle’s public transport options or allow plenty of time to get to the festival.

Tickets are running out for #NWF2025! Hope to see you this weekend as I host two events with six of Australia's most exciting authors!

LINK: www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au

@newwritersfest.bsky.social

A yellow background with the text 'John Safran in Conversation', the NWF logo and an image of the front cover of John's book Squat

Mixing humour with investigative journalism, John Safran’s new book Squat is a stranger-than-fiction account of squatting in Kanye West’s abandoned Californian mansion. John will speak with Marieke Hardy at #NWF2025

🎟️ bit.ly/4ldR7k4

A yellow background, the text 'Explore the 2025 program', the NWF logo and a graphic of a silhouette of a head facing side on, with a book opening added over the top.

A condensed version of the program for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, which can be viewed on the 2025 program page of our website or listened to on the accessibility page of our website.

Join us in the Civic precinct this weekend for #NWF2025

This year’s festival program includes 100 free and ticketed events featuring 150 writers and thinkers from throughout Australia.

Explore the 2025 program in the thread below or at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/

A photo of Jimmy wearing a black shirt and leather jacket and looking at the camera with his chin in his hand.

From larger-than-life adventures to vivid and poignant tales of the imagination, no one tells a yarn quite like Jimmy Barnes. He will speak with Richard Glover at #NWF2025

🎟️ This event will be live streamed. Learn more at www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/jimmy-barnes-in-conversation/

A yellow background with the text 'Hugh Mackay in Conversation', the NWF logo and an image of the front cover of Hugh's book The Way We Are: Lessons from a Lifetime of Listening.

In his new book, social psychologist Hugh Mackay unveils a compelling portrait of Australia through the lens of a lifetime of research and thousands of insightful interviews. He will speak with Ailsa Piper at #NWF2025

🎟️ This event will be live streamed. Learn more and book at bit.ly/4jh0JZT

A yellow background with the text 'Breaking the News with Eric Beecher & Rick Morton', the NWF logo and an image of the front cover of Eric's book, The Men Who Killed The News, and Rick's book Mean Streak.

Join journalists Eric Beecher and @squigglyrick.bsky.social as they shed light on the state of media and what it means for the future of democracy. Hosted by Kylie Morris at #NWF2025

🎟️ www.newcastlewritersfestival.org.au/events/breaking-the-news-the-future-of-media/

The promo for diet culture be gone at newcastle writers festival with an updated time and location banner

The new time and location as in the caption. Nuspace X321 (level 3) with a new start time of 4.30pm Sat April 5th.

Newcastle Writers festival logo - Discover the stories behind the stories.

Are you coming to Diet Culture Be Gone at #NWF2025?
We will now be in Nuspace X321 at 4.30pm - Saturday 5th of April.

Tell your friends! It's free, no need to book, but I would love to see as many of your there as possible (I have actual fears of speaking to an empty room).