Free Lunchtime Events

While you’re sampling Simmone Logue’s famous cafe fare between writers talks, don’t forget that the festival offers two fantastic – and free – lunchtime events.

Come along on Saturday to the launch of the gripping debut ‘Bridget Crack’ by Tasmanian performer and writer Rachel Leary. At St Albans, we’ve made it a tradition to introduce you to emerging novelists and this year, we’re delighted to launch this moving story of a woman’s struggle to survive in the beautiful and brutal landscape of Tasmania in 1827. Veteran Tom Keneally will be launching the book and you can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while toasting Rachel.

Then, join us on Sunday over a glass of champagne to hear Suzanne Leal interview the winner of the Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award winner Rachel Landers (Who Bombed the Hilton?) and the people’s choice winner Melanie Joosten (A Long Time Coming: Essays on old age). There will also be an exciting announcement of a new initiative between the St Albans Writers Festival and this national literary award from Waverley Council. Established in 2002, the Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award celebrates literary fiction and nonfiction works that have both been developed through research and offer value to the community.  Shortlisted authors receive $1000 each, with the major prize being $20,000. A People’s Choice Prize of $1000 and a Military History Prize worth $3000 are also on offer.