PURPOSE and VISION
Our mission is simple: to spark a love for storytelling, reading and writing that shines as a highlight on the annual calendar for locals and visitors alike. The Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival is not just about books, it showcases the magical fusion of nature, history and culture that makes Bellingen truly special. You’ll find an eclectic mix of old-world charm and fresh, innovative voices, all wrapped up in the vibrant energy for which we’re famous.
We take pride in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a festival vibe that’s bursting with excitement. Whether you’re keen to listen to your favourite authors in an intimate setting, or experience the magic of storytelling in all its forms, you’ll find something to thrill and inspire. From ticketed events to free activities across the Main Festival and Fringe, as well as our dynamic Schools Program, we offer something for everyone!
At the heart of it all, we stand for community, creativity, curiosity and inclusiveness. We celebrate nature, generosity and professionalism in every part of our Festival, creating a space where everyone can feel at home.
OUR PATRON
BRYAN BROWN
Bryan joined us as Festival Patron in 2023, to help share and celebrate the incredible landscape of Australian literature – fiction, non-fiction and everything in between.
“It’s an interesting journey for a bloke who only read his first book at age twenty-five arriving as a Patron of the Bellingen Readers & Writers Festival a number of years later,” Bryan says. “The places and ideas that writers take us to widens our humanness. How lucky are we.”
We are honoured to have the support of such an iconic voice in Australian storytelling.
COMMITTEE
A dedicated team who works together to put on our exceptional Festival each year.
Michael Clarke
CHAIR | TREASURER, Committee
Liz Morgan-Jones
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR, Committee
Adam Norris
PROGRAM DIRECTOR, Committee
Sue Elks
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR, Committee
Melissa Richardson
MARKETING, Committee
Rachel Young
SCHOOLS PROGRAM COORDINATOR, Committee
Jason John
POETRY SLAM, non Committee
Georgie Paix
IT AND DIGITAL COORDINATOR, non Committee
