Parramatta is set to sparkle with literary brilliance as the Sydney Writers’ Festival rolls into town this May, featuring a stellar cast of crime writers, podcasters, and local literati. From 22-26 May, the festival will animate Parramatta, Granville, Epping, and Wentworth Point with an array of events spread across five local council venues.
Highlighting the festivities, Michael Connolly, known for his international crime novel “Resurrection Walk,” will lead a discussion on the enthralling world of crime fiction at Riverside Theatres. This venue will also host a special edition of ABC Radio Sydney’s popular program ‘Thank God It’s Friday’, helmed by Richard Glover, which promises to blend humour with the artistic vibe of the festival.
Adding to the intrigue, Hedley Thomas, the Australian journalist behind the award-winning podcast ‘The Teacher’s Pet’, will offer festival-goers a rare glimpse into the creation of his groundbreaking series at PHIVE, Parramatta’s vibrant cultural hub.
For the first time, the event will extend its reach to the newly inaugurated Parramatta Artists’ Studios in Granville. This venue will present ‘Eat Your Words’, a unique fusion of culinary delights and literary conversation, showcasing the area’s burgeoning creative scene.
The City’s first Laureate in Literature, Yumna Kassab, will share insights into her latest work ‘Politica’ at PHIVE. Her session is anticipated to be a heartfelt homage to Western Sydney’s cultural and sporting milieu, emphasising her deep ties to the community and its influence on her writing.
Holly Ringland, another distinguished Australian author, is set to captivate attendees with tales from her new novel ‘The House That Joy Built’. Her discussion, also at PHIVE, follows the success of her debut, which carved a niche in the hearts of readers worldwide.
The festival is not just a feast for the adult imagination but also nurtures younger minds with its School Days programme. Aimed at fostering original thinking and writing skills among school students, the event at Riverside Theatres on the 23rd and 24th May is designed to inspire the next generation of writers.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber expresses confidence that the festival’s dynamic lineup will not only highlight Parramatta’s role as a cultural powerhouse but also inspire other event organisers to consider the city as a premier destination for major events.
As the festival prepares to showcase Parramatta’s enriched venues and its evolved cultural landscape, it offers a perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to witness the city’s artistic ascension. For those eager to immerse in this cultural celebration, further details and ticket information are available on the Sydney Writers’ Festival website.
Spotlight on Dinuka McKenzie
Australian author Dinuka McKenzie is among the celebrated figures speaking at this year’s Sydney Writers’ Festival. Her session is scheduled for Friday, 24 May from 2 to 3 pm. Dinuka has emerged as a notable voice in crime fiction, winning acclaim with her debut novel, ‘The Torrent’, which secured the HarperCollins Australia 2020 Banjo Prize. Beyond her literary pursuits, Dinuka is deeply engaged in the environmental sector and dedicates her time to the Writers Unleashed Festival as a volunteer. She draws inspiration from her life in Southern Sydney, where she enjoys her days with her husband, two children, and their cherished pet chicken. Her presence at the festival is eagerly anticipated by fans and fellow writers alike, who look forward to gaining insights into her creative process and upcoming projects.
For tickets click here.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
