Media releases

The inaugural Regional Writers Rise Festival will bring together a variety of stories and storytellers to showcase the rich narratives of the Gippsland region.

Organised by Federation University Australia, the festival will include writing workshops, author readings, and opportunities to learn from local researchers, with events held across Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June.

Gippsland-based bestselling author Lisa Ireland will share insights into the writing process for her latest novel The Studio Girls and run a workshop sharing tips on writing, from the first seeds of an idea to a completed first draft.

Artist, writer and mental health disability advocate Heidi Everett will speak about her memoir My Friend Fox, while Federation University’s senior lecturer in history, Dr David Waldron, will host an interactive online workshop on researching family history.

Spearheaded by Federation University Australia students, the festival embraces the theme 'New Beginnings', bringing storytellers together to foster a sense of community among the region’s writers.

It aims to break down barriers to writing and publishing for regional communities through the ‘Rise Up’ short story competition, amplifying voices that challenge the norm.

Winners of the much-anticipated competition will be announced at an awards ceremony, capping off the festival.

Other key events include a DIY zine lab, a flash fiction workshop, and a digital storytelling screening showcasing powerful local narratives capturing the heartbeat of Latrobe City.

The Regional Writers Rise Festival will be held on 22-23 June at Latrobe City’s Traralgon and Moe libraries.

All sessions across the two days are free, but bookings are essential. For a full program and to register, visit https://regionalwritersrise.com

The Regional Writers Rise Festival is supported by Latrobe City Libraries, Latrobe Health Assembly, Gippslandia, and the dedicated efforts of Federation University staff and Professional and Creative Writing student interns.

Quotes attributable to festival coordinator and Federation University writing lecturer, Dr Threasa Meads

“The Regional Writers Rise Festival is more than an event; it's a movement dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the diverse voices of our region.”

“Whether you're a poet, a playwright, or someone just starting to explore the joy of writing, we offer a stage for your stories and a community that supports your creative journey.”