By Christien Wilson
The Footscray West Writers Fest will bring the streets of West Footscray to life in a celebration of literature, community and belonging.
A brand new cultural event is coming to the west, with the inaugural Footscray West Writers Fest bringing the Barkly Street village alive in a celebration of storytelling, community and belonging from March 28-30.
The festival aims to make big ideas and beautiful storytelling accessible to everyone by bringing discussions to everyday locations, including poetry readings at West Footscray Wines, kids readings at Chestnut Tree Bookshop, workshops and events at West Footscray Library and panel discussions at Harley & Rose – transforming West Footscray into a celebration of stories, people and community. By showcasing the rich diversity of the west, the festival will foster deep connections between writers, readers and the neighbourhood they call home.
Supported by Maribyrnong City Council, Footscray West Writers Fest offers a program of free and ticketed events. Highlights of the festival include: a panel discussion looking at how the west is portrayed in the news, featuring The Westsider’s own editor, Barbara Heggen alongside local journalists Najma Sambul and Ben Millar; Dr Vicki Couzens in conversation with Daniel James looking at Vicki’s extensive work in reclaiming First languages as a means to restorative justice; Helen Garner in conversation with Bob Murphy and Mel Fulton looking at themes of community and belonging through football; and Stories From the Belly of the West, featuring local writers sharing original, site-specific stories inspired by Footscray’s iconic places, including the Westgate Bridge, Cheaper by Miles and Savers. Authors include Alice Pung, Jinghua Qian, Emilie Collyer, Sam Elkin, Tina Cartwright and Rijn Collins.
You can even pick up a pre-loved book at the West Footscray Neighbourhood House book fair in Clarke Street. There are also immersive opportunities for visitors to write their own stories, with typewriters ready and waiting for your masterpiece and workshops encouraging you to set your own scene or even find your inner illustrator.
For full program details and ticketing information, please visit FWWF.com.au
