The Newcastle Writers Festival has unveiled the first wave of guest writers for its April 2025 program.
Among the 155 authors participating are international best-selling writer Markus Zusak, beloved cookbook author and MasterChef winner Julie Goodwin, and the ever-provocative satirist John Safran.
Anita Heiss will return to the festival for the first time since its 2013 debut to discuss her historical novel Dirrayawadha: Rise Up, a moving exploration of resilience and love during the frontier wars. Hannah Ferguson, whose 2024 event was a sell-out success, is also set to captivate audiences again with Taboo, her blend of memoir and feminist manifesto.
The festival also welcomes investigative journalist Peter Greste for the first time. Greste will share insights from his new book, The Correspondent, which delves into the fight for truth in modern conflict zones such as Ukraine and Gaza, coinciding with the release of a film adaptation starring Richard Roxburgh.
This year’s program will feature 95 events, a mix of free and ticketed sessions, hosted in iconic Civic precinct venues like the University of Newcastle’s NUspace building, the Conservatorium of Music, Watt Space Gallery, and Civic Playhouse. Satellite events will also take place in Port Stephens and Cessnock
Tickets for the 2025 Newcastle Writers Festival will go on sale on 14 February 14, coinciding with the full program announcement. For more information visit newcastlewritersfestival.org.au.
