Festival Program

Celebrate the songs that shape our lives, with Tony Birch, Brian Nankervis, Toni Jordan, Andy Griffiths, Danny Katz, Smokie Dawson, Lucia Nardo, and Rijn Collins – all backed by the sensational Stereo Stories band. Enjoy this moving and funny concert theatre-style in the famous Williamstown Town Hall Ballroom.   Full $35, Conc $32    

Leigh Hobbs, Kerry Fowler, Lucia Nardo and Vicki Milliken bring the past to life as they share stories of generations of their families living in ever-changing Williamstown. Chair: Loraine Callow   Full $20, Conc $18, Early $15    

Willy Lit Fest is proud to present internationally acclaimed Australian psychologist, Peter Quarry in conversation with Hannah Capon talking about his newly released part memoir, part self-help book If I Were You. Peter has a wonderful gift for communication and will generously share his  wisdom and insights to help reboot... Read More

The Willy U3A Cryptic Crossword group presents an interactive workshop, revealing how to unravel cryptic clues. From beginners to masters.   Full $15, Conc $12  

Philosophy for wisdom, solace, and pleasure in this perplexing world. Michael McGirr in conversation with Sarah L’Estrange   Full $20, Conc $18, Early $15  

We love reading it but what compels an author to take on the challenging task of writing it? Find out from two award-winning writers at the top of their game. Steven Conte (The Tolstoy Estate) and Jock Serong (The Burning Island) in conversation with Angela Savage   Full $20, Conc... Read More

What are your investments, including  your superannuation, currently helping to fund? Nicole Haddow (The Ethical Investor; Smashed Avocado) will help you ensure your money goes towards a greener future. Nicole Haddow in conversation with Kimberly Gillan   Full $20, Conc $18, Early $15  

New ways are emerging for writers and artists to get their work into print. Join author and publisher, Richard Dove, and artist, Kyoko Imazu, to hear how they collaborated to publish their unique children’s book, The Promise.   Full $20, Conc $18, Early $15  

As a child in country Queensland, the ABC’s Lisa Millar dreamed of a big life which working as a foreign correspondent provided but it also meant confronting the worst of humanity. Lisa Millar in conversation with Ben Knight   Full $20, Conc $18, Early $15  

Learn about the thousands of migratory shorebirds found in the Hobson’s Bay wetlands. Jackie Kerin invites you to the launch of her latest book, co-written with pilot, zoologist and bird nerd, Milly Formby.   Free event, bookings required  

Suzanne McCourt (The Tulip Tree) and Caroline Petit (The Natural History of Love) delve into the upheaval of 20th century Poland and 19th century Brazil before their sweeping novels land in Australia. Chair: Jane Sullivan   Full $20, Conc $18, Early $15  

Fans of Jane Harper will find their next great read here. Aoife Clifford (When We Fall) and Simon Rowell (The Long Game). Chair: Angela Meyer   Full $20, Conc $18, Early $15  

David Knoff (537 Days of Winter) was leading a mission at Davis Station in Antarctica when the pandemic hit. Keeping everyone safe and getting them home took all David’s experience as an infantry platoon commander and diplomat. David Knoff in conversation with Jock Serong   Full $20, Conc $18, Early... Read More

Tony Birch (Dark as Last Night) and Paddy O’Reilly (Other Houses) show empathy and love for the marginalised in their latest compelling works. Chair: Toni Jordan   Full $20, Conc $18, Early $15  

A nature writer reflects on fatherhood and conservation in an uncertain world. Harry Saddler in conversation with Angela Savage   Full $20, Conc $18, Early $15  

The most entertaining writing competition in the West. 16 local writers each read a four-minute piece of their own work, then the audience votes for their favourites. Prizes for prose and poetry.   Free event (bookings required) Want to enter the People’s Choice Awards for 2022? Submit your stories via... Read More

Hear how brilliant comic writers Toni Jordan (Dinner with the Schnabels) and Katherine Collette (The Competition) create characters to warm our hearts. Chair: Jane Sullivan   Full $20, Conc $18, Early $25  

After a lifetime of trying to please everyone, Grace Jennings-Edquist (The Yes Woman) set out to resist the need to say ‘yes’. It’s a radical feat for a woman but Grace found that it saved her sanity. Grace Jennings-Edquist in conversation with Hilary Harper   Full $20, Conc $18, Early... Read More

Life-affirming stories of the challenges and joys experienced by the resilient Greek migrants who changed the culture of the West. Olympia Koziaris in conversation with Dorothy Poulopoulos   Full $20, Conc $18, Early $15