6:00pm – 7:00pm

It’s been two decades since The Secret River was released, a landmark book exploring colonial history that was then transformed into a smash-hit stage play and mini series. Now in Unsettled, celebrated author Kate Grenville returns to the site of the Hawkesbury River and the rich terrain of her family history.

But this celebrated Australian author has been plenty busy in between. From the Women’s Prize shortlisted Restless Dolly Maunder, a reimagining of the life of Kate’s grandmother; to A Room Made of Leaves which speculates an alter-ego for historical figure Elizabeth Macarthur; and much more besides, there is so much to dip our curious oars into.

At this exhilarating evening event, we chart a course through Kate Grenville’s incredible life and literary works alongside conversation host and historian Clare Wright. It is all the more significant as our venue sits beside Broken Bay and the mouth of the mighty Hawkesbury, where it all began. We hope you can join us.

Please note:

• Doors at 5:30pm

• Seating is unallocated

• There will be a licensed pop-up bar onsite, only alcohol purchased from the bar at the event may be consumed at the event site. You must be aged 18 years or over to purchase and/or consume alcohol on the event site and you must provide photographic identification documents to purchase

• Bookseller Umina Beach Book Nook will be onsite to sell books, which can be signed by the authors after the event.

Kate Grenville

Kate Grenville is one of Australia’s most celebrated writers, having published eighteen books including the international bestseller The Secret River. Her latest book is Unsettled.

Moderator: Clare Wright

Clare Wright is an award-winning historian, author, broadcaster, podcaster and public commentator who has worked in politics, academia and the media. She is Professor of History and Professor of Public Engagement at La Trobe University and Chair of the National Museum of Australia. Her latest book is Ṉäku Dhäruk The Bark Petitions, the third instalment of her Democracy Trilogy. The first book in the series, The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka, won the 2014 Stella Prize.