8.30 – 9.15am
Central Coast Reads: In Conversation with Jane Caro

Moderated by Danielle Binks

Award-winning journalist, social commentator, and feminist icon Jane Caro joins us for a compelling conversation about her gripping thriller, The Mother. This powerful novel challenges us to consider just how far we’d go to protect the ones we love. Would you break the law? Risk everything? We’re thrilled to bring Central Coast Reads to the community, in partnership with Keyton and Brentwood Village. Bring a warm coffee and start the weekend right.

9.15am

Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony

Please join us for a Smoking Ceremony with Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences.

9:45 – 10:30am
The State of Australia Today with Hugh Mackay

MC: Danielle Binks

Social psychologist Hugh Mackay AO pioneered the Ipsos Mackay Report, a seminal research tool to gauge the ‘mind and mood’ of Australia that is used to this day. Here, he examines our society today and asks timely and urgent questions about its future. Are we ready for gender equality? What legacy have the Boomers left us? Is poverty everyone’s problem? Sit in for this essential briefing from a national treasure.

10:45 – 11.:30am
The Bunny Club with Blanche d’Alpuget

Moderated by Scott Levi

Blanche d’Alpuget is celebrated for her historical fiction and her biography of the late Bob Hawke – but this time, she’s turning up the heat. Join us, with ost Scott Levi,  for a thrilling dive into The Bunny Club, a gripping tale of crime, intrigue, tragedy, and the search for belonging, atonement, and redemption. In this world, nothing is as it seems, and the truth is more chilling than you ever imagined.

**Content warning: This session contains reference to sexually suggestive material**

11:45am – 12:30pm
Australia’s ‘Most Hated Woman’ with Quentin McDermott

Moderated by Sonia Orchard

One infant’s death is a tragedy. Two is suspicious. Three is murder. Four put an innocent woman behind bars for 20 years. True crime readers need to hear the tragic story of Kathryn Folbigg, once dubbed our country’s worst female serial killer… only to have her convictions overturned. Respected investigative journalist Quentin McDermott goes behind the headlines, with host Sonia Orchard, to reveal the real story.

12:45 – 1:30pm
Live Your Best Life & Save Money Too! with Lottie Daziel

MC: Danielle Binks

In this insightful and practical presentation, sustainability advocate, author, and NSW Young Australian of the Year 2023, Lottie Dalziel, will guide you through more than 30 easy and effective ways to reduce waste, save money, and embrace a greener lifestyle. Drawing inspiration from her book, 365+ Ways to Save the Planet and Your Money at the Same Time, Lottie debunks myths around sustainable living, offers creative and budget-friendly eco-swaps, and highlights how small changes can have a big impact.

1:45 – 2:30pm
Can MDMA Cure You? with Rebecca Huntley

Moderated by Annika Blau

When you’ve experienced trauma and conventional treatments have failed, where do you turn? After unsuccessfully trying traditional therapy, renowned author and social researcher Rebecca Huntley chose an unconventional path to healing: MDMA. Sit in to hear more about her wild journey.

2:45 – 3:30pm
Broken Brains with the Anti-Cool Girl with Rosie Waterland

Moderated by Elfy Scott

Spend an entertaining afternoon with Rosie Waterland: bestselling author, award-winning podcaster, profesh funny person. For this chat, Rosie will share the deeply personal story behind the book Broken Brains, co-written with journalist Jamila Rizvi. In it, they discover that there is more than just one way to be sick. 

4:00 – 5:00pm
Book Launch: Until Justice Comes with Juno Gemes

Moderated  by John Maynard

Be part of a powerful moment as we launch renowned photographer and social activist Juno Gemes’ latest collection on the Central Coast. A lifetime in the making, this striking body of work captures five decades of First Nations peoples’ fight for justice – bringing history to light through the lens of activism and resilience.

6:00 – 7:00pm
An Evening with Kate Grenville

Moderated by Clare Wright

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.

From 8:00pm
Ebb & Flow Slam Poetry

Featuring Maxine Beneba Clarke, Moderated by Will Small

Words on the Waves proudly presents Ebb & Flow – our inaugural poetry slam, where verses take flight from the page and hit the stage.

Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring acclaimed poet Maxine Beneba Clarke, whose mesmerising words flow with unstoppable force. Hosted by local spoken word artist and 3X Australian Poetry Slam finalist Will Small, expect high energy, electric performances showcasing the spectrum of human experiences and the raw vulnerability of stories brought to the mic.