9.15am

Welcome to Country & Smoking Ceremony

This year there will be a Smoking Ceremony generously provided by Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences from 9:15am on Saturday May 30 next to The Festival Marquee. This is held in the Peninsula Recreation Precinct, the parklands next to Jasmine Greens and Umina Beach SLSC. We hope you can commence your weekend with this special cultural experience.

9:45 – 10:30am
So What? Now What? with Osher Günsberg

Moderated by Donné Restom

You may recognise him from the starry heights fronting Australian Idol and The Bachelor, but behind the scenes his life was one of mental anguish and chronic pain. Utilising what he learnt on the rocky road to recovery, Osher Günsberg and illustrator Campbell Walker (‘Struthless’) serve up a funny and unforgettable guide to getting you unstuck and back into action. In this session, Osher shares stories from the book and other handy hints.

10:45 – 11.:30am
The Plant Book with Tammy Huynh

Moderated by Cheralyn Darcey

Certified green thumb, Gardening Australia presenter and Central Coast local Tammy Huynh joins us to talk all things houseplants! In conversation with fellow garden-loving local Cheralyn Darcey, we will hear Tammy’s top tips to ensure your plants thrive, as well as her fascinating backstory: from horticultural training to TV stardom and her Vietnamese-Chinese refugee roots.

11:45am – 12:30pm
Duty to Warn with Charlotte Grieve

Moderated by: Elfy Scott

In Duty to Warn, Charlotte Grieve reveals the inside story of the Dr Munjed Al Muderis defamation trial. Because not only is Grieve a brilliant investigative journalist – she’s also the concerned daughter who dared to investigate the celebrity surgeon after her father’s own tragic accident led him to consult with the doctor – a chance encounter became the starting point of a prolonged court case years later. A true story of ethics, accountability, and a fight for the truth.

2:45 – 3:30pm
Fall for Romantasy with Lily Crozier

Moderated by: Sophie Green

Spice up your Saturday afternoon with this foray into romantasy fiction, now a top 10 bestseller! In Vow of Eternal Night, we sink our fangs into a ‘deliciously wicked’ ‘Beauty and the Beast’ homage, penned by local Bookstagrammer star Lily Crozier. Hear more about the lovers, the world-building and mythology as well as Lily’s incredible pathway to online stardrom at this gripping session. Chalice of ruby red wine in hand, optional.