Liz Hayes and Jamelle Wells are two of Australia's most experienced journalists. For decades they have reported on high profile court cases, inquiries and crimes. Now a guest reporter for Spotlight, Liz is the former host of Under Investigation and a former reporter on 60 Minutes. Jamelle is a Newsreader for 2GB and presents true crime podcasts. She was the ABC Senior Court Reporter for over 20 years. Join them for a conversation about their work in true crime.

Location: Town Hall Theatre
Time: 10am-11am, Saturday 22August
Cost: $15

In April we lost one of our greatest writers. Winner of countless Australian and international literary prizes, David Malouf was lauded for his work as a novelist, librettist and playwright and his death was a seismic event in the literary world. But of all the forms that Malouf mastered, it was poetry where he felt most at home. Join local and visiting writers and poets for readings from the work of the late great, David Malouf.

Hilary Wright, Carlie Daley, Debra Adelaide, Fiona Kelly McGregor and others. Chaired by Gail Jones.

Location: Mudgee Library
Time: 10am - 11.00am, Saturday 22 August
Cost: Free but bookings essential

Why are so many of us drawn to reading about dark times and darker crimes? Is reality not enough?! Hear from three writers who are compelled to write about what lurks in the shadows.

With Louise Milligan, Jane Caro and Natalie Conyer and chair Rachel Franks

Location: Town Hall Theatre
Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm Saturday 22 August.
Cost: $15

Sport, media and politics are full of great “characters” and often these blokes are accused of arrogance and ruthlessness. But do these traits tell the full story, or are they masking the same insecurity and vulnerability we all experience? Come behind the mask with Brandon Jack’s fictional football team, the Pissants, and Malcolm Knox, cricket writer and the author of two novels about a political hard man in Stalin’s regime, with chair Stephen Romei.

Location: Mudgee Library
Time: 11.30am - 12.30pm, Saturday 22 August
Cost: $15

In 2024, Connie Eales embarked on an ambitious research project exploring the rich history of painting, ceramics and sculpture across the Mid-Western Region. Joining forces with fellow National Trust members John Broadley, Michael Sweeney, Paul Griffiths, Robbie Griffiths, Judy Brown and Fay Wells, she helped establish the Mid-Western Visual Arts Heritage Association Inc. to secure funding and support for the project. The result is Creative Trilogy—a beautifully produced publication celebrating the artists, stories and creative legacy that have shaped the region's cultural landscape.

Location: Mudgee Arts Precinct
Time: 11.30am-12.30pm, Saturday 22 August
Cost: Free but bookings essential

Meet two debut novelists who have used historical events to tell thoroughly modern stories. Samantha WL Lee traces three generations of women across a century and four countries, while Alexandria Burham takes her inspiration from the documented prison escapes of pirate William ‘Swallow’ Walker. With Jenn Martin.

Location: The Book Nest, Mudgee
Time: 1.30pm - 2.30pm, Saturday 22 August
Cost: Free but bookings essential

Join artist Michael Bourke and author Rachel Franks as they delve into the life and career of Robert 'Nosey Bob' Howard, the longest-serving hangman for New South Wales. Through a new book and exhibition, Michael and Rachel bring to life the man of death and show how the executioner became a symbol of injustice. Hear all about Nosey Bob and see how some life lessons can be found the most unlikely places. 

Location: Mudgee Arts Precinct  
Time: 1.30pm - 2.30pm, Saturday 22 August
Cost: Free but bookings essential

Louise Milligan has stood up to medical, religious and private school institutions, Liz Hayes and Jamelle Wells exposed major issues within our health system. Jane Caro (chair) is in the crosshairs of the powerful private school lobby. Join them to learn about the importance of exposing systemic injustice.

Location: Town Hall Theatre
Time: 3pm - 4pm, Saturday 22 August
Cost: $15

Debra Adelaide has written an exquisitely beautiful novel about the death of her friend, Gail Jones travelled to the heart of Australia to understand the collective grief over a missing woman and Carlie Daley turned to poetry to help her deal with the repercussions of personal tragedy. Join them in conversation with Geordie Williamson about how literature can provide solace.

Location: Library
Time: 3-4pm, Saturday 22 August
Cost: $15

Join historian Professor Clare Wright in conversation with Geordie Williamson about her acclaimed and award-winning Democracy Trilogy of books, The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka, You Daughters of Freedom and Naku Dharuk: The Bark Petitions. Essential reading for anyone interested in our nation’s history.

Location: Town Hall Theatre
Time: 4.30-5.30pm, Saturday 22 August
Cost: $15