Writer's festival did not disappoint

Now in its third year, the Words on the Waves Writers’ Festival welcomed Australia’s best authors and journalists to the Central Coast to host talks, literary workshops, and other events and was hailed as a great success.

7 June 2023

 

FEDERAL Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP met with Co-Founder Benny Agius to discuss the festival and the benefits that it provided for the region.

 

“It was a pleasure to meet with Benny Agius, Co-Founder of Words on the Waves Writers’ Festival, and learn about the outstanding program of events that took place during this year’s writers’ festival”, Dr Reid said.

 

“This was the third year the festival has taken place on the Central Coast and it’s truly on its way to becoming Australia’s leading regional literary festival.

 

“This year’s line-up enticed many avid readers and literature lovers to a range of program, including author panels, book launches, a family fun day, and much more.”

 

Festival co founder Benny Agius said that there were approximately 3000 adult and 1500 local student attendance over the Festival week.

 

“The Opening Launch address that took place at the Art House Wyong. Three amazing speakers who spoke about three diverse topics from the art  and craft of writing and the complexity of being an Ingenuous author,” Benny Agius said.

 

The writers’ festival not only enriches the Central Coast’s cultural landscape but also provides a significant boost for local small businesses with visitors coming from outside the Central Coast to attend the event.

 

There was a family fun day held at the Everglades Golf Club, which was the best fun for kids; an evening with one of Australia's greatest authors, Craig Silvey was a highlight for those that attended. It was an extraordinary event held at the Naughty Noddle Fun Haus - a truly inspirational and moving conversation.

 

The two day event held at both the Ocean Beach Surf Club and Umina Beach Surf Club was a brilliant affair, with sixteen sessions covering a range of topics from mighty impressive authors totally engaging the audiences with the authors and their stories.

 

But let’s not forget the Literary Cruise - a Festival favourite with locals and visitors alike, who were not disappointed.

 

This year’s festival theme was The Mind Swims.