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Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the sacred lands on which we work. We pay our respects to the people of the Kulin Nations and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past present and future.

We recognise all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as the first storytellers; and that knowledge transfer through storytelling is imbedded in the very DNA of this Country.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.

Ever wondered how writers craft compelling narratives that young adult readers love to read? Expert First Nations writers tell all in this informative young adult work focused session. With Gary Lonesborough, Graham Akhurst, Melanie Saward and moderated by Mariah Sweetman.


Featuring...

Gary Lonesborough

Gary Lonesborough is a Yuin writer, who grew up on the Far South Coast of NSW as part of a large and proud Aboriginal family. Growing up a massive Kylie Minogue and North Queensland Cowboys fan, Gary was always writing as a child, and continued his creative journey when he moved to Sydney to study…

Graham Akhurst

Graham Akhurst is a Kokomini writer who grew up in Meanjin. He is a Lecturer of Indigenous Studies and Creative Writing at UTS. Graham began his writing journey in a hospital bed in 2011. He read and started journaling between treatments for Endemic Burkett Lymphoma. As a Fulbright Scholar, Graham took his love for writing…

Melanie Saward

Melanie Saward is a proud Bigambul and Wakka Wakka woman.. She is a writer, editor, and university lecturer based in Tulmur (Ipswich), Queensland. Her debut novel Burn was published by Affirm Press in September 2023 and she’s also had work published in Flock, Overland, Kill Your Darlings, and New Australian Fiction. In 2024, her first…

Mariah Sweetman

Mariah is a proud descendant of Ugarapul people. She is a creative enneagram nine who loves to write and paint. She is passionate about local history and engaging young people in local stories. Mariah is a teacher by trade and lives with her family and a golden retriever. In her free time, she enjoys running…