ABOUT US
The Canberra Writers Festival acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the ACT and our region, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. They are the original storytellers of this place and we respect their continuing culture and contribution to the life of Canberra and this region.
Founded in 2016, the Canberra Writers Festival is a much loved celebration of the written word that brings diverse writers and thinkers together with audiences. The festival’s lively program of events includes author talks, panel discussions, book launches, masterclasses, dinners and performances. All set against the backdrop of our iconic national cultural institutions here in Canberra.
We hold out-of-season events through the year as well as a major festival each October featuring local, national and international authors across 65+ events for adults, young people and families. We run a program for Canberra school students and a Kids and Family Day that sits at the heart of our October festival.
The festival deeply values our audiences, writers, publishers, partners and the Canberra local community.
On Open Dialogue and Freedom of Expression
The Canberra Writers Festival exists to celebrate great writing and bring a diversity of authors, thinkers and readers together in conversation.
We seek to foster artistic expression and respectful exchange of ideas. We bring you nation-leading discussions on a wide range of social, political, environmental and economic issues. We also entertain and celebrate the playfulness and wonder of page-turning stories.
We believe great literature and storytelling requires freedom of expression, care and responsibility. The festival is a place for authors to express their views, adhering to anti-discrimination and other relevant Australian laws. We also invite readers to listen with care and open minds to our writers speak about their work, beliefs and life experiences.
Theme for 2026
The Canberra Writers Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026!
So, it’s fitting this year our theme is For the Love of Books. This is the place for the writing of 2026 that captures the nation. Whether you love literature, politics, history, memoir, crime, sci-fi, romance, poetry, comedy or all of the above – we welcome you.
In a world where many are reading less and screens & scrolls dominate – it’s timely to get behind our authors and applaud great books. With serious intent and bucketloads of fun, we invite booklovers across the nation to come join us.
We look forward to bringing you brilliant book events, including opportunities for kids and young people to come together and delight in reading, writing, and storytelling.
Who We Are
Board
Jane O’Dwyer, CEO of the Cooperative Research Centres Association, leverages over 25 years of experience in politics, media, peak bodies, and higher education to advance Australia's innovation potential. An alumna of ANU, the University of Wollongong, and Curtin University, Jane is also a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has lived in Tokyo, Washington DC, and Rome.
Jane O'Dwyer
Chair
Gregory, a First Australian from D’harawal country with the Lyrebird as his Dreaming, is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Canberra and Director of Lyrebird Dreaming Pty Ltd. He has served as Australia’s Ambassador in West Africa, the UN, and as the first Threatened Species Commissioner. Gregory holds degrees in Economics and Foreign Affairs, speaks French and Mandarin, and is passionate about human rights, climate change, and being a good dad.
Gregory Andrews
Deputy Chair
Putri Handrianti is the finance manager at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, with over ten years of financial management experience in higher education and research, including roles at ANU and the University of Canberra. She holds a Bachelor of Communication, a Master of Professional Accounting from the University of Canberra, and is a member of CPA Australia.
Putri Handrianti
Treasurer
Members
Allan Behm specialises in political and security risk evaluation, policy analysis, and navigating the policy/politics interface. With nearly 30 years in the Australian Public Service, he was Chief of Staff to Greg Combet (2019-2013) and senior advisor to Senator Penny Wong (2017-2019). A prolific author and commentator, he wrote "No, Minister" and serves on the boards of the Canberra Writers Festival, FearLess Outreach, and the Centre for Ethics in National Security. He holds degrees in philosophy and Asian studies and speaks Indonesian and French.
Allan Behm
Member
Sunil Badami is a writer and academic and teaches creative writing at the University of Technology Sydney. His work has been published here and overseas, including in Best Australian Stories and Essays. He devised and presented the ABC Radio show Sunday Takeaway, plus acclaimed documentaries, including the Priz Marulić-nominated Riddle. Mystery. Enigma.
Sunil Badami
Member
Frank Bongiorno, a historian and Professor at ANU, is President of the Australian Historical Association and a Distinguished Fellow of the Whitlam Institute. He has authored award-winning books, including The Sex Lives of Australians and The Eighties. Bongiorno is a Fellow of several academic societies and a Member of the Order of Australia.
Frank Bongiorno
Member
Hannah has a decade worth of experience in coordinating events, gaining a diverse skill set from working in the not-for-profit sector and one of Canberra's National Cultural Institutions. She has organised national book tours, Canberra-based author events, and volunteers for various causes. A passionate reader, she hosts a monthly book club and loves contemporary Australian fiction.
Hannah Brown
Member
Team
Andra Putnis
Artistic Director
Travis Green
Chief Executive Officer
Qin Qin
Artistic Associate
