Helen Garner: The Season
Helen Garner
Thursday 20th of February 6pm
National Library of Australia
One of Australia’s greatest writers visits Canberra to discuss her new work The Season. Each week Helen sits on the sidelines of training sessions and matches watching her grandson and his teammates tackle triumphs and defeats as they fight their way towards the finals.
She’s a passionate Western Bulldogs fan (with an imperfect grasp of the rules) who loves the epic theatre of AFL football. But her devotion to the under-16s offers her something else. This is her chance to connect with her youngest grandchild, to be close to him before he rushes headlong into manhood.
With her sharp eye, her generous wit and her warm humour, Garner documents this pivotal moment, both as part of the story and as silent witness.
Join Helen Garner in conversation with CWF Artistic Director Beejay Silcox.
GINSIGHTS: Maura Pierlot
Maura Pierlot
Thursday 6th of March 6pm
Big River, 1 Dairy Road Fyshwick
CWF Partner Big River Distilling Co and Paperchain Bookstore welcomes guest author Maura Pierlot.
Maura is an international award-winning children’s book author, playwright and filmmaker who creates on Ngunnawal / Ngambri country (Canberra). Her writing explores existential themes, prompting vital conversations about identity, mental wellbeing and the complexities of the human experience.
Besides writing full-time, Maura visits schools and libraries as a guest reader and speaker. She is the founder of The Book Bench Project, a Canberra initiative that fosters a shared love of reading and sense of community. Maura is also a regular reviewer for the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s (CBCA) online magazine, Reading Time, a 2025 CBCA ACT Branch Ambassador, a Role Model and Sponsor for Books in Homes Australia and a qualified art therapist.
At Ginsights we will discuss writing for children, young people and adults, for stage, screen and online formats, and how writing, reading and viewing her work strengthens mental health and wellbeing.
Presented in partnership with the Big River Distilling Co and Paperchain Bookstore.
GINSIGHTS: Ashley Kalagian Blunt
Ashley Kalagian Blunt
Thursday 20th of March 6pm
Big River, 1 Dairy Road Fyshwick
CWF Partner Big River Distilling Co and Paperchain Bookstore welcomes guest author Ashley Kalagian Blunt
Ashley is the number one bestselling author of Dark Mode, a psychological thriller published in multiple territories and languages and shortlisted for the 2024 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year, the Ned Kelly Awards for Best Crime Fiction, and the Danger Award for Debut Fiction. At Ginsights we will discuss her latest thriller Cold Truth.
Ashley has appeared at Bloody Scotland, Sydney Writers’ Festival, Brisbane Writers’ Festival and Newcastle Writers’ Festival, and is a Moth StorySLAM winner. She co-hosts “James and Ashley Stay at Home”, a podcast about writing, creativity and health, and has taught writing workshops across Australia. Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, she lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico before moving to Gadigal land.
Presented in partnership with the Big River Distilling Co and Paperchain Bookstore.