Hannah Kent headlines first Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival
The full program of the inaugural Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival is now out
It promises to stimulate ideas and conversations around a raft of fascinating genres and topics.
Thirty authors from across the Ranges and further afield will take part in more than a dozen panel discussions and workshops around Belgrave on October 17 and 18.
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The event will be kicked off on October 17 by Hannah Kent
Author of the multi-award-winning international bestseller Burial Rites, Hannah will also be discussing her new book, a memoir called Always Home, Always Homesick, during a panel event on October 18.
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Other authors include:
- Christian White
- Carly Findlay
- Shelley Burr
- Amy Doak
- Alli Parker
- Emmy Webbers
- Kimberley Allsopp
- and more!
A Sense of Place
From thrilling stories and everyday drama to historic tales, memoirs, and yarns for young adults and children, the program is set around the theme A Sense of Place.
A Sense of Place gives speakers and audience alike opportunities to explore what place means to them, how authors approach it in their work, and how it influences their writing.
Local author Lia Hills officially launched the program
Lia spoke of the important place writing and books held in her life, and the impact they could have on bringing people together:
Lia Hills launching the official Festival Program, 2025.
In a time of polarisation, it’s vital people come together to discuss ideas, especially in an environment where the community is committed to the deeper engagement required when reading or writing a book,” she said.
The Program launch was held at The Blacksmith café in Belgrave
The launch was attended by the Festival’s sponsors, supporters and organisers, including the Yarra Ranges Council, Bendigo Community Bank Upwey & District, Federal Member for Casey Aaron Violi, Belgrave Book Barn and Belgrave Library.
Festival Sponsors and Supporters 
Bendigo Community Bank Upwey & District Director Thomas Kern and committee members Charisse Ede and Tamara Protassow Adams 
Yarra Ranges Councillor Peter McIlwain 
Federal Member for Casey Aaron Violi, left, mingling with guests 
Festival committee members 
Festival Chair Marian Matta
