2025: The Inaugural Festival

Take a walk through time and learn all about the inaugural Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival; from the speakers to the sponsors, the program to the panels and archived media releases.

Thirty authors, 12 sessions, hundreds of captivated literature lovers – and our amazing band of volunteers.

After more than 19 months of meeting, planning and doing, the first Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival went off better than any of us could have hoped.

From the sold out opening night event at Cameo Cinemas with the incredible Hannah Kent, to the final panel sessions on Saturday afternoon, hundreds of literature lovers laughed, listened and learned from some of the best authors in the country.

Hannah Kent speaking at the Festival Opening Night.

The sold out audience of the Festival Opening Night.

ABOVE: Blurred Lines: The Art of Life Writing panellists.
Left to right: Christine Newell, Hannah Kent, Carly Findlay and Sue Smethurst.

ABOVE: More than Fantasy: Capturing the YA Audience panellists.
Left to right: Charisse Ede, Paul Kennedy, Melanie Kanicky and Amy Doak.

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