The Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival Program is out now!

The full program of the first Dandenong Ranges Literary Festival has been released and it promises to stimulate ideas and conversations around a raft of fascinating genres and topics.

Tickets are selling fast, with more than a third snapped up since the official launch of the program at The Blacksmith café in Belgrave last Thursday.

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.

Local author Lia Hills announced the program and spoke of the important place writing and books held in her life, and the impact they could have on bringing people together.

“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,” Lia said.

Lia will also be participating in a panel discussion called ‘Sense of place: how landscape shapes our stories’ with authors Kerryn Mayne, Mark Mupotsa-Russell and moderated by Kate Mildenhall.

Festival Chair Marian Matta said releasing the program was a major step towards the launch of a successful first Festival in the Hills.

“It hardly needs to be said, but the ultimate indicator of a successful literary festival is that our speakers and attendees go away afterwards with their minds buzzing with ideas and excitement, and with an anticipation for the next one,” she said.