Moreton Bay Region’s write of passage to host new festival
Published 04 August 2020
Could Moreton Bay Region become the writers’ capital of Queensland?
The inaugural Fellowship of Australian Writers Queensland (FAWQ) Readers and Writers Festival will be held across the region from June 18 through to July 1 next year.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the two-week celebration of everything to do with the written word was a massive coup for the region.
“This region has long held a special place in the hearts of historians, writers and artists, so I hope the event will become a major annual attraction on our calendar,” he said.
“It’s fitting that FAWQ is writing this new chapter in Redcliffe, which has historically been one of the strongest sub-branches in Queensland since 1960.
“It will be a massive economic boon for the region too. We’re expecting a host visitors from outside the region as well locals to come and enjoy multiple events across Moreton Bay Region Libraries and the University of the Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay Campus during those two weeks.
“This is just another example of how Council is doing everything it can to bounce the region back post COVID-19.”
FAWQ president and Redcliffe branch member Jim Higgins said 2021 was a special milestone for the group and that he was pleased to share it with the public thanks to the Council’s commitment.
“This is a monumental occasion for FAWQ, as our roots stem back to 1921, making next year’s festival a centenary celebration,” Mr Higgins said.
“This will be a great opportunity for us to showcase the brilliant local talent we have here in Moreton Bay, but also see the best and brightest from across the State.
“We haven’t had an event like this in our entire 100-year history, so we are especially thankful to Moreton Bay Regional Council and its library staff for sharing our passion.”
The festival program will be delivered closer to the date, but will aim to bring writers, aspiring writers and readers together to foster a love of books.
Events will be hosted across 10 Moreton Bay Region Libraries as well as the University of the Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay Campus.