I have been a participant in the Bendigo Writers Festival 2016.

With four old friends from elsewhere, there we were, programs carefully marked during the previous weeks. 

This program was a feast. My only frustration was that too many sessions clashed with each other, and we had to stop for lunch at some stage. I want to call this column, “The ones that got away”.

The atmosphere throughout the two days was electrifying. All the venues were abuzz with chatter and laughter. Participants moved in queues with good natured humour. The Capital Theatre foyer was choked with people moving every which way but it was all done in the spirit of the festival, everyone eventually arriving at their chosen venue.

We listened with awe as Professor Peter Singer philosophised on the world and threw us some curly dilemmas. We clapped furiously as Renata Singer spoke of the importance of fiction in her life as a child. It provided her with her moral compass for life today.

Hannie Rayson was a delight. I have always admired her plays and enjoyed her autobiography so much. She was entertaining and funny, but she also offered us pathos and personal home truths.

Robyn Archer is that remarkable human being who builds possibilities by tapping into community dreams and needs. She has curated a number of festivals and events as a mentor and advocate, and has combined this with her own career as an acclaimed cabaret singer.

We dipped in to the art gallery to see Toni Maticevski, as my friends are out-of-towners and there was no other time. Superb.

Back to hear Renata Singer’s take on growing older – wonderful and life-affirming.

But what did we miss? Such presenters as Frank Brennan, Peter Doherty, Benjamin Law, Sally Warhaft, Anna Goldsworthy, Rita Erlich and a host of others.

We were up and moving early on Sunday, too much to hear, too little time!

Kerrie O’Brien, Anne Summers, Sarah Ferguson. What a feast, one after the other. They inspired, they challenged, they enlightened.  

After lunch, back to the fray to hear Stephanie Alexander who needs no introduction.

But again, what were we missing? Hugh Mackay, Mark Dapin, John Bell, Nicolas Rothwell, Margaret Simons, Leah Kaminsky and so many more.

The organisation for this festival is mind boggling. Rosemary Sorensen deserves medals for leading this team through this complex program. I can only look in awe at the smooth management of the two days I was involved, and marvel at the plethora of choice. 

Sessions at Ulumbarra beckon as the numbers grow.

Most importantly the interviewers were well prepared; their questions were incisive and thoughtful, which allowed those being interviewed to relax into each session with ease. 

We completed our two days with a short concert given by pianist Robert Greene, accompanying traditional singer Noemi Nadelmann.  

Kerry O’Brien said in his interview; “We’re craving thoughtful, inspiring and visionary discussions in Australia today and it is sadly lacking, particularly in the political sphere, which is why a festival such as this fills a gap in our discourse.”  Roll on next year.

ANNIE YOUNG