Poetry sustains us during difficult times, it touches our heart and souls with immediacy and resonance. Come hear three of our most exciting poets evoke words of power and hope to guide us through these challenging times. Featuring Maxine Beneba Clarke, Jeanine Leane and Thuy On, chaired by Chris Gordon.

Be inspired by ex-Greens leader and lifelong environmentalist, Bob Brown, in conversation with ABC broadcaster Hilary Harper, as he discusses some of the pivotal campaigns of his career and examples of active resistance. This will be an empowering session for young and old who want to stand up for the planet.

Sofie Laguna’s latest novel, The Underworld, is a coming of age story about a misfit teenage girl sent to boarding school, studying Latin and entranced by Roman mythology and the concept of the underworld. In this conversation, Jane Sullivan will explore the mythic and being on the cusp of adulthood with the author.

Kick off the festival by listening to stories told by some of our foremost First Nations authors incorporating oral storytelling traditions. Be captivated by Jeanine Leane, Ron Murray and Susie Anderson as they each tell us a story that is important to them and their culture.

Hear a short sample from three of the books shortlisted for the inaugural John Clarke Prize for Humour Writing, followed by a discussion led by judging panelist (and daughter of John) Lorin Clarke. How hard is it to write something funny? Can anything be funny for anybody? And why is it important to champion humourous writing? Hear from Sam Elkin (Detachable Penis), Gabiann Marin (The Medusa Project) and Robert Skinner (I’d Rather Not), with Lorin Clarke (The Fitzroy Diaries, Would That Be Funny?) chairing.

Explore the undiscovered experiences of ageing. Brian Castro (Chinese Postman), Carol Lefevre (Bloomer), and Anna Johnston (The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife) discuss the unexpected joys, reflective moments, and opportunities for flourishing that can arise as we grow older. In conversation with Clunes community elder Tess Brady.

Three experts in the environmental field - Gardening Australia's Costa Georgiadis, Milkwood's Kirsten Bradley, and permaculture co-founder David Holmgren - will discuss the challenges of our rapidly changing climate and how we can adapt, not only our gardens but also various aspects of our lifestyles, in an increasingly uncertain world.

Helen Garner discusses her latest book, The Season, in which she follows her grandson’s under-16 footy team. In typical Garner style, this book explores many themes - ageing, family, masculinity, and the epic theatre of Australian football. Her sharp observations will be drawn out by her biographer, Sean O’Beirne.

Professional foodie Jess Ho (Raised by Wolves), chef Helly Raichura (The Food of Bharat), and ASRC founder Kon Karapanagiotidis (A Seat at My Table: Philoxenia) talk about the role food plays in their lives, the contrast between restaurant food and home cooking, sustainability, and how food can create community. Hosted by Chris Gordon from Readings.