Magicial backdrop for aspiring writers in Whitsundays

Aspiring writers from the Whitsundays were treated to a world-class event last weekend at Coral Sea Resort.

Amidst a backdrop that would inspire avid writers, the Whitsunday Writers Festival attracted high profile guests, authors and publishers to its two-day event.

Festival organiser Gloria Burley said the writers were hugely appreciative of the magical backdrop of the Coral Sea Resort a location made possible thanks to their two major sponsors the Whitsunday Regional Council and the resort itself.

"I remember coming to a function here some years ago and I was in this room here but the curtains were drawn ... I pulled back the curtains and couldn’t believe the view. It is such a beautiful place and we are truly so thankful to the resort for their sponsorship of this festival," Ms Burley said.

Sarah L’Estrange who is a producer on Books and Arts Daily on the ABC National Radio was so inspired by the event, it will feature on her show today (Wednesday) between 10 and 11am.

"I have been doing vox pops with the guests and finding out why they are all here … I want to recreate the colour and atmosphere of the event for our listeners because there aren’t a lot of events like this in regional areas of Queensland," Ms L’Estrange said.

Other high profile guests included popular science author Professor Chris Turney, award winning screenwriter Cory Taylor, former chairman and managing director of the ABC David Hill and author and books editor Chris Flynn.

Whitsunday Writers' Festival could be the last

 This weekend’s Whitsunday Writers Festival on Daydream Island may be the last. Local author and event organiser Gloria Burley says the Whitsunday Writers Festival grant application has been slashed by 40 per cent, putting future festivals in jeopardy. 

 “The Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) has been the only source of funding for this event. Unfortunately Whitsunday Regional Council has been slow to see the benefits of funding an event, which attracts interest from interstate,” Ms Burley said. 

 Ms Burley said authors and publishers love the idea of a Writers Festival on a tropical island “where it is possible to snorkel at the end of the conference”. 

 “We have no problem getting writers to come and speak. In fact they are very eager to be a part of this prestigious literary event.

 “Basically for this to continue in the future, we need a sponsor to come on board,” she said.

 This year’s Writers Festival (July 22 to 24) will feature Sam de Brito (author of No Tattoos Before You’re Thirty and the blog All Men Are Liars) and author Susan Wyndham, whose experiences with maverick neurosurgeon Charlie Teo, are chronicled in her book Life In His Hands.

 Other guest speakers will include Malcolm Knox (who recently featured on the SBS investigation of the Norma Khouri hoax), Victoria Cosford (journalist with the Byron Bay Echo and author of Amore and Amoretti), and Joanna Savill, who will talk about her passion for food and turning it into an art form. 

 The ferry to Daydream Island leaves Abel Point Marina at 8.00am returning at 5.30 pm. A cost of $120 includes morning and afternoon tea and lunch. Tickets are available from Proserpine and Cannonvale libraries.

 “Make the most of this final Writers Festival and let’s go out with a bang,” Ms Burley said.

 For more information see wowfestival.blogspot.com or call Gloria Burley on 0422026793.