a3808287-a50b-4461-b81b-4185015d82f8 Jo Peck ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Jo Peck Jo Peck grew up in Healesville, Victoria. She worked in advertising for thirty-five years, co-running her own ad agency, Working Girls Advertising, for twenty of those years. She lives in Melbourne with her new partner. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Changing Life DATE: Friday 28th March TIME: 12.40pm-1.40pm WITH: Suzanne Leal TICKETS < PREVIOUS AUTHOR NEXT AUTHOR > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

e5233e55-7215-4a3d-9ea1-7ae2109cbc8f Tim Ayliffe ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Tim Ayliffe Tim Ayliffe is an award winning thriller writer whose novels have been informed by his 25-year career as a journalist and media executive in Australia and around the world. He writes about espionage, extremism, politics and the global power games at play in the 21st Century. He's the author of the ‘John Bailey’ series including The Greater Good, State of Fear, The Enemy Within, Killer Traitor Spy and his most recent novel, The Wrong Man. Tim's thrillers are also in development for TV. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Politics, Power and the Thrill of the Chase DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 10.50am-11.50am WITH: Helen Vatsikopoulos TICKETS < PREVIOUS AUTHOR NEXT AUTHOR > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

703a0ba5-5659-49e4-88bb-4ce9c6606c8b John Maynard ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS John Maynard John Maynard is a Worimi Aboriginal man from the Port Stephens region of NSW and an Emeritus Professor with the University of Newcastle. He has held several major positions and served on numerous prominent organisations and committees, including Deputy Chairperson of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, Executive Committee of the Australian Historical Association, New South Wales History Council, Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council, Australian Research Council College of Experts, National Indigenous Research and Knowledges Network and the NSW Fulbright Selection Committee. He gained his PhD in 2003, examining the rise of early Aboriginal political activism. He has worked with and within many Aboriginal communities, urban, rural, and remote. Professor Maynard’s publications have concentrated on the intersections of Aboriginal political and social history, and the history of Australian race relations. John is a passionate sports fan and the author of several books on Aboriginal people and sport, with Golf Dreaming – An Aboriginal Social, Political, Cultural and Historical Perspective of Golf to be published in April 2025. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Sunrise Raconteurs: From the Fairway to the Goal Line DATE: Sunday 30th March TIME: 09.15am-10.15am WITH: Simon Hill TICKETS < PREVIOUS AUTHOR NEXT AUTHOR > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

7b292d63-d31d-4eb5-a1d7-8f003c471521 Sara Haddad ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Sara Haddad Sara Haddad is an editor and writer who has worked in publishing for 35 years. A Lebanese Australian, she lives on Gadigal land with her husband and two children. She hopes that one day all Palestinians will be free to return to their country and live there without fear. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Reflections: Conflict in the Home of Your Heart DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 09.30am-10.30am WITH: Antony Loewenstein TICKETS < PREVIOUS AUTHOR NEXT AUTHOR > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

3805e2eb-c416-487f-b478-8a042eafe585 Steve Cannane ABOUT < VIEW ALL HOSTS Steve Cannane Steve Cannane is a reporter with the ABC's Investigations Unit. From 2021-2024 he was the ABC's Europe Bureau Chief in London. He worked in the Investigations Unit from 2018-2021, and was Europe correspondent from 2016-2018. Prior to that, Steve was the host of The Drum and a reporter at Lateline. He is the author of Fair Game: The Incredible Untold Story of Scientology in Australia and First Tests: Great Australian Cricketers and the Backyards That Made Them. < PREVIOUS HOST NEXT HOST > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

Melinda Ham, Sahira al Younany Reflections: Transitions to a New Land BUY TICKETS 2025 PROGRAM < VIEW ALL PROGRAMS Reflections: Transitions to a New Land DATE: Friday 28th March LOCATION: Darley Smith Building COST: $22 What does it mean to start over in a new land? This session dives into the heart of the refugee experience, about how you navigate a world where you look different, talk differently, worship differently, and you effectively have no choice but to leave the land of your birth. Join us for a conversation about identity, belonging, and the powerful stories of those who share what transitioning to a new country means to ‘fit in.’ We speak with author Melinda Ham and Iraqi refugee Sahira al Younany about The Lucky Ones. Host: Antony Loewenstein BUY TICKETS < PREVIOUS NEXT > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

19dca573-fe44-4354-a356-6dff979540d3 Brendan Morris ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Brendan Morris Brendan Morris has been a Senior English teacher for over 35 years having taught his passion to his students from Year 7 to Year 12 Extension. Among other responsibilities in the education sphere, he has been a Boarding Housemaster at his current school for 15 years. Brendan has always had a deep interest in sports, having also competed in and/or coached many since he was a boy, including but not limited to Rugby Union, Football, Basketball, Rowing, Cricket, Athletics, Golf, Surfing, Swimming and Running. The Naturali s Brendan’s first major work of literature co-authored with Stephan Wellink. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: The Natural: Richard 'Dick' Thornett's Sporting Life DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 4.10pm-5.10pm WITH: Tim Ayliffe TICKETS < PREVIOUS AUTHOR NEXT AUTHOR > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

Read the privacy policy and terms of service for the Manly Writer's Festival. Learn about how we protect your information and the guidelines for using our website and services. PRIVACY POLICY The Manly Writers Festival is committed to providing quality services to you and this policy outlines our ongoing obligations to you in respect of how we manage your Personal Information. We have adopted the National Privacy Principles (NPPs) contained in the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act). The NPPs govern the way in which we collect, use, disclose, store, secure and dispose of your Personal Information. A copy of the Australian Privacy Principles may be obtained from the website of The Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner at www.privacy.gov.au . What is Personal Information and why do we collect it? Personal Information is information or an opinion that identifies an individual. Examples of Personal Information we collect include: names, addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers and the tickets and/or products you purchase or competitions you may enter. This Personal Information is obtained when you purchase a product or ticket and/or by signing-up to email communications. We collect your Personal Information for the primary purpose of fulfilling your purchase(s) and/or providing information to you about our publications and events. We may also use your Personal Information for secondary purposes closely related to the primary purpose, in circumstances where you would reasonably expect such use or disclosure. You may unsubscribe from our mailing/marketing lists at any time by contacting us in writing or using the link provided. When we collect Personal Information we will, where appropriate and where possible, explain to you why we are collecting the information and how we plan to use it. We do not guarantee website links or policy of authorised third parties. Sensitive Information Sensitive information is defined in the Privacy Act to include information or opinion about such things as an individual's racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, membership of a political association, religious or philosophical beliefs, membership of a trade union or other professional body, criminal record or health information. Sensitive information will be used by us only where required or authorised by law. Third Parties Where reasonable and practicable to do so, we will collect your Personal Information only from you. However, in some circumstances we may be provided with information by third parties. In such a case we will take reasonable steps to ensure that you are made aware of the information provided to us by the third party. Disclosure of Personal Information Your Personal Information may be disclosed in a number of circumstances including the following: Third parties, but only where you consent to the use or disclosure; and Where required or authorised by law. Security of Personal Information Your Personal Information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. When your Personal Information is no longer needed for the purpose for which it was obtained, we will take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify your Personal Information. However, most of the Personal Information is or will be stored in client files which will be kept by us for a minimum of five years. Access to your Personal Information You may access the Personal Information we hold about you and to update and/or correct it, subject to certain exceptions. If you wish to access your Personal Information, please contact us in writing. We will not charge any fee for your access request, but may charge an administrative fee for providing a copy of your Personal Information. In order to protect your Personal Information we may require identification from you before releasing the requested information. Maintaining the Quality of your Personal Information It is an important to us that your Personal Information is up-to-date. We will take reasonable steps to make sure that your Personal Information is accurate, complete and up-to-date. If you find that the information we have is not up to date or is inaccurate, please advise us as soon as practicable so we can update our records and ensure we can continue to provide quality services to you. Policy Updates This Policy may change from time to time and is available on our website. Privacy Policy Complaints and Enquiries If you have any queries or complaints about our Privacy Policy please contact us at: Manly Writers Festival PO Box 4101 Balgowlah Heights NSW 2093 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

Help support the Manly Writer's Festival by donating today. Your contribution helps us continue to celebrate storytelling, creativity, and community in Manly, Sydney. DONATIONS Join our Donors Circle How and why your support can help We value your support to secure the future of the Manly Writers' Festival and to help prioritise literacy and creativity for the next generation. Your donation can help us keep ticket prices low, bring a regional Australian or international artist to the Festival, and much more, including keeping the Manly Writers' Festival alive. All donations of $2 and above are tax-deductible. Join our Donors Circle with one of the following tiers, or choose your own amount. Book Lovers ($50+) — Name listed in the program Festival Friends ($200+) — As above, plus a surprise book from our collection to say thank you Story Champions ($500+) — All the above, plus an invitation to a special thank-you gathering Literary Ambassadors ($1,000+) — Become one of our ambassadors and, in addition to the above, your generosity will receive year-round recognition, including when you join us at special events and selected sessions. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

Learn about the Manly Writer's Festival, a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community in Manly, Sydney. Discover our mission, history, and the impact of our events. ABOUT US DISCOVER THE MANLY WRITER'S FESTIVAL STORIES TO INSPIRE The Manly Writers' Festival brings readers, writers and thinkers together for a literary event that shows a side of Manly beyond the beach and the ferry. Whether you're into history, politics, crime, sport, fiction, or anything that is a good read, we host storytellers for three days around the end of March/early April each year in a challenging, relaxed, and fun environment. We want to feed your heart and mind by presenting an eclectic range of authors, poets, journalists, and thinkers and introducing local and emerging writers to discuss stories and issues that will energise, inform and inspire you. To keep up to date about our authors and events, please sign up for our e-newsletter. Manly Writers’ Festival was established as a not-for-profit charitable organisation and recognised as a cultural institution by the Australian Taxation Office in 2024. We are overseen by a Board comprising local community members. (Meet our Board here ). ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

Jorge Knijnik, Peter Paleologos Football Power Brokers BUY TICKETS 2025 PROGRAM < VIEW ALL PROGRAMS Football Power Brokers DATE: Sunday 30th March LOCATION: Manly Golf Club COST: $18 In the high-stakes world of global football, the days of self- representation are long gone. Enter the agents: the power brokers, dealmakers, and behind-the-scenes strategists shaping the careers of the game’s brightest stars. While fans revel in the magic of the matchday, the real drama often unfolds off the pitch in a world few truly understand. The Agents’ Game by Peter Paleologos pulls back the veil on the industry, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of 28 top agents from Australia and beyond. Jorge Knijnik’s Tales of South American Football captures the elegance of the star players and the visceral struggles in South American societies and describes the social and political context of football on the content where jogo bonito is a force that divides and unites people. The backdrop of the continent’s volatile politics, oppression, and inequality is painted behind vignettes of football games, players, politicians, and the sport itself. This session is suitable and free for young people aged 13-18. Host: Niav Owens BUY TICKETS < PREVIOUS NEXT > ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.

Become a Festival Friend of the Manly Writer's Festival and help support a vibrant weekend of storytelling, author events, and community engagement in Manly, Sydney. Join us today! FESTIVAL FRIENDS Join a unique community of readers, writers, and thinkers as we help bring a cultural and literary life to Manly. This is the second year of the Manly Writers’ Festival, and we are presenting more than 90 leading writers from the Northern Beaches, elsewhere in Sydney, throughout Australia, and the UK to celebrate the power of storytelling, share stories, and explore ideas. Join us as a Festival Friend and receive a pass with the following benefits. Priority booking period; 10% discount to all festival sessions, other than the young readers (schools) program and the Charity Literary Trivia Night; 10% discount on all purchases from Gleebooks at the festival; 10% discount on other Festival merchandise; Exclusive access to the Friends of the Festival Lounge to relax between sessions (Friday and Saturday only); Literary Greats Journal (may differ in later years). Not only will you enjoy these exclusive benefits, but you’ll also be satisfied with supporting a great local initiative. The Manly Writers’ Festival is making its mark on the overall literary scene and contributing to the cultural life and diversity of Manly and the Northern Beaches. If you're eager to explore the global changes shaping our world or to discover your next favourite book, the Manly Writers' Festival offers the time and space to do so. Friends of the Festival is now closed for the 2025 Manly Writers' Festival. A Friend of the Festival package is $65 for one year commencing 2026 or $170 for three years (2026, 2027, 2028). ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY The Manly Writers' Festival acknowledges and thanks the original storytellers on the lands on which our events take place, the Gameraygal people of the Eora Nation. We acknowledge and respect their continuing connection and culture, and we pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present, as well as emerging leaders.