757ae2a4-43e9-43c8-8f72-f2c741b05c86 Lisa Gallate ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Lisa Gallate Lisa Gallate is a senior commercial litigator specialising in class actions and corporate insolvency. She holds a Masters of Law from the University of Cambridge, undergraduate degrees in law and commerce from Victoria University, New Zealand, and was a finalist for the NSW Women Lawyers’ Association ‘Woman Lawyer of the Year’. Lisa is also a member of the Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement, a member and voluntary grief support worker for the National Association for Loss and Grief, a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association, and has contributed to Diversity Council Australia podcasts about grief support in the workplace. A New Zealander, Lisa now lives in Sydney's Northern Beaches with her three children. She loves singing to iconic anthems whilst driving (anywhere), is an enthusiastic foodie and wine taster, and enjoys paddle boarding, swimming, and spending time with her family. Her memoir, Just Because—Love, Loss, Renewal was published in 2023. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Holding On and Letting Go: Finding Strength Through Loss DATE: Friday 28th March TIME: 3.20pm-4.20pm WITH: Suellen Dainty 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.

ded3566c-64aa-4e5e-830d-99b9522d920c Karen Viggers ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Karen Viggers Karen Viggers is a novelist, veterinarian, outdoors enthusiast and podcaster. She is the author of five internationally bestselling novels: The Stranding, The Lightkeeper’s Wife, The Grass Castle, The Orchardist’s Daughter and Sidelines. Her work explores dying with dignity, displacement of First Peoples, wildlife conservation, clear-felling of native forests, and modern parenting and junior sport. She is co-host of the Secrets From the Green Room podcast in which she interviews writers and other book industry colleagues about books and writing. Her novels have been translated into several languages and have been particularly successful in France. Karen lives on Ngunnawal and Ngambri land in Canberra with her ecologist husband. When she’s not hiking or caring for animals (both domestic and wild), she’s either reading or writing. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: New Voices in Fiction II DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 12.10pm-1.10pm WITH: Karen Viggers TICKETS WHAT: Reading the Game: Inspiring Young Readers through Football DATE: Sunday 30th March TIME: 12.45pm-1.45pm WITH: Niav Owens 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.

bb3ff6dc-8f97-4f87-8cc9-dc15fd3a0209 Tracey Kirkland ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Tracey Kirkland Tracey Kirkland is an Australian news journalist who has worked in broadcast and print for more than thirty years. She is currently the Continuous News Editor in charge of TV and video at ABC News Channel, and was previously the ABC’s national senior newsgathering editor. Since joining the ABC in 1999, Tracey has been a reporter, presenter or producer for all of the public broadcaster’s major news programs. She is the co-editor of Pandemedia: How COVID Changed Journalism. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Fractured Foundations: Trust in an Uncertain World DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 12.10pm-1.10pm WITH: Michael Brissenden 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.

424b306c-90a6-4fc0-bdcf-86131beba2f7 Manly Surf Life Saving Club VENUE DETAILS Ashburner St &, S Steyne, Manly NSW 2095, Australia Rooms Used: xxx < VIEW ALL VENUES NEXT VENUE > 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.

3442f2ce-a4bd-477f-9132-427e4561abcc Anthony Sobb ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Anthony Sobb Anthony Sobb is a dedicated family man and a former pugilist and martial artist. He currently serves as a surf lifesaver and jet ski rescue volunteer and is the CEO of a large RSL club in Sydney. He was encouraged to develop a passion for food, wine, and bringing people which led him to pursue a diverse career in Sydney's food scene before transitioning into the club industry in 2000. Anthony is a keen traveller and enjoys exploring new tastes, flavours, and atmospheres to offer to his customers. In recent years, he has prioritised supporting his three sons and maintaining close ties with his family following the loss of his wife, Kim. His memoir, My Business Is Now North, was published in October 2024. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Fighting the Long Goodbye DATE: Friday 28th March TIME: 11.20am-12.20pm WITH: TICKETS WHAT: "I haven't been everywhere, but it is on my list." (Susan Sontag) DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 2.50pm-3.50pm WITH: Rananda Rich 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.

99e334c2-e3ca-44c7-a137-45032425783c Megan Holbeck ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Megan Holbeck Megan Holbeck writes about things she loves, among them nature, adventure and family. Her pieces are diverse - from adventurous travel stories to personal essays, lifestyle profiles to environmental features - but they explore common themes: how to make this one life (and our one world) a little better. She was editor of Wild, Australia's wilderness adventure magazine, and has written for everyone from the ABC to Australian Geographic to the Guardian. A book is coming. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: "I haven't been everywhere, but it is on my list." (Susan Sontag) DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 2.50pm-3.50pm WITH: Rananda Rich 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.

82c2356c-c5c6-4275-9ba9-371d6f89f7e4 Gillian Wills ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Gillian Wills Gillian Wills is a graduate and an Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy of Music for distinguished services to the music profession. She is an author, arts writer, and music reviewer who has published with The Australian, Limelight, Griffith Review, Australian Book Review and In Review. Her memoir Elvis and Me: how a world-weary musician and a broken racehorse rescued each other, was released in 2016 in Australia, America, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Gillian has held senior academic positions in the UK and Australia. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Creative Lives In Fiction: Stories Of Love, Ambition And Self-Discovery DATE: Sunday 30th March TIME: 10.00am-11.00am WITH: Summer Land TICKETS WHAT: 'Teach the Children Well' (Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young) DATE: Sunday 30th March TIME: 2.00pm-3.00pm 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.

Amanda Goff, Sarah Martin, Jacqui Louise Swallow Bipolar Journeys: Stories Of Strength, Struggle, And Self-Discovery BUY TICKETS 2025 PROGRAM < VIEW ALL PROGRAMS Bipolar Journeys: Stories Of Strength, Struggle, And Self-Discovery DATE: Friday 28th March LOCATION: Darley Smith Building COST: $22 Amanda Goff (Misfit), a journalist, has written two previous memoirs, but this is the first as herself, Amanda. She was diagnosed with bipolar at age 48 after having spent the previous ten years as a high- profile escort. Sarah Martin (Dear Psychosis) writes of her daughter suffering a psychotic episode while travelling in Turkey, a subsequent diagnosis of bipolar, and the confronting impact on her family. Jacqui Louise Swallow (The Bipolar Runner) navigated school and university despite a troubled teenage and, as a young mum, realised that keeping active helped her manage bipolar better than anything and set herself a goal of running the Melbourne Marathon. Host: Suzanne Leal 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.

b45bb0d1-989e-40ae-a6a3-91e766dea68f Joe Aston ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Joe Aston Joe Aston is one of Australia’s most influential commentators on business, finance and politics. For 12 years he struck fear into the hearts of the nation’s political and corporate leaders with his must-read column Rear Window in the Australian Financial Review. He interrogated some of the country’s biggest business stories including Rio Tinto’s Juukan Gorge scandal; CPA Australia and its Naked CEO Alex Malley; and the decline and fall of both Magellan Financial Group and Qantas. In 2023, Joe and his AFR colleagues won a Walkley Award for their coverage of the PwC tax leaks scandal. Joe has now started his own publishing business, Rampart and is again working in conjunction with the AFR. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: Special Event: The Chairman's Lounge DATE: Sunday 30th March TIME: 3.00pm-5.00pm 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.

b9db6564-3dc4-4f62-b8f9-f6d31f4fcf6e Julie Inman Grant ABOUT < VIEW ALL AUTHORS Julie Inman Grant Julie Inman Grant is currently Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, leading the world’s first government agency dedicated to online safety. Appointed in 2017, she expanded the agency’s regulatory mandate under the Online Safety Act, addressing child exploitation material and launching initiatives like Safety by Design, Women in the Spotlight, and the eSafety Youth Council. With a background in public policy and corporate affairs, Julie’s career includes roles in the US Congress, Microsoft, Twitter, and Adobe. She co-founded the Global Online Safety Regulators Network and actively contributes to several global boards. Recognised as one of the top 150 women in cybersecurity for three consecutive years, Julie champions digital safety worldwide. PROGRAM SESSIONS WHAT: AI and Social Media: Shaping Today DATE: Saturday 29th March TIME: 09.30am-10.30am WITH: Steve Cannane 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.

759bdc3b-3a2a-4b2d-b470-a5d1752abdab Jeremy Fernandez ABOUT < VIEW ALL HOSTS Jeremy Fernandez Jeremy Fernandez is a journalist and presenter with ABC News. He joined the network’s Sydney bureau in 2009, after returning from London where he had worked as a writer and business producer for CNN International. Jeremy previously hosted the morning edition of ABC News on Australia Network, broadcast across the Asia-Pacific. As a journalist and producer in Perth, Melbourne, and London, he’s anchored rolling news, interviews, and in-depth reports on a host of major stories, including the 2008 US election, Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the fall of Thaksin Shinawatra’s government in Thailand, the Indian Ocean tsunami, and the Bali bombings. Jeremy’s career sprang from humble beginnings as a voice-over artist with Channel 7 and producer for ABC Radio in the regional tourism and agricultural hub of Albany, Western Australia. He speaks conversational Malay and has earned degrees from Curtin University and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. < 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.