Can a book change the world? Join David Holmgren, permaculture co-originator, as he explores the critical need of ecological writing for our transition to a carbon positive low-energy future.

Author Cate Kennedy’s short story collections are currently on the VCE English syllabus. In this session she will be giving an insider scoop on the stories, their themes, how she wrote them, and how to craft your own short stories for assessment.

Two acclaimed authors illuminate different perspectives in their passions regarding the settlement of Australia and its historical predicaments. Together they ask: can we draw hope from militant nostalgia?

Best-selling author and feminist commentator, Clementine Ford in conversation with festival director, Maia Irell.

Daylesford favourites, Ross Gillett, an Australian multi-award winning poet, and Richard Perry, a Canadian emeritus professor of Asian Arts will read and briefly discuss some of their favorite poems of Change and Chance.

Nick Ritar will show you some low-tech mushroom cultivation methods and Kirsten Bradley will share some tips from her soon to be released book Milkwood – Real skills for down-to-earth living

We have a fantastic line up of workshops for you to check out this year… Try your hand at lyric writing, join a storytelling slam, learn to write for kids, or overcome your nerves and try some spoken word poetry.

In Conversation with Dee White

Contestants have 5 minutes to win over the audience with a story about Change and Chance. No notes, no props just you and the audience!

Renown harpsichordist Ann Morgan will be joined by soprano Vivien Hamilton and Alison Catanach playing baroque flute. They will play a unique ‘winter’ themed programme of classical works.