Authors and Guests

Ryan Butta

Writer

Ryan’s first work of historical non-fiction, The Ballad of Abdul Wade, recounted the previously untold story of the Afghan men that came to Australia in the1800s to work in the mining and wool industries. The Ballad of Abdul Wade was shortlisted for the South Australian Literary Awards non-fiction book of the year 2024 and longlisted for the Indie Book Awards non-fiction book of the year for 2023. Ryan's latest work, The Bravest Scout at Gallipoli, retells the remarkable life story of Harry Freame, a Japanese-Australian adventurer, soldier of fortune, Anzac, orchardist and spy.

Ryan's feature writing has appeared in the Good Weekend Magazine and he is a regular contributor to Galah Press, writing about the people and places of regional Australia. Ryan now lives on Dharawal country on the NSW South Coast.

Contact UsMORE GUESTS

Our Guests

John O’Brien

After Lidell will be facilitated by John O’Brien, filmmaker, musician, writer, and rainforest restorer.  John is Executive Director of Arts Upper Hunter and project manager of the Liddell WORKS creative program.

Kell Woods

Kell has studied English literature, creative writing, and history, and writes about made-up (and not so made-up) places, people and things you might remember from the fairy tales you read as a child. Her books, however, are most definitely not for children.

Geraldine Doogue

Geraldine has carved out an enviable reputation across print, television and radio, starting on “The West Australian” in Perth, before moving to The Australian, ABC’s Nationwide, 2UE, Channel 10 news, hosting ABC TV’s Compass program and continuing in various roles on ABC RN and via podcasting.

Richard Anderson

Richard is the author of two rural-crime novels, Retribution and Boxed. His latest book is Small Mercies, and all three are published by Scribe.

ALL OUR GUESTSBECOME a SPEAKER

Would you love to be a featured speaker, panellist, moderator, workshop host or performer?

We love uncovering emerging artists and facilitating events that are fun, interesting and purposeful. If you think that you have a valuable offering, please drop us a line.