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27 – 29 March 2026

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2026 festival from 27 to 29 March. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @newcastlewritersfestival and Bluesky at @newwritersfest for updates.

Latest News

07-01-26

Volunteer applications now open

Applications to volunteer for the 2026 Newcastle Writers Festival are now open. Volunteers play a crucial role in the presentation of Newcastle Writers Festival. As many as 150 people from…

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09-12-25

First artists announced for 2026 festival

International best-selling writer and Reese Witherspoon’s November Book Club pick Charlotte McConaghy, much-loved cook and Australian treasure Stephanie Alexander, and British philosopher A. C. Grayling are among 150 writers participating…

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04-11-25

Fresh Ink Prize winner

Congratulations to Hunter region writer Jessie Ansons who has been awarded the 2025 Fresh Ink Prize for a regional NSW emerging writer. Jessie receives $5000 for professional development thanks to…

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04-11-25

Partnerships and Development Manager

Newcastle Writers Festival is seeking a Partnerships and Development Manager to play a crucial role in growing, broadening and sustaining sponsorship revenue and partnerships to support the strategic ambitions of…

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09-10-25

2025 Fresh Ink Shortlist

Three Hunter region residents are among five writers shortlisted for the 2025 Fresh Ink Prize. This is the fifth year Newcastle Writers Festival has offered the prize, which is open…

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30-09-25

Volunteer Coordinator

Newcastle Writers Festival is seeking an organised, people-focused Volunteer Coordinator to join our small, passionate team on a fixed-term contract. This role is essential to the successful delivery of the…

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Our Proud Sponsors

NSW GovernmentUniversity of NewcastleEnigmaCity of NewcastleCatfish FoundationCessnock City CouncilElephant in the RoomFourth Wave WinePacific SleepNovoschoolAusTigerNewcastle Heraldintouch MagazineABC NewcastleSwell MagazineMaclean's BooksellersRydges Newcastle

Newcastle Writers Festival would like to acknowledge the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the festival takes place, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and extend this respect to all First Nations people attending our festival.

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