The Art House and Words on the Waves Presents
Words on the Waves Opening Address

Join us for the 2025 Words on the Waves Writers Festival Opening Address.

Together, we will hear fiery dispatches from three acclaimed speakers, each pondering the festival theme: burning bright. 

Esteemed social psychologist and 'national treasure' Hugh Mackay has always sensed the winds of change before anyone else. He'll encourage us towards kindness and finding the best...in ourselves and in others. Wiradjuri man and public intellectual Stan Grant will share a personal and poetic paean to peace, forgiveness and 'deep respect'. And we are delighted that self-described ‘journalist-ish’ Jan Fran – best known for hosting ABC’s Question Everything – will share her unique take on the world.

Don’t miss this inspiring event, which also launches the festival's fifth celebratory year here on the Central Coast. 

Local independent bookseller, Umina Beach Book Nook, will be on site on the evening to sell copies of authors’ books for signing after the event.

Speakers: Stan Grant, Hugh Mackay, Jan Fran