Stella is a major voice for gender equality and cultural change in Australian literature.
Founded in 2012, the organisation’s flagship program is the annual Stella Prize – a major literary award
celebrating Australian women’s writing. Stella also delivers a suite of year-round initiatives which actively
champion Australian women writers, tackle gender bias in the literary sector, and connect outstanding
books with readers.
Now Stella announces a strong Queensland focus for its first Stella Day Out in Hobart including award-winning
authors Emily O’Grady, Kristina Olsson, Mirandi Riwoe, Kris Kneen, Laura Jean McKay, Debra Dank and
Anita Heiss.
Stella is committed to breaking down barriers to literary events and presents Stella Day Out, a one-day
celebration of the most original, excellent and engaging work by Australian women and non-binary authors.
Following the inspiring inaugural event in November 2023, Stella Day Out, a free one-day festival of great
writing and great ideas, comes to Brisbane on Saturday 31 August 2024.
The second edition of Stella Day Out for 2024 will be held at Avid Reader, 193 Boundary Street, West End
with acclaimed writers Emily O’Grady, Kristina Olsson and Mirandi Riwoe, Kris Kneen, Laura Jean McKay,
Debra Dank and Anita Heiss.
Emily O’Grady, Kristina Olsson and Mirandi Riwoe come together for the first session of the day to have an
invigorating discussion about the stages of an author’s career.The second session will see authors Kris Kneen and Laura Jean McKay unravel the mysterious art of poetry and short stories. This panel will be moderated by Raelee Lancaster.
Join award-winning authors Debra Dank and Anita Heiss for the final session of the day as they explore the
vital topic of reclaiming and revitalising First Nations languages. This session will be moderated by Cheryl
Leavy.
“We are incredibly excited to bring this free event to Brisbane and help celebrate and amplify the work of
Queensland authors. We are also thrilled to hold the event in partnership with Avid Reader, the
independent bookshop we all love. We hope this is the first of many Stella events in Brisbane.” Executive
Director & CEO, Fiona Sweet.
The full Stella Day Out Brisbane program is listed below. For more information, please visit
https://stella.org.au/initiatives/stella-day-out/.
Avid Reader is the Stella partner and bookseller for this event.
Stella Day Out Brisbane
Saturday 31 August at Avid Reader, 193 Boundary Street, West End
10am – 11am | Seasons of a Career
Join award-winning authors Emily O’Grady, Kristina Olsson and Mirandi Riwoe for the first session of the
day as they have an invigorating discussion about the stages of an author’s career.
Reserve a spot here.
12pm – 1pm | The Art of Few Words
Join authors Kris Kneen and Laura Jean McKay as they unravel the mysterious art of poetry and short
stories. This panel will be moderated by Raelee Lancaster.
Reserve a spot here.
2pm – 3pm | Reclaiming Language
Join award-winning authors Debra Dank and Anita Heiss as they explore the vital topic of reclaiming and
revitalising First Nations languages. This session will be moderated by Cheryl Leavy.
Reserve a spot here.
Tickets:
Tickets to Stella Day Out Brisbane are free. Seats limited; bookings essential, tickets are now available
online at stella.org.au or Avid Reader.
Seasons of a Career: Emily O’Grady, Kristina Olsson and Mirandi Riwoe
The Art of Few Words: Kris Kneen and Laura Jean McKay, moderated by Raelee Lancaster
Reclaiming Language: Debra Dank and Anita Heiss, moderated by Cheryl Leavy
Free snacks:
Free tea, coffee and biscuits available for all patrons before and after each session.
Livestream:
Stella Day Out Brisbane will stream live online at https://www.youtube.com/@TheStellaPrize
