The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) returns for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Peoples through literature, art and storytelling. The festival has become a pivotal platform for Indigenous narratives, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and preserving the rich traditions of First Peoples storytelling.
The FNWF is a charity initiative that captures the rich cultures, intellect and story heritage of First Peoples from the Greater Pacific and beyond, highlighting Indigenous contributions globally and across Australia – including in sports, farming and mining industries, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and as carers for children and the elderly.
The event will take place on 30-31 May 2025 in Townsville, bringing together artists both locally and internationally. A livestream of the festival will be available for those unable to attend in person. To access the live broadcast of the festival, visit https://www.youtube.com/live/4easAGTg5Mo.
Over two culturally rich days, expect a range of exciting activities designed to honour Indigenous literature, oral and artistic traditions. Held in the Loft Room at The Seaview Hotel, The Supper Club will run from 6pm – 8pm and provide endless networking opportunities for attendees on Friday 30 May. The main events, taking place on Saturday 31 May from 9.30am-2.30pm at the Queensland Museum Tropics, will feature the launch of eight new books, nine award-winning authors and the much-awaited announcement of awards.
“The festival’s broader mission goes beyond the event. It is a stage for Indigenous narratives to be shared and preserved for the next generations,” shares Anna Borzi AM, Chair and Director of the FNWF.
This year’s festival will again be hosted by internationally recognised Disney choreographer and award-winning performer Peter Rockford Espiritu. Previous award winners are also expected to grace the event with their presence, including John W Kuri (2023 Book Award), Marlene dee Gray Potoura (2024 Book Award), Richard Napam (2024 Book Award) and many more.
