The Berry Writers Festival will have its inaugural event in October 2021.
It is envisaged as a celebration of the Berry community and the deep-rooted links to writers, readers and thinkers that the town enjoys.
After the recent two years of fire and plague, the community has continually come together to support its own, and we envisage this festival as an affirmation of all that is best in the spirit of Berry.
We are looking at three days of inspiration from local authors and beyond. New and established authors and creatives will share their expertise and offer insight into the creative process. There will be space for a diverse range of opinions, perspective and philosophies to cover contemporary issues, as well as performance and workshops to encourage those interested in developing their talents. We will also aim to benefit charities and volunteer organisations wherever possible, to add to the community benefit.
Above all, this will be an inclusive community endeavour, forging and re-establishing links that lead to a happy and stimulating place to live and work.
President
Suzanne is a sociologist, research consultant, marketing and communication specialist. She is also author of an award-winning novel, Almost Invincible, a biographical novel of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, and a collection of poetry Socio-Illogical.
Vice President / Secretary
Christa Wood had a varied career, including company director, HR consultancy, trust and company assessor, and over 20 years as an academic. She is passionate about volunteer work and sits on several boards of community organisations.
Treasurer
Alison has had a global career as a Financial & Management accountant. She and her husband established a winery which they are currently running on the South Coast of NSW.
Retired Teacher Librarian
Janet was part of a committee that started the Berry Community Library 4 years ago. Run by volunteers and stocked with books, donated by the local community, it has been a rewarding and successful project.
Freelance Editor and Publishing Consultant
Mary is a former publisher and literary agent -- now a freelance editor and publishing consultant -- with extensive experience in the industry in both the United States and Australia.
Retired Medical Practitioner
Is a retired medical practitioner who used to work in Paediatrics, Intensive Care and Retrieval Medicine with a keen interest in medical education.
He has been involved in the South Coast since the 1980s and currently lives in Gerroa.
Web & Graphic Design
With a background in publishing (having worked on the Penguin Books very first website back in 1995), Catherine is a busy designer who works with a variety of clients across Australia and further afield. Catherine created and manages the Berry Writers Festival website.
Chartered Accountant
Stephanie has been a chartered accountant for many years, specialising in financial reporting, audit and regulatory issues. She has written numerous articles and was technical editor of The Audit and Assurance Handbook Australia. She is now a partner in a small forensic accounting business.
