Take the first step toward writing the book only you can write

Southern Cross University is proud to partner with Byron Writers Festival to ignite bold ideas, inspire meaningful conversations, and explore the stories shaping our future.

Crowd surround stage where three panelist discuss at Byron Writers Festival

Byron Writers Festival 2025

Working together to spark curiosity and share big ideas, Southern Cross is proud to continue partnering with Byron Writers in 2025.

This year’s program invites contemplation of a life well lived, with literature and art at its centre. It celebrates the act of creation, of writing and art making, community building, and the good, hard work of progress.

You are invited to join us in the Northern Rivers and gather with writers from around the world - from Australia, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom - for three days of joyous and powerful storytelling, poetry, conversation and performance.

Let these bright stars take you deeper into passion and purpose, and be immersed in the art of living.

From 8—10 August on beautiful Bundjalung Country in the hinterland town of Bangalow, 15 minutes from Byron Bay, the festival also offers writing workshops, an engaging Kids Program, and events across the Northern Rivers region.

View the full program Byron Writers Festival | 2025 Festival Program

Book your 1:1 writing session

Do you have a story burning inside you or a message the world needs to hear?

Whether you’re bursting with ideas or need help getting started, Dr Aidan Coleman will guide you through the inspiring and practical process of bringing your book to life

Be inspired by some incredible sessions showcasing our academics

Black Convicts

Stage: Lilly Pilly

Date & Time: Friday 08 August,
9:15 am – 10:15 am

Writers: Santilla Chingaipe, David Heilpern

In the stories of Australia’s Black convicts from Africa, the Americas and Europe, Santilla Chingaipe offers a fresh understanding of how empire, slavery, race and memory have shaped our nation. With David Heilpern.

Find out more

Dean of Law, Associate Professor David Heilpern

Water: Our Life

Stage: A&I Hall

Date & Time: Friday 08 August,
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Writers: Debra Dank, Joëlle Gergis, Chris Hammer, James Sippo, Erik Jensen

From oceans to rivers, in flood and drought, for drinking, agriculture and industry, water is essential to life. Join Debra Dank (Terraglossia), Joëlle Gergis (Highway to Hell), Chris Hammer (The River) and James Sippo for an essential discussion on water and climate. With Erik Jensen.

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Housing in Crisis

Stage: Melaleuca

Date & Time: Saturday 09 August,
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Writers: Richard Denniss, Elizabeth Mossop, Esther Anatolitis

Sky-high rents, a generation fearing they'll be locked out of the market, and uninsurable towns. The housing crisis and climate change are on a collision course. Join Executive Director of the Australia Institute Richard Denniss and Director of Living Lab Northern Rivers Elizabeth Mossop for an urgent discussion of what can be done to restore and protect the most fundamental human right: shelter. With Esther Anatolitis.

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Green Solutions

Stage: LA&I Hall

Date & Time: Sunday 10 August,
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Writers: Amy Cutter-Mackenzie-Knowles, Judy Friedlander, Saul Griffith, Kate Saunders

What will it take to heal our planet – and how can each of us play a meaningful role? This inspiring panel explores the intersection of education, philanthropy, and community action in the fight against climate change and the practical things you can do to decarbonise, boost biodiversity, and green our world.

Find out more

Blonde haired lady smiling with bushes in background

Womanhood and Gender

Stage: Melaleuca

Date & Time: Sunday 10 August,
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Writers: Nikki Gemmell, Emily Maguire, Ita Mehrotra, Mary Spongberg

How do we define womanhood and what role does gender play in the recent works of three inimitable writers? Acclaimed authors Nikki Gemmell (Wing) and Emily Maguire (Rapture) join Indian graphic storyteller and feminist activist Ita Mehrotra (Uprooted) to explore the shape of gender and identity. With Professor Mary Spongberg.

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New Worlds: Genre

Stage: A&I Hall

Date & Time: Sunday 10 August,
2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Writers: Rachel Ang, Tigest Girma, Jennifer Mills, Lynda Hawryluk

Discover the best new and innovative fiction from three acclaimed writers, graphic novelist Rachel Ang (I Ate the Whole World to Find You), romantasy queen Tigest Girma (Immortal Dark) and speculative fiction luminary Jennifer Mills (Salvage) in conversation with Lynda Hawryluk.

Find out more

Woman smling at camera while writing in a book

Your next chapter starts here

Become a teacher and a creative writer

At Southern Cross University, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling and education. Whether you dream of inspiring future generations as a teacher or crafting compelling narratives as a writer, our degrees in Education and Arts offer the perfect foundation.

Learn from passionate educators and published authors, gain hands-on experience at events like the Byron Writers Festival, and become part of a vibrant, creative and academic community. With flexible study options and a strong focus on real-world learning, now is the time to turn your passion into purpose. Start your next chapter today—where creativity meets impact.

Learn more

For any questions, contact our partnerships team:

partnerships@scu.edu.au