Popular Weekend Events in Mandurah (September Updated)

Sparkle & Sip with Terry DaktylUnleash your creativity at Sparkle & Sip, the ultimate rhinestoning experience with the fabulous Terry Daktyl! Known for her dazzling performances and expert makeup skills, Terry will guide you through the art of rhinestoning to transform your garment into a sparkling masterpiece. Bring an item of your choice—be it a jacket, hat, dress, bag, the possibilities are endless! —and learn how to make it sparkle under the queen’s expert instruction. While you craft, enjoy a lively evening filled with fun, laughter, and jaw-dropping drag performances from Terry herself. Whether you’re a DIY pro or a total beginner, this event is perfect for anyone who loves creativity, glamour, and a good time. So bring your creative mind, your best Judy (drag slang for Bestie), and join us for a night that will leave you sparkling inside and out! 🛠️ Whats Supplied: A bag of 1000 high quality Silver or AB rhinestones, picking wax pen, & stoning tray, yours to keep. Also supplied is the rhinestone glue, chalk & design stencils. ✨ What to Bring: An item to rhinestone (clothing, accessories, shoes, etc) 🍷 Sip, Shine, and Slay: Drink and food available to purchase from venue to keep the creative vibes flowing. Early Bird tickets $55 only until 14/7, unless sold out prior General Admission tickets $65 This event is 16+. Adult themes and language used.😝 Doors at 5PM. First In Best Dressed Seating Don’t miss your chance to learn from a true rhinestone guru and experience an evening like no other. Reserve your spot now and get ready to sparkle! ✨ Valid Photo ID required for Bar Service. Venue House Policy Rules Still Apply. Be You, Be Kind. Minors must be accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian. Booking Is Essential To Avoid Disappointment. Glue is strong, but normal wear and tear or rough use can affect the longevity of the finished item. Information Source: Drag Shows AU | eventbrite

Join Dawn Mauldon In Conversation with Josephine Taylor as they discuss her memoir, Unheard Voices. This engaging event is part of the annual Readers' and Writers' Festival presented by the City of Mandurah Library & Heritage Services. Taking place from January 11 to 13, 2024, at the Seashells Resort Mandurah, this festival aims to nurture a love for reading and literature while fostering creativity within the community. The festival program offers an enriching experience for attendees, featuring a variety of established and emerging storytellers from across Western Australia. The three-day event is free to attend and includes author talks, panel discussions, and poetry readings. It provides a unique opportunity to engage with the vibrant literary scene and discover untold stories. Dawn Mauldon, the first-born hearing child of Deaf adults, will share her personal journey and insights into language and culture. Her memoir, Unheard Voices, delves into her mother's experiences growing up deaf in rural Victoria during the 1920s, as well as her own upbringing with Deaf parents. Through intimate and evocative prose, Dawn explores the challenges, joys, and resilience that come with love and belonging. In Conversation, Josephine Taylor, a writer, editor, and Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Writing at Edith Cowan University, will join Dawn to delve deeper into the themes and experiences explored in Unheard Voices. Josephine's expertise and literary accomplishments make her a sought-after teacher, mentor, and judge in the field of literary fiction and creative non-fiction. This event is not to be missed, and places are limited, so bookings are required. Tea and coffee will be provided, and there will be an opportunity to have your book signed. The festival bookseller for this event is Dymocks Busselton. Please note that the event will be Auslan Interpreted. Join us at Seashells Mandurah on January 13, 2024, for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation with Dawn Mauldon and Josephine Taylor as they explore the power of Unheard Voices.

Join Lucy Gray for an immersive 3-hour workshop on botanical watercolour painting. This introductory session is perfect for beginners and requires no prior experience or skills. Lucy, an experienced Fine Artist with a BA(FA) in Fine Art, will guide participants in a calm and intentional manner, offering individual attention within a group setting. During the workshop, attendees will learn the fundamentals of mixing and applying watercolour to botanical subject matter. Through a series of exercises, participants will practice their botanical watercolour painting techniques. By the end of the session, each participant will have completed their own botanical watercolour painting, which will be beautifully framed and ready to hang in their home. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from an experienced artist in a serene and focused environment. The workshop will take place on January 20, 2024, at Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah in Mandurah, WA. Tickets are available for $100. Immerse yourself in the world of botanical watercolour painting and discover the joy of creating your own masterpiece.

Join Michelle Johnston In Conversation with Josephine Taylor as they discuss her novel, Tiny Uncertain Miracles. This engaging conversation is part of the annual Readers' and Writers' Festival, presented by the City of Mandurah Library & Heritage Services. Taking place from January 11 to January 13, 2024, at the beautiful Seashells Resort Mandurah, this festival aims to inspire a love for reading and literature while fostering creativity within the community. The festival's three-day program is free to attend and offers a diverse range of activities, including author talks, panel discussions, and poetry readings. Michelle Johnston, an esteemed Emergency Physician and author, will share insights from her novels, Dustfall and Tiny Uncertain Miracles. Her gripping stories are influenced by her experiences in an inner-city trauma hospital, making them both captivating and authentic. Tiny Uncertain Miracles follows the journey of Marick, a man grappling with loss and faith, who finds himself unexpectedly appointed as a chaplain at a public hospital. There, he meets Hugo, a scientist exploring the astonishing possibility of bacteria producing gold. Set during the Christmas season, this tender and thought-provoking novel delves into themes of family, friendship, and the search for miracles. In this conversation, Josephine Taylor, a talented writer, editor, and Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Writing at Edith Cowan University, will delve into the intricate details of Tiny Uncertain Miracles. Taylor's debut novel, Eye of a Rook, was shortlisted in the WA Premier's Book Awards, and she is highly sought after as a teacher, mentor, and judge in the literary fiction and creative non-fiction space. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to engage with these exceptional authors. Book your place now for Michelle Johnston's In Conversation event, followed by a Q&A session and book signing. Limited spaces are available, so make sure to secure your spot. Tea and coffee will be provided, and Dymocks Busselton will be the festival bookseller. Join us at Seashells Mandurah on January 20, 2024, for an enriching and inspiring experience.

Discover your child's inner creativity and make new friends at Adventures in Art for Children - Wonderful Watercolour! These art workshops, suitable for children aged 4 to 15 years, offer a series of engaging and educational experiences. Led by the experienced facilitator Kerry Davies, these workshops focus on the beautiful medium of watercolour painting. At Adventures in Art for Children - Wonderful Watercolour, children will not only learn the techniques of watercolour painting, but also embrace the unpredictable nature of this medium. By enjoying the process and expressing themselves creatively, children will discover the joy of artistic exploration. Mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning and growth in this artistic journey. Your child will be encouraged to embrace their mistakes and learn from them, fostering a sense of resilience and an understanding that mistakes are an integral part of the creative process. So join us at the City of Mandurah - Lakelands Library and Community Centre, located at 49 Banksiadale Gate, Lakelands, WA 6180 on February 17, 2024, for this wonderful event. This is an opportunity for your child to immerse themselves in the world of art, develop their skills, and have a great time. Best of all, admission is free! Don't miss out on this unique adventure in art for children.

Discover the captivating world of natural inks at the Introduction to Natural Inks with Helen Coleman - 1 day workshop $90. This immersive arts event, hosted by the renowned artist Helen Coleman, will take place in the vibrant city of Mandurah at the esteemed venue, Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah. Located at 63 Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah, WA 6210, this workshop promises to be an enlightening experience for all art enthusiasts. Set your calendars for the date: 2024-02-18, as this is an opportunity that cannot be missed. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature as Helen Coleman guides you through the process of creating your own natural inks using organic materials and traditional techniques. With a ticket price of only $90, this workshop is an affordable investment in your artistic journey. So why wait? Take a leap into the world of natural inks and let your creativity flow at Introduction to Natural Inks with Helen Coleman.

Join Lucy Gray for an immersive workshop on Botanical Line Drawing, where participants will learn the fundamentals of this artistic technique. This three-hour introductory course will provide a comprehensive overview of the art of botanical line drawing, focusing on Australian native plants as a source of inspiration. No prior skills or experience are required to participate in this workshop. Throughout the workshop, Lucy, an experienced Fine Artist with a BA(FA) Bachelor of Fine Art, will guide attendees with calm and intentional instruction. Drawing techniques, basic composition theory, and botanical line drawing exercises will be covered in detail. Participants will also have the opportunity to complete their own botanical line drawing during the session. At the end of the workshop, attendees will take home their finished botanical line drawing, beautifully framed and ready to hang. This workshop offers a unique and engaging experience for anyone interested in exploring their creativity through botanical line drawing. Botanical Basics 101 - Botanical Line Drawing Workshop with Lucy Gray will take place on February 24, 2024, at the Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah in Mandurah, WA. Tickets for this event are priced at $70. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a talented artist in a serene and focused environment.

Discover the captivating world of embroidery at the highly anticipated Embroidered Portrait Workshop with Susie Vickery $90. Held in the vibrant city of Mandurah, this exceptional arts event is set to take place at the prestigious Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah, located at 63 Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah, WA 6210. Mark your calendars for the exciting date of February 24, 2024, and prepare to immerse yourself in the intricate art of embroidered portraiture. With a ticket price of $90, you can secure your spot at this exclusive workshop and embark on a creative journey unlike any other. Susie Vickery, renowned for her expertise in embroidery, will guide participants through the process of creating stunning embroidered portraits. From mastering the techniques to exploring the endless possibilities of color and texture, this workshop promises to ignite your artistic spirit and leave you with a masterpiece to cherish. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to learn from a true master of the craft. Reserve your place at the Embroidered Portrait Workshop with Susie Vickery $90 today and unleash your inner artist.

Adventures in Art for Children - Plaster Canvas Art offers a series of captivating workshops tailored for children aged 4 to 15 years. Whether attending one or all of the workshops, children will have the opportunity to discover their inner creative and form new friendships in a supportive environment. Led by the experienced facilitator, Sarah Petrich from Community Arts Australia, this creative workshop will introduce children to the fascinating world of plaster canvas art techniques. Through hands-on exploration, children will learn how to create textured and vibrant artwork that showcases their artistic talents. The workshop will take place at the City of Mandurah - Lakelands Library and Community Centre, located at 49 Banksiadale Gate, Lakelands, WA 6180. This incredible adventure in art for children is not to be missed. Unfortunately, tickets for this event are already sold out. Stay tuned for future opportunities to engage in enriching artistic experiences.

Adventures In Art for Children presents an exciting series of workshops designed to inspire young artists aged 4 to 15 years. Whether attending one session or joining us for the entire series, children will have the opportunity to unleash their inner creativity and forge new friendships. The focus of these workshops is on exploring imagination and artistic expression through the creation of vibrant and colorful jellyfish artwork, using a variety of materials. Led by talented facilitator Kerry Davies, each workshop will take place at the City of Mandurah - Lakelands Library and Community Centre, located at 49 Banksiadale Gate, Lakelands, WA 6180. Mark your calendars for March 2, 2024, when this not-to-be-missed event will take place. Best of all, attendance is free, making it accessible to all families who wish to participate in this wonderful artistic adventure. Join us as we dive into the world of art and discover the joy of creating jellyfish masterpieces. Don't miss out on this opportunity to nurture your child's artistic talent and watch them flourish.

Wired Up! - Combining wool & wire for jewellery and sculpted forms $90 is an intriguing arts event happening in the beautiful city of Mandurah. Hosted at the renowned Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah, located at 63 Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah, WA 6210, this event promises to be a captivating experience for art enthusiasts. Scheduled to take place on March 9, 2024, this event offers a unique opportunity to witness the fusion of wool and wire in the creation of stunning jewellery and sculpted forms. The ticket price for this event is an affordable $90, ensuring that art lovers from all walks of life can participate and appreciate the talent on display. With a focus on combining different materials and techniques, Wired Up! showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of artists who have mastered the art of working with wool and wire. Whether you are a seasoned art connoisseur or simply looking for a delightful way to spend your day, this event is not to be missed. Immerse yourself in the world of wearable art and sculptural forms, and marvel at the innovative ways in which wool and wire are brought together. Mark your calendars and get ready to be enthralled by the magic of Wired Up! - Combining wool & wire for jewellery and sculpted forms $90.

Adventures In Art for Children – Collage Cardboard Rainbow offers an exciting series of art workshops catered specifically to children between the ages of 4 and 15. Whether attending one or all of the workshops, children will have the opportunity to explore their inner creativity while forging new friendships. This engaging experience promises a vibrant and tactile adventure as participants create a stunning rainbow collage adorned with an array of colors and sparkle, employing a variety of materials. The event will be held at the City of Mandurah - Lakelands Library and Community Centre, located at 49 Banksiadale Gate in Lakelands, WA 6180. Led by the talented facilitator, Kerry Davies, this event is perfect for any child with an interest in art. The Adventures In Art for Children – Collage Cardboard Rainbow event will take place on March 9, 2024, and best of all, it's completely free of charge. Join in on this incredible opportunity to ignite your child's imagination and foster their artistic talents.

Mark your calendars for an extraordinary opportunity to join the Embroidered Portrait Workshop with Susie Vickery for $90 in Mandurah. This exclusive arts event will take place at the renowned Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah, located at 63 Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah, WA 6210, on March 10, 2024. Immerse yourself in the world of embroidery and portrait creation under the expert guidance of Susie Vickery. This workshop promises a unique experience where participants can unleash their creativity and learn new skills in a supportive environment. With a ticket price of just $90, this event offers tremendous value for art enthusiasts looking to enhance their craft. Don't miss this extra date for the Embroidered Portrait Workshop with Susie Vickery - reserve your spot now and embark on a journey of artistic discovery.

Adventures In Art for Children – Impasto Ocean Art is a series of art workshops designed for children aged 4 to 15 years. Whether attending one or all of the workshops, participants will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity and forge new friendships. Led by the experienced facilitator, Sarah Petrich, children will have the chance to explore the impasto technique, a method that involves layering and adding depth to paintings. By using this technique, children will create vibrant and visually striking pieces that capture the movement and vitality of the ocean. The workshops will take place at the City of Mandurah - Lakelands Library and Community Centre, located at 49 Banksiadale Gate, Lakelands, WA 6180. This event offers a unique opportunity for children to engage in a creative and educational experience, all while having a great time. Best of all, attendance is completely free. Don't miss out on this exciting adventure in art! Mark your calendars for March 16, 2024, and join us on this artistic journey. Come and discover your inner artist, make new friends, and create stunning ocean-inspired masterpieces.

Join Alyssa's Birthday Twerkshop in Mandurah to celebrate her 25th birthday at Dance Coaching Australia on Magenta Terrace. This advanced beginner level twerkshop focuses on choreography rather than skills, welcoming all levels of experience. Whether you are new to twerking or a seasoned booty shaker, this event promises to teach you something new. The only requirement is your enthusiasm! Take part in this fun routine on April 13, 2024, with a ticket price of A$43.66. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to shake what you've got and learn from Alyssa herself.

Discover an exclusive event at the City of Mandurah - Mandurah Library on April 20, 2024, featuring renowned authors David Whish-Wilson and Karen Herbert. David Whish-Wilson presents his latest noir novel, "I am already Dead," a thrilling story following trainee private investigator Lee Southern as he uncovers a web of danger and deceit. Meanwhile, Karen Herbert introduces "Vertigo," a gripping tale of public servant Frances delving into a corruption scandal that leads to unexpected twists. David Whish-Wilson, an accomplished author with eight novels to his name, brings a wealth of experience to his writing, drawing from a diverse background across various continents. On the other hand, Karen Herbert, known for her compelling works like "The River Mouth," combines her professional expertise in aged care and Indigenous land management with a talent for storytelling. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with these talented authors and delve into the depths of mystery and intrigue. Admission is free for all attendees at this captivating literary event.

Looking for an exhilarating challenge that will get your adrenaline pumping? Look no further than the XLR8 FAMILY OBSTACLE COURSE EVENT coming to Baldivis on May 5, 2024. This action-packed event will be held at 1633 Mandurah Road and promises a thrilling experience for participants of all ages. With ticket prices ranging from $70.84 to $215.93, this obstacle course offers a fantastic opportunity for families to come together and conquer various hurdles and obstacles. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun physical challenge, the XLR8 FAMILY OBSTACLE COURSE EVENT is the perfect way to test your limits and bond with loved ones. So mark your calendars, gather your crew, and get ready to push yourself to the limit at this exciting event in Baldivis.

Get ready to tackle the ultimate challenge at the XLR8 OBSTACLE COURSE EVENT in Baldivis! Located at 1633 Mandurah Road, this adrenaline-pumping obstacle course will push your limits and test your physical abilities. Mark your calendars for May 19, 2024, and prepare to conquer obstacles that will leave you breathless. From beginners to experienced thrill-seekers, this event caters to all levels of fitness. With ticket prices ranging from $50.38 to $853.05, there's a package for everyone. So, gather your friends and family for a day of excitement and adventure. Don't miss out on this opportunity to challenge yourself and experience the thrill of the XLR8 OBSTACLE COURSE EVENT.

Looking for a thrilling and action-packed family event? Look no further than the XLR8 FAMILY OBSTACLE COURSE EVENT in Baldivis! Located at 1633 Mandurah Road, this adrenaline-pumping obstacle course is set to take place on June 9, 2024. With ticket prices ranging from $70.84 to $175.14, this event promises an unforgettable experience for all participants. Challenge your limits, test your agility, and bond with your loved ones as you navigate through a series of obstacles designed to push you to your physical and mental edge. Whether you are a seasoned obstacle course enthusiast or a first-time participant, the XLR8 FAMILY OBSTACLE COURSE EVENT offers something for everyone. So mark your calendars, gather your family and friends, and get ready to XLR8 your way through an exciting day of fun and adventure!

The Kids Holiday Obstacle Course Event in Baldivis offers an exhilarating experience for children aged 5 to 14, featuring mud, water, and over 30 obstacles to conquer. Participants will receive a personalized certificate and a wristband, with the option to choose between a 1km, 2km, or 3km run. This event is designed to help children of all athletic abilities connect with their inner warrior while having fun and bonding with friends. Group bookings are available at a discounted rate for birthday parties or team outings. Parents are encouraged to support and cheer for their children from the sidelines throughout the event. Safety is a top priority, and additional support is provided for children with specific needs. Participants are expected to adhere to event rules and etiquette, with a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior. By purchasing a ticket, participants agree to the terms and conditions outlined by XLR8 Assault Course Events. Don't miss this exciting opportunity for your child to have a memorable and challenging experience in a safe outdoor environment.

Miles Noel is an experienced photographer, designer, illustrator and painter. The workshop will cover tips and tricks on how to document 2D and 3D artwork using an iPhone and Digital SLR in natural light. These skills will come in handy for documenting your work, for use on social media and improving your chances of being selected for art competitions. What you will learn: Iphone camera settingsUsing a tripodShooting works behind glassBasics of natural light, angles and using reflectorsBasics of using a DSLR camera and a demo of post-production editing.Styling 3D works: Using coloured backdrops, (paper, painted boards and fabric) and plinths.Location - Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah (CASM), Community Workshop Space Date - Saturday, 12 October 2024 Time -9am - 11am Accessibility -wheelchair accessible, ACROD parking, accessible toilet onsite Acknowledgements - this event is presented by Miles Noel Information Source: City of Mandurah | eventbrite

Come and mingle with some food, drinks and good atmosphere. Our acoustic sessions have had a lot of traction in previous years and we are so stoked to be holding another one this spring! We've teamed up with Barefoot Raw this time and all proceeds will go towards their not for profit on mens mental health. The night will be filled with great social opportunites to unwind and listen to some talented musicians Entry includes: 5 hours of live music 5x drink vouchers Lavish grazing table by Barefoot and Boho Events Watch our socials for announcements of the amazing set list @barefootandboho_ @barefootraw_ This event is an above 18+ event. Bring your friends and enjoy the night Information Source: Barefoot and Boho Events | eventbrite

Meet and hear from the four time Premiership and Norm Smith Medalist Isaac Smith at The Sporting Globe Floreat's special post-season Locker Room edition. Thursday, October 24, 2024, 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM. Hear Isaac's journey from being undrafted in 2009 to a meteoric rise through local and state leagues to being picked at 14 by Hawthorn the following year. Enjoy an in-depth interview about his years through the Hawks dynasty and his late career switch to Geelong, participate in a Q&A session and more! Don't miss this unique opportunity to get up close with an AFL great! Ticket Price: GA $30pp incl 1x Pint of Little Bull, House Wine or Soft DrinkThis event will sell out, so get your tickets today! For any further enquiries or to make a large group booking, please contact us at floreat@sportingglobe.com.au Information Source: The Sporting Globe Bar & Grill | eventbrite

Join us at the Old Pinjarra Court House to explore the dancefloor murder that shocked Australia with historian, academic and author Leigh Straw. ~ The Ballroom Murder In August 1925, Audrey Jacob shot dead her former fiancé, Cyril Gidley, in full view of hundreds of guests at a charity ball in Perth’s Government House. When she was arrested, she still held the gun in her hand. It was a open and shut case of wilful murder – that is until Jacob assigned prosecutor Arthur Haynes to her defence. His ability to play the press and the jury for sympathy would lead to a sensational result. The Ballroom Murder is a true crime story that is rich with first-hand newspaper accounts from the day, and demonstrates the power of the press and privilege in an extraordinary judicial outcome. ~ Meet the Author Leigh Straw is an academic, historian and writer. She is the author of true crime biographies of Australian crime figures Kate Leigh and Dulcie Markham, and Australia’s first female detective, Lillian Armfield. Leigh was the joint winner of the 2018 Margaret Medcalf Award for her book After the War: Returned Soldiers and the Mental and Physical Scars of World War I. ~ Morning tea provided, register today to secure your spot! Information Source: Murray Library | eventbrite

Get ready to tackle the ultimate challenge at the XLR8 OBSTACLE COURSE EVENT in Baldivis. This heart-pounding event will take place on November 17, 2024, at 1633 Mandurah Road. Participants will push their limits and test their endurance on a thrilling course filled with obstacles designed to challenge both body and mind. From climbing walls to mud pits, this event offers a one-of-a-kind experience for adrenaline junkies and fitness enthusiasts alike. With ticket prices ranging from $50.38 to $853.05, there's a package for every budget. Don't miss your chance to join in on the action and see if you have what it takes to conquer the XLR8 OBSTACLE COURSE EVENT. Get ready to push yourself to the limit and show off your skills in this epic test of strength and determination.

For our final session of the Mandurah Readers & Writers Festival, join Chris Ferreira, founder of The Forever Project to discuss his book A Place in the Country. Stay on after the session and enjoy drinks and nibbles to celebrate the end of the festival and plant a pot of seeds from the Mandurah Libraries Seed Collection. The Readers’ and Writers’ Festival is an annual adult literature event presented by City of Mandurah Library Services. In 2025 it will be held from 16 – 18 January at the Seashells Resort Mandurah. The aim of the festival is to foster a love of reading and literature and encourage creativity in our community. This year the festival brings together an array of established and emerging storytellers from across Western Australia. The free to attend three-day festival includes author talks, and panel discussions. Chris Ferreira Chris Ferreira grew up on Greenacre Riding School and watched thirty-odd horses progressively destroy his family property. But this became the catalyst for his passion to heal the land and, after studying forestry at ANU and travelling through remote and degraded parts of Asia and Africa, he came back charged with a purpose to resurrect his beloved farm. Twelve years of planning and 30,000 plants later, this 83-acre ‘classroom’ launched Chris’s career and his award-winning program Heavenly Hectares. An adjunct lecturer in sustainability at Murdoch University, Chris is well known for his Hamilton Hill Sustainable Home project. He makes regular appearances on television and radio, and contributions to sustainable land management publications A Place in the Country A Place in the Country is essential reading for anyone who has, or plans to have, a rural property in Australia or New Zealand. Whether your goal is food, profit or enjoyment, this book offers the ‘eyes wide open’ approach to creating your own beautiful, productive and sustainable rural landscape. You’ll also find expert knowledge on FireWise landscape design, best practices for protecting your property, and vital strategies for reducing the risk posed by bushfires. Suitable for old hands and first-timers alike, and for hobby farms of all shapes and sizes, A Place in the Country gives practical advice to help you achieve long-term peace and prosperity on the land. What to Expect: 4.00pm: In Conversation 4.45pm: Q & A 5.00pm: Book signing and Seed Planting 5.00pm: Drinks & Nibbles Places are limited. Bookings required. Tea & Coffee provided. Festival Bookseller is Dymocks Busselton Information Source: City of Mandurah - Libraries | eventbrite

Telling your story can sometimes be a difficult and challenging task, join us as Gerard McCann and Khin Myint discuss their writing journey, in conversation with Anne-Louise Willoughby. The Readers’ and Writers’ Festival is an annual adult literature event presented by City of Mandurah Library & Heritage Services. In 2025 it will be held from 16 – 18 January at the Seashells Resort Mandurah. The aim of the festival is to foster a love of reading and literature and encourage creativity in our community. This year the festival brings together an array of established and emerging storytellers from across WA. The free to attend three-day festival includes author talks, and panel discussions. Gerard McCann Born in the Western Australian wheatbelt town of Goomalling, Gerard grew up in the Perth suburb of Cottesloe, the second of five boys in a staunch Catholic family. After school with the Jesuits, he studied Architecture at the Perth Technical College and the University of WA. He completed an Arts degree at UWA in the 1990s, majoring in Australian and American literature. In 2012, he re-immersed himself in non-fiction writing which led to Gerard write a memoir of his childhood, which developed into a major exploration of clerical sexual abuse and its lifelong consequences. He lives with his life partner in Fremantle. Khin Myint Khin Myint's searing debut memoir explores a family grappling with the right to die in the face of a non-terminal illness. His writing has received critical acclaim and has appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald, Slate Magazine and The West Australian. Anatomy of a Secret – Gerard McCann A courageous memoir about the personal toll of seeking justice from the Catholic Church. As a boy, Gerard was sexually abused by a Catholic priest at his local church. As a grown man, he confronts the trauma of the abuse he suffered and the psychological aftermath of the experience, grappling with shame, guilt, and the devastating impact it had on his family, relationships and sense of self. Despite the pain he endured, this is ultimately a story of hope and healing, of acknowledging pain and seeking support, of honesty and justice. Anatomy of a Secret is a raw, compelling memoir that bravely shares long-silenced, unspoken truths. Fragile Creatures – Khin Myint Khin's sister Theda has a strange illness, and a euthanasia drug locked in a box under her bed. Her doctor thinks her problem is purely physical, and so does she, but Khin is not so sure. He knows what they both went through growing up in Perth – it wasn't welcoming back then for a Burmese-Australian family. With Theda's condition getting worse, Khin heads off to the United States. He needs to sort things out with his ex-partner. Once there, events take a very odd turn, and he finds himself in court. This is a family story told with humour, wonderment and complete honesty. It's about care, truth and the hardest choices – and what happens when realities clash. How do we balance responsibility for others with what we owe ourselves? Fragile Creatures will sweep you up and leave you stunned at its power. Anne-Louise Willoughby Anne Louise holds a PhD in Creative Writing in the genre of Biography from the University of Western Australia and teaches in the School of Humanities’ Creative Writing program. Anne-Louise is the author of the biography Nora Heysen: A Portrait published by Fremantle Press in 2019. She lives in Fremantle, Western Australia What to Expect: 2.00pm: In Conversation 2.45pm: Q & A 3.00pm: Book signing Places are limited. Bookings required. Tea & Coffee provided. Festival Bookseller is Dymocks Busselton Information Source: City of Mandurah - Libraries | eventbrite

Join us in this session with Katherine Allum as she discusses her 2023 Fogarty Award winning novel The Skeleton House, in conversation with Kathy Heys. The Mandurah Readers’ and Writers’ Festival is an annual adult literature event presented by City of Mandurah Library Services. In 2025 it will be held from 16 – 18 January at the Seashells Resort Mandurah. The aim of the festival is to foster a love of reading and literature and encourage creativity in our community. This year the festival brings together an array of established and emerging storytellers from across Western Australia. The free to attend three-day festival includes author talks, and panel discussions. Katherine Allum Katherine Allum is an award-winning fiction author. Her debut novel, The Skeleton House, won the 2023 Fogarty Literary Award. American-born, she grew up in four different states, but has strongest ties to Portland, Oregon and regional southwest Nevada. After spending several years in the UK, where she completed a Master of Arts at City, University of London, she now lives in Perth with her husband. She does her best story plotting while swimming. The Skeleton House Full of simmering tensions, Katherine Allum's award-winning debut novel, The Skeleton House, pulls back the layers on a seemingly perfect family, exposing the complexities of marriage and motherhood when you are fighting to keep your own identity, no matter the cost. Meg's life is woven into the fabric of St Stephens. It's a tapestry made of two precious children, a hidden truth and a husband whose ideas of a perfect wife do not match her own. When Meg puts her foot down on a third kid, gets a job and is empowered by the same book group that was meant to keep her in her place, her marriage begins to disintegrate. Set in a tiny Mormon community, this is a novel about resilience and courage - the fierceness of mother-love and the power that comes with never forgetting who you really are. Kathy Heys Kathy Heys graduated from UWA with a degree in English Literature and a Graduate Diploma of Education and embarked on a career teaching in public schools. She is the Head of English at Coodanup College, a position she has held for eight years. Highlights of Kathy’s reading journey include meeting Markus Zusak and visiting Jane Austen’s house. Kathy is also currently studying Creative Writing at Curtin University. What to Expect: 11.00am: In Conversation 11:45am: Q & A 12noon Book signing Places are limited. Bookings required. Tea & Coffee provided. Festival Bookseller is Dymocks Busselton Information Source: City of Mandurah - Libraries | eventbrite