Literary AllSorts 2026 Returns to Kyogle with Stories, Poetry and Powerful Conversations
Kyogle will once again become a hub of creativity and conversation when Literary AllSorts 2026 brings celebrated writers, poets and thinkers to town on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 May. The popular Northern Rivers festival promises two days of engaging panel discussions, readings and workshops designed to connect readers with both emerging local voices and nationally recognised authors 📚✨
The festival opens on Friday afternoon at the Roxy Gallery with Celebrating Home Grown Talent, a panel featuring local authors Leanne Murner, Annie Barrett and Diana Jarman, chaired by indyNR’s Susanna Freymark. The session highlights the strength of independent publishing pathways and the determination required to bring personal stories to print.
Following this, From Stage to Page: Writing the Story of Drag Legend Stan Munro explores the colourful journey behind Munro’s biography. Stan Munro joins co-author William Brougham and publisher Leanne Murner to reflect on the creative process behind documenting a remarkable performance career filled with glitter, resilience and theatrical flair.
Poetry continues to hold a special place in Kyogle’s literary culture, and this year’s program features readings from Carlie Daley, Maria van Neerven and Sarah Temporal ahead of the official festival launch at 6.00pm. The evening will also showcase winners of the ever-popular Kyogle Poetry Competition.
Saturday’s sessions at the KMI Hall deliver another strong and diverse lineup. A highlight is A Crime and a Place, a panel examining how crime writing intersects with landscape and society. Marele Day, Lisa Walker, Georgia Harper and Mike Burge will discuss how setting shapes storytelling and suspense across their works.
Acclaimed author Melissa Lucashenko returns to the festival to discuss her first nonfiction collection, Not Quite White in the Head, in conversation with ABC North Coast’s Bridie Tanner. The book blends essays and speeches that explore identity, justice and truth with honesty, humour and hope.
Emeritus Professor Leslie Head will also present her latest work, Beyond Green: The Social Life of Australian Nature, alongside environmental historian Nancy Cushing. Their discussion explores how Australians relate to nature and how communities can respond to biodiversity loss and climate change with optimism and action.
The festival concludes with Truth and Story – Identity in a Changing Country, featuring Mirandi Riwoe, Tyree Barnette and Maria van Neerven, chaired by Melissa Lucashenko. The session examines belonging and identity in contemporary Australia through fiction, poetry and lived experience.
Young readers are not forgotten. On Saturday morning, Leanne Murner will host Finding Your Inner Creature at Kyogle Library, encouraging children to explore imagination and storytelling through a fun, creative workshop 🐾
Organisers acknowledge the ongoing support of Kyogle Council, Richmond-Upper Clarence Regional Library, Arts Northern Rivers, The Book Warehouse Lismore and indyNR. Their backing ensures Kyogle continues to host one of the Northern Rivers’ most welcoming literary gatherings.
More information and tickets are available at www.kraw.com.au.
