Welcome to True Story Festival, a showcase of some of the best creative non-fiction writing in Australia today.

This year’s festival navigates a world in the middle of a series of convulsions and changes that are disruptive, uncomfortable, and often divisive. In response, Festival Directors Caroline Baum and Sarah Nicholson have curated informed and considered conversations, as well as some that provide a respite from conflict.

Stella Prize-winning historian Clare Wright delivers the keynote address, sharing what it took to achieve an unlikely democratic landmark through a series of bark paintings, inviting us to imagine what else might be possible.

Anthony Sharwood revisits the heroism of Polish freedom fighter Tadeusz Kosciuszko to find out why his name is on our tallest peak; fishing enthusiast Vicki Hastrich tells the forgotten story of how the world’s richest author, American Zane Grey, came to Bermagui in pursuit of deep-sea glory.

Historian Sita Sargeant, founder of She Shapes History, guides a tour through Wollongong to celebrate the lives of women whose names we should know; and, for a darker perspective on the city, Erik Eklund examines the very shadowy life of our most controversial former Wollongong mayor Frank Arkell.

And that’s just for starters… There’s so much more for you to discover, over two days of the best non-fiction from around Australia!

FULL PROGRAM RELEASED ON 23 SEPTEMBER.