We champion a festival ethos of diversity, inclusion, and respect for all. We celebrate and honour the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the lands our communities inhabit, including the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, Jupagulk, Wadawurrung, Boon Wurrung, Gunai Kurnai, Mutthi Mutthi, and Barkindji

Our festival aims to showcase a rich tapestry of writers from various backgrounds, identities, and abilities, ensuring everyone finds space to connect, share, and thrive. We strive for best-inclusive practices across all festival aspects, from participation to representation. Our endeavour is to foster an environment where diversity fuels innovation and excellence, allowing every participant to bring their whole selves to the festival, ensuring that the inclusion and access of people from diverse cultural backgrounds, those with disabilities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are always a priority.

We are committed to creating a festival that not only acknowledges but actively celebrates and supports the diversity of our community. This includes a commitment to gender equality, disability justice advocacy, and the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring that our festival is a safe, accessible, and vibrant space for everyone. We invite you to join us in this celebration of storytelling, where every voice is valued, and every story matters.