We’re back for our second year—rising higher, louder, and more heartfully than ever. This year, the Regional Writers Rise Festival invites you to explore the theme of compassion—for ourselves, our communities, our planet, and our stories. Across Gippsland and online, we’ll be creating spaces for both quiet connection and bold creative expression. Through meaningful conversations, immersive workshops, and moments of shared inspiration, we’ll ask: what does it mean to write—and live—with empathy? Whether you’re a first-time festival-goer or a returning friend, we invite you to gather with us in Traralgon, Morwell, Moe, or from wherever you are. The events below are just the beginning.

Join us the weekend before the festival for Write With Me, an online writing session led by Gippsland Writers Network president Vicky Daddo. A focused, motivating space to connect and get words on the page.

What to Expect at the 2025 Regional Writers Rise Festival

This year’s festival is full of heart, creativity, and connection. You’ll find an inspiring mix of live author chats, thought-provoking conversations, hands-on workshops, and playful new experiences—like our online storytelling RPG Rolling Local Legends. Join us for a compassion-themed weekend that brings together established voices and emerging talents, celebrates Gippsland’s vibrant writing community, and makes space for courage, care, and imagination. From speed-meeting local authors to exploring leadership and empathy through story, from celebrating our short story competition winners to activating your own writer self—there’s something here to spark every writer and reader.

And we’re not done yet. More events will be revealed soon, so keep an eye out below.

Our 2025 Festival Program

For those who can’t join us physically, our digital doors are open, offering access to workshops and recorded sessions to make sure no one misses out, no matter where they’re located. This inclusivity reaches out to writers across and beyond Gippsland, understanding the challenges of geographic isolation. Want to enter our writing competition? See competition details and entry form here!

The Regional Writers Rise Festival is more than a celebration; it’s a movement towards recognising and appreciating the diverse narratives that make up our region. We invite you to explore our program, take part in our activities, and share your story. Join us in creating a space where creativity flourishes, connections are made, and voices are amplified.

Let’s embark on this exciting journey of discovery, collaboration, and celebration together. Welcome to a festival where every writer rises, and every story shines.