True Story Festival 2025
Schedule
Sat, 15 Nov, 2025 at 03:00 am to Sun, 16 Nov, 2025 at 06:00 am
UTC+11:00Location
745 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2515 | Wollongong, NS
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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. This year we take a serious look at true crime, first nations justice, mental health, conspiracy, misinformation and truth in journalism, the history and return of fascism, women’s history and much more. Come and be part of the conversation!PROGRAM - SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER
There was a sinister, dark underside to the life of MR WOLLONGONG, the former mayor Frank Arkell. Author and historian Erik Eklund tells Professor Sue Turnbull how he uncovered the secrets of Arkell’s network and his brutal murder.
Non-fiction authors walk among us! TRUE LOCALS biographer Jeff Apter, journalists Erin O’Dwyer and Jeremy Lasek and Electrify Everything guru Saul Griffiths tell ABC Illawarra host Melinda James about their exciting new titles.
Two of the best new Australian biographers bring to life remarkable lives that deserve another look, FROM OCEAN TO MOUNTAIN. Vicki Hastrich celebrates author Zane Grey, while Anthony Sharwood travels in the footsteps of his hero, Tadeusz Kosciuscko, in conversation with Caroline Baum.
Stella Prize-winning historian Professor Clare Wright delivers our keynote address, A WAY FORWARD, telling the story behind the ṉäku dhäruk (bark petitions) created by the Yolngu people in Arnhem Land to stake their claim to their country, thus sparking the beginning of the land rights movement that ultimately acknowledged legal native title. Following the address, Clare will be in conversation with Jaymee Beveridge.
PROGRAM - SUNDAY 16 NOVEMBER
Nothing could be more topical than conspiracy theories. Ariel Bogle and Cam Wilson, co-authors of Conspiracy Nation, and Tracey Kirkland, editor of Age of Doubt, discuss all things media with fearless commentator Jan Fran — YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!
From monuments to documents, men have been the main characters in our history. Historian Dr Yves Rees and author Sita Sargeant, the founder of the She Shapes History walking tours, upend this and explain why THE REST IS HER STORY.
THE F WORD is used a lot these days in conversations about the US and right-wing politics, but what exactly is fascism? Michael Samaras explains what prompted a Wollongong steelworker to go and fight against it in the Spanish Civil War while Dennis Glover looks back at historical fascism and sounds the alarm with Siobhan McHugh.
In public, they looked poised, confident and fearless, but as high-profile social researcher Dr Rebecca Huntley and acclaimed musical star of Phantom of the Opera Josh Piterman both admit to Dr Jackie Bailey, they were haunted by trauma and anxiety. So how did they find a way to cope? HEAD ON.
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE - the festival isn't just about listening. Join the festival workshops on FINDING YOUR VOICE led by journalist and narrative strategist Erin O’Dwyer and HOW TO ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS with award-winning documentarian and author Belinda Lopez.
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Where is it happening?
745 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Coledale, NSW, Australia, New South Wales 2515, 745 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Coledale NSW 2515, Australia, WollongongEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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