Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd joins satirist Clancy Overell, former Noosa Mayor Bob Abbot, beloved Brisbane author Kristina Olsson and a host of Queensland writers at the 2026 Eumundi Writers Festival in the first weekend of September.
Kevin Rudd will chat about going from Eumundi boy to global leader. IMAGE supplied
Festival Director, Dr Suzanne Campin, said this year’s theme was The Human Condition.
‘We have invited writers and readers to look at what it is to be human at the most challenging of times ─ in war, in love, through family ties and through crime stories,’ Ms Campin said.
The three day festival celebrating the written word is held in the Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Eumundi from Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September.
Featured events include an In Conversation between former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Betoota Advocate editor Clancy Overell on Saturday 5 September at 10.30 am at The Imperial Hotel.The former PM will talk candidly about politics and his journey from Eumundi boy to global mover and shaker. Book here
Betoota Advocate editor and satirical writer Clancy Overell IMAGE supplied
Other highlights include:
- ‘Jumpstart your writing’ workshop with Queensland crime/mystery writer KM Steele
- ‘Writing with AI: craft, ethics and creative control’ workshop with Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester
- ‘Crafting powerful stories of buried pasts, loss and the healing power of love’ panel with Kristina Olsson, Sarah Clutton and Paula MClean
- Former Noosa Mayor Bob Abbott In Conversation with author Simon Cleary and editor Clancy Overell on ‘What’s in my memoir and why I did what I did’
- Autobiographical fiction panel with Miles Franklin nominee Steve MinOn, journalist and author Vivienne Wynter and ABC Radio Sunshine Coast presenter Sheridan Stewart
- FREE EVENT Closing celebration with Professor Roly Sussex, Anna Campbell and Festival Director Suzanne Campin.
Full program of ticketed and free events here
Dr Campin said the Eumundi Writers Festival aimed to take people into another realm to explore the uniqueness and importance of the ‘human-to-human’ connection through words, something AI could not achieve.
ARTWORK: Ellenie Faith Kirkman
She said the festival’s intimate village format was central to its appeal, giving people the chance to connect through books, ideas and shared experiences.
EWF is a smaller, more intimate vibe than some writers’ festivals. IMAGE supplied
‘We focus on the needs of writers at all stages of their craft with a program of inspirational authors, mentors, publishers and professional development opportunities.’
eumundiwritersfestival.com.au/
Group photo of the EWF Opening Party 2025 at top of story by Charmaine Lyons
