29 June – 30 July

The upcoming Words in Winter festival promises diverse sessions exploring crime, ideology, farming, self-publishing, history, and memory. Attendees will delve into the impacts of crime in small communities, the influences of political ideologies, the journey of saffron farming, the intricacies of self-publishing, Melbourne’s history and ancient memory techniques applied in the modern world.

Charlie Bezzina, Sandra Goldbloom Zurbo, Rosie Pamic, Heather Whitford Roche, Robyn Annear. Photos courtesy Tarrangower Times

Exploring the impact of crime in small communities

A panel discussion titled ‘Torn Apart: Small Communities, Big Crimes’ will delve into the significant ramifications of crime in close-knit communities. Featuring Charlie Bezzina, Phil Cleary, and Carmel Bird, the session will focus on how serious crimes affect individuals and the broader community dynamics when everyone knows each other.

Charlie Bezzina, a former homicide detective, brings extensive experience from the Victorian Police force, where he handled high-profile cases such as the underworld murder of Alphonse Gangitano, the murder of heart surgeon Dr Victor Chang, and the suspicious death of sports media personality Clinton Grybas. Bezzina’s commendations include awards for dedication, commitment, professionalism, and leadership. Post-retirement, he has worked in establishing the Integrity Unit of Investigators for Greyhound Racing Victoria and as a private investigator, consultant, and corporate speaker. His insights promise a deep understanding of crime’s impact on small communities.

Ideologies explored through literature

In the session ‘Reds Under Our Beds’, Sandra Goldbloom Zurbo will examine how ideologies intertwine with personal lives and societal conflicts. Zurbo, a seasoned author with works in journals such as Griffith Review and Westerly, and books like The Book of Rachel and My Father’s Shadow: A Memoir, will bring a unique perspective rooted in her personal history and professional experience. Raised by a prominent antiwar activist and covert Communist Party member, Zurbo’s narrative explores the intimate effects of political beliefs on family and community.

Saffron farming: From farm to table

‘Growing, Produce, and Cooking with Saffron’ will feature Rosie Pamic of Squirrel Gully Saffron, who, alongside her partner Drew, turned a neglected 10-acre property near Dunolly into a thriving saffron farm. Rosie will discuss the labour-intensive process of saffron cultivation and share insights from their off-grid farming journey. The session will include a cooking demonstration, highlighting saffron’s culinary applications.

Self-publishing: Insights from local authors

Heather Whitford Roche will chair a panel on ‘Self-Publishing and Marketing Your Own Book’, featuring local authors Helena Kidd, Maria Lacey, and Val Dwyer. The panellists will share their experiences and offer valuable advice on navigating the self-publishing landscape. Roche, an author of two novels, Finding Eliza and Issie Mac, is deeply involved in the regional writing community and focuses on themes of family, belonging, and attachment.

Exploring historical narratives

Robyn Annear, a historian and author of eight books, will share insights from her latest works, Corners of Melbourne and Adrift in Melbourne. Annear, who featured in the documentary The Lost City of Melbourne and hosts the podcast Nothing on TV, brings a wealth of knowledge on Melbourne’s history, making her sessions a must-attend for history enthusiasts.

Memory techniques: Ancient to modern

Dr Lynne Kelly AO, a science writer and Adjunct Research Fellow at LaTrobe University, will discuss her research on memory techniques used by non-literate cultures. Her works, including The Memory Code, Memory Craft, and Songlines: The Power and Promise, explore how these ancient methods can be applied today. Kelly’s upcoming book will delve into the intrinsic links between music, art, and our connection to place.

To find out about the events and the speakers, and to book, go to: wiwcg.com.au.

This article appeared in the  Tarrangower Times, 21 June 2024.