City of Greater Geraldton, Media Release, 3 September 2025

It wouldn’t be a 20 year celebration of the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival without a stellar line-up of special guests and an exciting programme to match!

With this year’s theme “A Celebration of Stories”, special guests include multi-award winning actress, author and former Geraldton local Tasma Walton, novelists Catherine Greer and Stefanie Koens, musician and crime author Dave Warner, and so many more.

Officially kicking off on Friday 24 October, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune said this year’s event is not to be missed.

“We are extremely proud to be celebrating 20 years of the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival which remains one of our most loved locally grown events,” he said.

“This year is a special milestone and to celebrate, there is an amazing programme of events and brilliant guests to look forward to.

“If you love a good read, I highly recommend checking it out as there is something for everyone.

“Additionally, I’d like to congratulate our local writers who were shortlisted in the Short Story Prize,” Mayor Clune finished.

The Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival will include a number of events and sessions for all ages, including a substantial pre-festival programme featuring Perth Symphony Orchestra, Sisters in Crime WA and the Irwin Districts Historical Society.

The finalists for the Short Story Prize 2025 feature six local writers: Adrian Doyle, Carrie Puzzar, Annie Chandler, Serena Moss, Courtney Evans and Lorraine Lambert.

The winner will be announced at the Festival Opening Night on Friday 24 October at the Geraldton Regional Library.

The Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival will run from Friday 24 – Sunday 26 October 2025 thanks to event partners including the Queens Park Theatre, Museum of Geraldton, Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects, Friends of Geraldton Library, LBW Trust, CraneCorp Australia plus many others.

Ticket and programme information will be released in the coming weeks.

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Geraldton Regional Library by joining their mailing list, checking out their website or phoning the Library on 9956 6659.

Big Sky reflects the City’s commitment to supporting and celebrating the City’s diverse community through programs and events.