The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling.

Set to take place on 30-31 May 2025 in Townsville, this inspiring not-for-profit initiative will open with a Welcome to Wulgurukaba Country. Artists, storytellers and creatives from across the Greater Pacific and beyond will be brought together. Through books and storytelling, the festival showcases the incredible talent and contributions of First Nations people – in their own voices.

Anna Borzi, First Nations Writers Festival Founder said, “When you raise one author, you raise a community.”

Award details

People from the Greater Pacific and in Australia are encouraged to submit their unpublished but completed manuscripts. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 28 February 2025, while the deadline for manuscripts is on 31 March 2025. Winners, if eligible, are in for an exciting book award package of $2,000 to $5,000.

Further information on submissions, criteria for judging and deadlines can be found on firstnationswritersfestival.org/awards-criteria.

What to expect at the festival

The two-day festival will feature an exciting lineup of activities, including:

The launch of eight new books and appearances from nine award-winning authors

The announcement of prestigious FNWF Awards, such as the ‘Story Ambassador’ and ‘Living Treasure’ awards

The Supper Club on the first evening – a unique networking experience

Special guests, including internationally recognised Disney choreographer and award-winning performer Peter Rockford Espiritu, who hails from Hawaii and will serve as the master of ceremonies

This year’s event will once again welcome published authors, including John W Kuri (2023 Book Award), Marlene dee Gray Potoura (2024 Book Award), Richard Napam (2024 Book Award) and many more. Highly anticipated is another VIP speaker, Aunty Bea Ballangarry, a Gumbaynggirr woman famous for her healing circles, poetry and stories. 

The FNWF has become a pivotal platform for Indigenous narratives, sparking cross-cultural conversations and helping preserve the rich tradition of First Nations storytelling for generations to come. So, grab those manuscripts and join in!