An exquisite celebration of First Nations languages from a selection of Australia's finest Indigenous writers, Words to Sing the World Alive brings together forty writers and thinkers, journalists and lawyers, artists and astronomers to honour languages from across the continent, each penning an homage to their favourite and most significant words.
Words that evoke the power of childhood and the wonder of Country; that explore the essence of mother, of fire, of time. Words that are imbued with family and belonging, and that surprise with their connections.
Join contributors Daniel Browning and Merinda Dutton, in conversation with the collection’s editor Jasmin McGaughey, as they discuss language preservation and revitalisation, Indigenous linguistics and the ways they sing the world alive with their words.
Daniel Browning is a Bundjalung and Kullilli journalist, radio broadcaster, documentary maker, sound artist and writer who worked for the ABC for 30 years. His first book, Close to the Subject: Selected Works, won the 2024 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Indigenous Writing and was shortlisted for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards Indigenous Writers’ Prize.
Merinda Dutton is a Gumbaynggirr and Barkandji woman, lawyer, writer, and co-founder of Blackfulla Bookclub. You’ll find her words in Sydney Review of Books, Griffith Review, the Australian Poetry Journal and the anthology, Words to Sing the World Alive. Her work moves through Indigenous motherhood and matriarchy, kinship and the everyday rituals of resistance.
Jasmin McGaughey is a Torres Strait Islander and African American writer and editor. She is the author of the Little Ash series presented by Ash Barty and illustrated by Jade Goodwin. In 2023, Jasmine won a Queensland Premier's Young Publishers and Writers Award. She has written for Overland, Kill Your Darlings, SBS Voices and Griffith Review and recently co-edited Words to Sing the World Alive. Her debut YA, Moonlight and Dust, was published in July 2025.
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This event is part of the Main Program and included as part of Platinum, Gold, Silver and Saturday Bronze Passes.
Subject to availability, a limited number of single tickets may become available 9 September.
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This venue is wheelchair accessible. Please visit our Accessibility page or email hello@bluemountainswritersfestival.com.au if you have any other accessibility requirements.