Introducing Whitsundays Writers Festival President, Karen Jacobsen & Vice President, Melinda Louise Hutchings
by Festival Vice President, Melinda Louise Hutchings
After a seven-year hiatus, the Whitsundays Writers Festival will be returning 6-8 September, promising an immersive celebration for writers, readers, and thinkers, and a stellar program including author presentations and conversations, discovery sessions, and special events with Australia’s literary talent.
The Festival may be just two weeks away, however it has been almost two years in the making.
It was an opportune meeting in September 2022 between Festival President Karen Jacobsen, and Vice President Melinda Louise Hutchings, that facilitated the concept of relaunching a writer’s festival in the Whitsundays.
Karen had moved back to the Whitsundays in 2020 with her husband and son, after 20 years in New York and a stellar career as a singer/songwriter and the voice of Siri.
Melinda moved to the Whitsundays from Sydney with her partner in early 2022. Author of four books and a writer, editor and marketing specialist, Melinda attended the Arts Festival in Airlie Beach in spring 2022 and was surprised to discover the absence of any events or workshops for writers.
After an impromptu introduction via messenger by a mutual friend in September 2022 who felt the two women had much in common, this proved to be true. During their first encounter at a local café, Melinda and Karen excitedly shared their love of the written word, their passion for inspiring change through their work, and a strong desire to bring people together to create a positive difference in the community. These conversations included ideas about expanding the Arts Festival to include a component for writers.
In a serendipitous twist, Karen met with bestselling author Richard Evans soon after, who had recently moved to the region with his wife, Dr Julia Evans, and expressed their keen interest in reviving the Whitsundays Writers Festival.
Karen brought together a small group of local authors and artists, including Melinda, Karen’s husband Tom Hudak who is currently penning his memoir, editor of Mackay and Whitsunday Life Rachael Smith, Arts Festival director Jessica Begun, and Richard and Julia Evans.
After much excitement and creative bonding, by April 2023, Richard and Julia Evans became the co-convenors of the Whitsundays Writers Festival and a committee comprising Karen, Melinda, Tom, Rachael and Patron Jessica Begun, was formed. The plan was to relaunch the Whitsundays Writers Festival in 2024.
Karen and Melinda have worked hard and, together with the other committee members and convenors are excited to be relaunching the Festival next month.
“We are so excited that the Festival is just weeks away,” expressed Karen. “From an idea borne out of the love of the written word and its power to change lives, we now have an incredible line-up of literary talent as well as local authors who are dedicated to their craft and genre, and an exciting program across all three days.”
“It’s inspiring to work with like-minded people who share the same vision,” said Melinda. “And as an editor who is passionate about helping authors bring their stories to life, it’s wonderful to see so many local authors involved in the Festival. There is a myriad of literary talent here in the Whitsundays that we look forward to showcasing.”
The Festival provides the perfect opportunity for the region’s creative community to come together to celebrate the arts and meet other like-minded artists.
“It’s going to be a very exciting three-day festival and we encourage everyone to come along and celebrate,” said Karen.