Stan Grant set to headline History Illuminated

Published on 01 October 2024

Journalist, presenter and author Stan Grant will offer a glimpse behind the curtain of his illustrious four-decade career as part of this year’s History Illuminated Festival in Lake Macquarie.

The Walkley Award-winner will feature with author and broadcaster Professor Clare Wright at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba, on Friday 1 November, kicking off 10 days of activities across the city.

A Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi and Dharrawal man, Grant blazed a trail for First Nations journalists and remains a powerful voice advocating for First Nations rights.

He is recognised as Australia’s first Indigenous political correspondent, the first Indigenous foreign correspondent and the first Indigenous person to present a prime-time commercial TV news and current affairs program.

Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said it was a rare privilege to host such a distinguished media personality.

“This will be an evening placing a spotlight on a true history-maker who has helped shape our nation’s cultural, political and social landscape,” she said.

This year’s History Illuminated features a host of events, open days and exhibitions from 1-10 November.

Highlights include a History Illuminated cruise with author and journalist Scott Bevan on 6 November, a 2 November performance of Becoming Eliza at Warners Bay Theatre, a 9 November Glenrock walking tour with Uncle Amos Simon and talks by acclaimed true crime authors Michael Adams and Mark Dapin at Windale Hub, bilyabayi, on 2 November.

“History Illuminated grows each year, and we’re very fortunate to welcome such high-calibre authors, presenters and performers for the 2024 instalment,” Ms Hemsley said.

“History shapes who we are as a nation today and where we are headed, and this festival provides an insight into every facet of that phenomenon.”

This year’s festival also includes six walking tours showcasing history around the lake and a series of community open days at Dobell House, Wangi Wangi, Sunnyside Historic Home, Cooranbong, West Wallsend District Heritage Group at Sugar Valley Library Museum, kirantakamyari and Lake Macquarie and District Historical Society at the former Toronto train station.

Bookings are essential for all sessions. Some are free, while others require purchase of a ticket.

Go to library.lakemac.com.au for more information and bookings.