What does it mean to tell your own story?
How does writing shape identity, challenge assumptions, and create change?
In this panel, four writers with disability share their work and discuss the power of storytelling as a tool for visibility, self-expression, and advocacy. Hosted by Kerri Shying, this conversation moves beyond questions of representation to explore the deeper impact of voice - on individuals, communities, and the literary landscape.
This session will also be available online. Register and you will receive a zoom link 3 days before the event.
As some of our presenters are immune-suppressed, we ask all guests to wear a mask to the event. Masks will be available on the day. We also ask guests not to wear perfume to the event.
Gold coin entry
Part of the Write Here Festival - Lake Mac Libraries. Full program details here.
Kerri Shying is a Wiradjuri/Chinese/Australian poet who has four collections in the world, the most recent being Know Your Country, Puncher and Wattman, 2021. They live with disability and enjoy community mentoring for the Peer disability writing group WU. Kerri is widely published, and lives in Mulloobinba with her tiny pet brigade.
Jacquelyn Leigh is a poet, fiction writer, and artist living and creating in Muloobinba (Newcastle). They are the 2025 Hunter division winner of the joanne burns Microlit Award. In 2023 Jacquelyn received a Writer's Space Fellowship from Varuna. Their poetry can be found in Hello Keanu!, Ricochet, and Cordite
Andrew Spannenberg delights in writing Letters to The Newcastle Herald; insights to politicians; and dropping 11 line poems. He has volunteered with United Nations Association; Esperanto Federation of NSW; 48 Hours to World Peace; Cultural Stomp festival; and Maitland RiverLights. Blindness and Schizophrenia do not define him.
Cedar Whelan writes poetry and prose about mental health living experience, memoir, nomadic wandering and diversity. She has been published in various anthologies and journals and performed and been exhibited in Australia and the UK. She is passionate about inclusion and fostering expression and visibility of writers with disability.
Windale Hub, bilyabayi
Windale Hub has a rear car park accessible from Shade Lane. There is one accessible car park with a ramp leading to the building. The building also has an internal ramp. There is a second entry to the library on Lake Street with 2-hour parking available. The library has accessible toilet and all meeting rooms have a hearing loop.
This event may be photographed and filmed and your image could be used in advertising and promotion by Lake Macquarie City Council. Should you wish to not be photographed or filmed please advise event organisers on entry at the event.