Novelists, poets, journalists, memoirists, creatives, thinkers and cultural commentators are gathering at Bondi Pavilion this November for an inspiring and entertaining weekend of conversations, stories and performance.

For three vibrant days, writers, readers and curious minds will come together to share stories, discover new voices and explore the ideas shaping our world.

Lovers of the written word can listen to powerful poetry from First Nations poets, wordsmiths and spoken-word artists. Bondi-philes can discover the beach through the lens of its celebrated chroniclers and hear local novelists reveal the real-life inspirations behind their riveting new books.

For those wanting to take a deeper dive, there are discussions about what ethical AI might look like, and social media’s embrace of the outrage industry. Audiences can unpack the ever-changing advice on raising children; rethink what they know about brain ageing; and examine the role of ideas – and the freedom to express them – in Australia’s shifting political and cultural landscape.

Whether you come for a favourite author, a new idea or simply the pleasure of a good conversation, there’s plenty to discover.

FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER  

6:30–7:30pm: Opening Address: Anne Summers – Ideas Matter
Examine the role of ideas – and the freedom to express them – in Australia’s shifting political and cultural landscape.

SATURDAY 21 NOVEMBER 

9am–12pm: Dr Lucy Hone: Thriving Through Uncertainty Workshop 
Learn practical tools for navigating tough times and building resilience.

12:30–1:30pm: Sophie Stern & Katie Hoskins: Sisterhood and Suspense in the Eastern Suburbs
Uncover the stories behind two page-turning debut novels, deliciously set in our own backyard.

1–2pm: Richard Glover: How to Ruin a Child
Laugh your way through the fascinating, ever-changing advice given to parents.

2:30–3:30pm: Remo & Melanie Giuffré: Passionate Bondi
Reflect on local stories, people and memories with the creators of Bondi Observer.

3:30–4:30pm: Norman Swan: The Brain Cliff
Challenge what you think you know about brain ageing and gain tips from cognitive super-agers.

5:30–6:30pm: Li Cunxin: The Lucky Son
Meet one of the world’s most acclaimed ballet dancers and hear the story that followed Mao’s Last Dancer.

SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER 

10–11am: Rachael Coopes: Sunday Creative Flow
Move between yoga and creativity in a workshop led by actor, author and yogi Rachael Coopes.

11am–12pm: Ed Coper: Angertainment
Interrogate the corrosive power of social media outrage and find out how we can dismantle it.

12:45–1:45pm: Abang Anade Othow: Buckets of Hope
Hear about this extraordinary memoir and a life-changing practice that has empowered people all over the world. 

2:30–3:30pm: Dr Lucy Hone: How Will I Ever Get Through This
Learn how to keep going when life changes in ways we never wanted or expected.

3:30–4:30pm: Voice & Verse – Curated by Kirli Saunders 
Listen, reflect and be moved by an afternoon of storytelling and verse. 

5–6pm James Bradley: AI and the Arts
Reflect on human meaning and creativity in an age of machine intelligence. 

EXPLORE THE FULL PROGRAM HERE 

Bondi Books & Ideas Weekend event is presented by Waverley Council, with support from Gertrude & Alice Bookstore.