Festival committee chair David Twomey said while Ballarat Writers had held smaller events in the past, the festival would be the first of its kind in the region. 

Among the impressive line up is literary power couple Graeme Simsion, who wrote bestseller The Rosie Project, and Anne Buist, who will talk about their new book Two Steps Forward. 

Gay rights activist and author Dennis Altman will lead a timely discussion with documentary-maker Lucinda Horrocks on civil rights in action, tying in with the festival’s theme of democracy. 

The festival, which will be based around Federation University’s Arts Academy, includes panel discussions, q&a sessions, workshops and a free children’s program.

For more information visit ballaratwritersfestival.com.