The Art House Presents
Words on the Waves Writers Festival Opening Address
Sit in for an evening of stirring words from five of our country’s finest thinkers at the 2026 Words on the Waves Writers Festival Opening Address.
Reflecting on the 2026 festival theme Take the Time, this exciting event will be hosted by:
• Former leader of the Australian Greens, trailblazing environmentalist Bob Brown
• Multi-New York Times and Amazon best-selling writer Sarah Wilson, who in previous lives edited Cosmopolitan Magazine, founded the I Quit Sugar movement, and hosted MasterChef
• Booker-shortlisted author of A Fraction of the Whole, Steve Toltz
• Indigenous knowledge leader and founder of the Firesticks Alliance, Victor Steffensen
• Viral social media sensation and author of Better Things Are Possible, Jack Toohey
Each will share their urgent and heartfelt messages on why it’s more important than ever to ‘take the time’; to sit with a complex truth, to consider a view not your own, to indulge in imaginative curiosity. And most importantly, we can commit the rebellious act of reading and really thinking.
Don't miss this inspiring event, which also launches the festival's sixth celebratory year here on the Central Coast.
Books will be available for purchase in the foyer thanks to BOOK FACE Erina and can be signed by the authors at the conclusion of the event.
Author
Bob Brown
BioAn environmental/social justice campaigner, former senator, and founding member of the Wilderness Society, he led the successful campaign against the construction of the Franklin Dam. After retiring from the Senate, he established the Bob Brown Foundation, an NFP supporting environmental causes.
Author
Sarah Wilson
BioA multi–New York Times and Amazon best-selling author, journalist, podcaster, social philosopher and thought leader. In a previous life, Sarah was editor of Cosmopolitan magazine, host of MasterChef, was a News Corp journalist and founder of the I Quit Sugar movement.
Author
Steve Toltz
BioHis first novel, A Fraction of the Whole, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and the Guardian First Book Award. His second novel, Quicksand, won the 2017 Russell Prize for Humour.
Author
Victor Steffensen
BioA descendant of the Tagalaka people (North QLD), an author, filmmaker, musician and a traditional knowledge practitioner. Much of his work is based on artistically reviving practical traditional knowledge values. He is the author of novels, non-fiction and children’s books.
Author
Jack Toohey
BioA Sydney-based writer and creative director focused on systems literacy, social inequality and climate justice. His debut non-fiction explores the interconnectedness of climate, housing, gender issues and mental health and served as creative lead on Teach Us Consent's Promoting Consent Initiative.
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