Reading, writing and really good fun at Jugiong

The theme for the event was 'Dare to Dream - Down the Track' and guest authors included Jackie French, Gabrielle Chan, Sulari Gentill, Chris Hammer, Trisha Dixon, Charley Massy, Peter Rees, Holly Throsby and Karen Viggers. Moderators included David Gilbey, Genevieve Jacobs, Michael Blenkins, Deb Stevens and Michael Murphy.

Committee member Freda Marnie Nicholls said she was thrilled with the attendance at this year's event.

"Jugiong is such an amazing little town" Ms Nicholls said. 'Everyone really gets into the spirit of the festival, and we have had some really positive feedback from visitors to the area who have said they will be back next time."

"The committee are all volunteers, and the whole idea of the festival started out over a coffee." ​Ms Nicholls said.

Ms Nicholls went on to say that one of the committee members, Joy Coggan, used to run a second hand book stall in Jugiong, and one day after her stall, sat down for a coffee and someone mentioned that of the ladies sitting there, five of them were published authors.

"It was then suggested that we could have a writers festival and Joy thought about it for a moment and then said 'we can do that', and it snowballed from there." Ms Nicholls said.

Ms Nichols said that the festival could not go ahead without the assistance of their sponsors, and especially their major sponsor, Juliet Robb from the Long Track Pantry.

"The Long Track Pantry is our major sponsor and we would like to thank them for everything they do for us and the community." Ms Nicholls said. "We would also like to thank Hilltops Council, Harden District Education Foundation, Coolac Store, Regional Arts, Riverina Bluebell, Jugiong Wine Cellar, Jugiong Advancement Group and everyone who donated."

"The whole premise of the Jugiong Writers Festival is 'reading, writing and really good fun'." Ms Nicholls said. "We would like to thank everyone who attended with their wonderful energy. "