Friends of Northcote 2025

Writer’s Talkfest 2025: On Belonging 

Friends of Northcote invite all members of the NHS community to join us for an evening of literary entertainment at our annual Writer’s Talkfest. This year’s event will take place on Thursday 19 June from 6.30pm in the NHS Theatre. Tickets can be purchased via Compass Tix now! https://compasstix.com/e/wujzg4zeqi  

This year, our panel will ask the question:  What does it mean to belong, and what happens when you don’t feel accepted for who you are? 

Belonging is crucial to our human selves, offering us connection and security. Join disability activist Carly Findlay, and Blak & Bright director Bebe Oliver, who explore belonging in their writing, through their early lives, their families, place and community, and at how difference, understanding, acceptance – and humour – shape human belonging. 

What is TalkFest? 

Talkfest is an evening of sparkling and meaningful conversation followed by drinks and chats – a great way to catch up with friends and meet others in the NHS community, while contributing to the THRIVE fund. All funds raised from the evening go directly back into supporting our students and the spaces they enjoy at school. Talkfest is open to all, and students are most welcome – in fact we’ve got a special ticket allocation for students! 

About the authors:

Carly Findlay 

Carly Findlay OAM is an award-winning writer, speaker and appearance activist. She has a Masters of Communication and Bachelor of eCommerce, and works part time as Access Advisor at Melbourne Fringe. Her first book, a memoir called Say Hello, was released in January 2019, and Carly edited the anthology Growing Up Disabled in Australia. Carly writes on disability and appearance diversity issues for news outlets including CNN, Vogue, ABC, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald and SBS, and various writing anthologies. 

Bebe Oliver 

Bebe Oliver is a writer and speaker living on the unceded land of the Kulin peoples. He is Artistic Director and CEO of Blak & Bright First Nations Literary Festival, and the Deputy Chair of Magabala Books. Bebe’s highly celebrated and widely published work explores love, loss, the intersection of Aboriginal and gay existence, and the rich tapestry of place and Country, making him a compelling and transformative voice in contemporary literature. 

Facilitator, Ruth Clare, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, MC, performer, copywriter, qualified scientist and coach. Her first book, Enemy, is about her experience growing up as the child of a Vietnam veteran. Her next book, Turn Fear into Courage is due for publication in September 2025.