Published on Monday, 7 September 2026 at 8:15:23 AM
Returning for its 21st year this October, the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival is among several community arts and cultural initiatives to benefit from an $80,000 Lotterywest grant.
The Festival is one of three local programs receiving support through the funding, alongside Christmas on the Terrace and programming at the Queens Park Theatre (QPT).
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune welcomed the funding, saying it would help ensure arts, literature and cultural experiences remain accessible and engaging for the community.
"The Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival has become a highly regarded event on our cultural calendar over the past two decades, attracting acclaimed authors, inspiring local writers and creating opportunities for meaningful conversations and learning,” he said.
"As we prepare to deliver the festival for the 21st time, this funding will help us build on its legacy while ensuring residents and visitors can access engaging literary experiences right here in the Midwest."
“I’d like to thank Lotterywest for its continued support in helping the City deliver initiatives that enrich community life, encourage creativity and strengthen connections throughout Greater Geraldton and the Midwest.”
The Hon Sandra Carr MLC said the funding enables the City to expand its creative offering and deliver meaningful cultural experiences for the community.
"Our creative community and experiences help build our sense of local identity and belonging,” she said.
“It is great to see the City of Greater Geraldton value creative experiences and secure Lotterywest funding to develop their creative program for the community.
“I look forward to enjoying the events and experiences this funding helps to deliver."
The grant funding will also be used to deliver the Lotterywest Little Christmas in the Laneway activation which will provide free family-friendly entertainment during the popular Christmas on the Terrace event.
As well as building on QPT programming to offer opportunities for residents to experience high-quality arts and cultural performances locally.
More information on the Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival can be found here and upcoming QPT shows here. Programming for Christmas on the Terrace will be released closer to the date.
Delivering local events aligns with the Connected theme of the City’s Strategic Community Plan which reflects the organisation’s commitment to supporting and celebrating the City’s diverse community through events that build social connections.
ENDS
Photo Caption: (L-R) City of Greater Geraldton’s Manger of Community and Cultural Development Marie-Claire Hunter and Manager of Libraries, Heritage and Gallery Trudi Cornish, Hon Sandra Carr MLC, Mayor Jerry Clune and the City’s Director Community and Culture Fiona Norling at the presentation of the Lotterywest Certificate of funding support for community arts and cultural initiatives.
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