2026 Festival
Speaker Profile
Barrie Cassidy
Former ABC television journalist, presenter and author Barrie Cassidy was awarded a Melbourne Press Club lifetime achievement award in 2018. In 1986, he became Prime Minister Bob Hawke’s press secretary, leaving when Paul Keating took over the leadership in 1991. In 2013, he co-authored An Ocean of Cricket with son Adam.
The Political Lunch
Thursday April 23
The Baths Sorrento
12.00pm
/
120 mins
Paul Kelly, Tom McIlroy and Niki Savva with Barrie Cassidy
Our Festival Lunch at The Baths, hosted by Barrie Cassidy, will present three respected political journalists, in discussion over a wonderful two-course meal and drink on arrival
Free Event
The Morning Feed
Friday April 24
Halcyon Hall, The Continental
8.00am
/
45 mins
with Barrie Cassidy and Charlotte Grieve
Writer and theatre director Tom Wright will discuss the day’s big news stories with some of our Festival speaker guests. From what’s happening in Canberra to global conflicts, Tom and his panel colleagues will share insights and commentary.
This session is supported by Pitcher Partners
This is a Free Event, bookings essential