2026 Festival

Speaker Profile

Nadia Wheatley

Nadia Wheatley has published a number of award-winning works of history and biography, but her latest book represents a new direction. It was inspired by a visit to the site of the DP camp in Germany where survivors of Bergen-Belsen made their home, and where the author’s father was the hospital superintendent. As the conflicts of the past continue to haunt us, Strange New World: Belsen’s First Year of Freedom is the prequel to today’s headlines. 

In Conversation: Nadia Wheatley

Thursday April 23
The Ballroom, The Continental
9.00am / 60 mins

Nadia Wheatley with Jane Sullivan

Award-wining author Nadia Wheatley’s career spans 40 years and includes some fine biographies and non-fiction works, including books include The Life and Myth of Charmian Clift (2001),  Her Mother’s Daughter (2018)  and Radicals — Remembering the Sixties (2021). Nadia's new book Strange New World Belsen’s First Year of Freedom reveals the untold story of the first 12 months following the Allies’ liberation of Belsen concentration camp in 1945.

War Secrets: Three authors discuss their WW2 discoveries

Friday April 24
Portsea Village
10.30am / 60 mins

Diana Thorp, Tom Trumble and Nadia Wheatley with Michael Cathcart

In Praise Of Australian Women Writers

Friday April 24
Sorrento Bowls Club
3.00pm / 60 mins

Helen Trinca, Nadia Wheatley, Geordie Williamson and Susan Wyndham with Jason Steger