2026 Festival
Speaker Profile
Lucinda Holdforth
Lucinda Holdforth is a speechwriter, speechwriting coach and author. She worked for the Hawke-Keating Labor Governments until 1996 and was speech writer to Prime Minister Kim Beazley. She has written five books. Her latest is 21st Century Virtues, How They Are Failing Our Democracy
Is 70 The New 50? Baby Boomers and their refusal to grow old
Karen Inge, Lucinda Holdforth, Bernard Salt and Scott Williams with Norman Swan
This session is supported by Village Glen
Into Our Own Hands: Assisted dying and its place in society
Andrew Denton, Lucinda Holdforth and Betty King with Norman Swan
A graceful and calm departure. The right to decide. Having end-of-life choices that allow dying with dignity. Our panel reflects on society’s navigation of these difficult issues.
Spit It Out: How to write a great speech
Troy Bramston, Lucinda Holdforth and Don Watson with Libbi Gorr
Whether it’s a wedding, a funeral, a conference or a key-note, writing and delivering speeches is no easy task. Our three panel members - each speechwriters to Australian politics leaders - discuss how to take audiences on a journey they’ll never forget.