Head along to Riverina Reader’s Festival

By Kimberly Grabham.

Have you secured your tickets for the Riverina Reader’s Festival in Wagga yet?

Former local, Melissa Fattore is founder of the Riverina Reader’s Festival.

She is president of a committee geared towards delivering prime opportunities for the reading lovers of the district. Mel fell in love with reading in her teenage years, having taken a keen interest in English at high school with Mr. Darren Clarke.

Having worked for Collins Booksellers Wagga Wagga for over six years and an avid reader herself, she gained significant insight into what readers of the region like and what they want.

“Working in a book shop, and getting a feel for the broader Australian publishing industry, helped me to gauge an understanding of authors,” she said.

“They are friendly, happy people, just like us! And they’re pleased to discuss their work.”

Mel also shares her book recommendations on her highly successful Mel Reviews her Books blog. She had been doing all of this in tandem with completing a Bachelor of Social Work at Charles Sturt University Wagga and now working at Wagga Wagga City Council.

“I feel as though my work and book passions have given me an appetite and understanding of the kind of books people from this region enjoy,” she said.

“We decided to name the festival a book not literary, as people can be voracious readers but not interested in writing themselves.”

“Commercial fiction is the frontrunner of what interests the readers of the district, with the festival to become a meeting and connecting point for readers to communicate with authors.”

A big endeavour, the festival is not for profit and its stalwart volunteer committee are working hard to make it happen. The festival is the first of its kind for the region.

“It has been in the pipeline for over a year, with much time taken to planning, listening to what readers of the region want, and seeking ways to deliver that,” Melissa said.

Chris Hammer, who recently visited Hay for The Riverine Grazier, will be at the festival.

Sophie Hansen, author of popular cookbooks What can I Bring? and In Good Company, young adult fiction writer Gabrielle Tozer, and Australia's top crime fiction Author, Michael Robotham will also be at the festival.

“One Book One Wagga is also working in conjunction with our Festival and acting as an opening to a ‘cozy book weekend’ for visitors as it is held on Friday July 12.

“One Book One Wagga is Wagga's largest book club gathering held by the Wagga Wagga City Library,” said Mel.

“It's arranging for its 50 Library book clubs to all read the one book over the coming months and then attend an evening with the Author.

“This year’s author is Kate Mildenhall. Kate will then also join us on the day on a Historical Fiction panel.”

For avid book event goers, at the time of purchasing your festival ticket, you will be offered a discount code in which you can receive 15 per cent off your One Book One Wagga ticket.

Festival tickets are being sold online and in person at Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, and through the festival website www.riverinareadersfestival.org.au. This enables accessibility for all. Tickets are under $100 and provide all day access to every panel.

Throw into the mix Collins Booksellers Wagga Wagga, local and regional food vendors plying delectable food, and all proceeds of the event going back into the community.

With something there for everyone, it is an event not to be missed. Future aims of the Riverina Readers Festival are to also run four smaller events throughout the year to cover different genres and themes of book craft.

Melissa Fattore is excited as the countdown begins to see her and the committee’s hard work pay off. Image: Jack of Hearts Studio.