Stan Grant to Headline Lake Macquarie’s History Illuminated Festival

Lake Macquarie is gearing up to host an impressive lineup of events for this year’s History Illuminated Festival, with renowned journalist and author Stan Grant headlining the program. The ten-day festival, which runs from 1 November to 10 November 2024, will feature a range of activities, exhibitions, and talks, attracting history enthusiasts from across the region.

Stan Grant, a highly regarded Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi, and Dharrawal man, is set to appear at Warners Bay Theatre, baramayiba, on Friday 1 November. His presentation will offer attendees a rare opportunity to delve into his remarkable career, spanning over four decades, where he broke new ground as the first Indigenous political correspondent and prime-time news presenter in Australia.

Joining Grant will be Professor Clare Wright, another influential figure in Australian media and academia. Together, they will kick off the festival, which promises to highlight the diverse historical narratives that have shaped both Lake Macquarie and the nation.

Jacqui Hemsley, Lake Macquarie City Council’s Manager of Arts, Culture and Tourism, expressed her excitement about the event. “Having someone of Stan Grant’s calibre headline this year’s History Illuminated is a real privilege,” Ms Hemsley said. “His contribution to journalism and First Nations advocacy has profoundly impacted Australia’s cultural and political landscape.”

In addition to Stan Grant’s keynote event, the festival boasts a rich program of historical walking tours, open days, and talks by acclaimed authors and experts. Highlights include a History Illuminated cruise on 6 November with journalist Scott Bevan, a theatrical performance of Becoming Eliza on 2 November, and a Glenrock walking tour led by Uncle Amos Simon on 9 November.

True crime enthusiasts will also be treated to talks by authors Michael Adams and Mark Dapin at Windale Hub, bilyabayi, on 2 November.

The festival, which continues to grow in popularity each year, will also feature six walking tours that explore the history surrounding Lake Macquarie. Open days will be held at heritage locations such as Dobell House in Wangi Wangi and the West Wallsend District Heritage Group at Sugar Valley Library Museum, kirantakamyari.

With a mix of free and ticketed events, History Illuminated offers something for everyone. To secure a spot or learn more about the events, visit the Lake Macquarie Libraries website.