Glasshouse Port Macquarie and Mid North Coast Co-operative Library Service present:
Thomas Mayo, Clare Wright: Past and Future of Indigenous Recognition
Reflecting on the past and building towards the future
The fight for First Nations rights in Australia is ongoing, most recently frustrated by the lost 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum.
Indigenous leader and author Thomas Mayo’s newest work, Always Was, Always Will Be: The Campaign for Justice and Recognition Continues, is a guidebook to action for Indigenous recognition and a rallying cry for those working to close the gap.
Historian Clare Wright’s conclusion to her democracy trilogy, Näku Dhäruk The Bark Petitions: How the People of Yirrkala Changed the Course of Australian Democracy, tells the story of how the Yolŋu of Arnhem Land created the Yirrkala Bark Petitions in 1963 and gave birth to the land rights movement.
Join Thomas and Clare as they explore these important struggles and what we can learn from them. With host Lorena Allam.
Relax, Refuel, Connect
Relax in our SWF Lounge between sessions and take the opportunity to chat and meet like-mined people. Tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages and light refreshments will be available for purchase.
Exclusive Offer
Present your Sydney Writers’ Festival ticket or VIP Festival Pass at Book Face in Port Central or Collins Booksellers Port Macquarie to receive a 10% discount* on books by featured authors in the Live & Local Program. This exclusive offer is valid from 10am Thursday 22 May to 4pm Sunday 25 May, 2025.
*Final discount and qualifying books at the discretion of Book Face and Collins Booksellers management.
Full Program Here(PDF, 2MB) Book Day & Festival Passes Here

Part of Glasshouse SELECT 2025 Theatre Program
Part of Education @ Glasshouse 2025 Theatre Program