THE rich history of the Nambucca Valley was shared with a new audience when author Rachel Burns was selected to present her work at an opening event at the Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival.
The festival commenced with a local author showcase at Alternatives Bookshop in Bellingen, bringing together writers from across the region to share their work and celebrate local storytelling.
Ms Burns was the first author to take to the stage. She presented her book, ‘Nambucca Stories’ – a collection that uncovers the lives, challenges and achievements of people whose stories have helped shape the Nambucca Valley.
Alex Caminer, owner of Alternatives Bookshop and convenor of the event, said the showcase was designed to celebrate the literary talent found throughout the region.
“The event was a celebration of the voices that call this region home,” Mr Caminer said.
“We advertised for participants and were inundated with authors applying to take part.
“We selected five, and Rachel was one of those invited to showcase her stories from the history buried in the Nambucca Valley.”
Joining Ms Burns on the program were four other authors from the Bellingen and Coffs Coast regions.
Ryan Martin drew on 25 years of experience in education to present a frank and humorous book on parenting, while local digital artist Neil Horne’s ‘dotAtelier Volume 2’, a collection of essays, aphorisms and images exploring art, nature and philosophy, was presented on his behalf by publisher Ross Macleay.
Festival audiences also heard from Joy Le Cerf, whose work brings the animals and waterways of the Mid North Coast to life for younger readers, and Judi Morison, who presented ‘Secrets’, a debut novel centred on truth-telling through fiction and set on Gumbaynggirr Country.
Ms Burns said she was honoured to be included among the selected authors.
“I was very gratified to be invited,” she told News Of The Area.
“To be able to promote Nambucca Valley history to a new audience, and to revisit their stories of resilience and self-reliance, was heartening. There are a lot of similarities to the Bellinger Valley.”
Her presentation highlighted not only the historical significance of the Nambucca Valley, but also the enduring relevance of the stories of determination, community spirit and resilience that continue to resonate today.
By Mick BIRTLES
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