Byron Writers Festival announced on Friday that it is honoured to spotlight a powerful group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytellers, authors, poets, cultural leaders, and changemakers who will gather on Bundjalung Country (Bangalow Showground) to share their words, wisdom and creativity.

This year's festival, held from August 8 - 10, reflects the depth and diversity of First Nations voices in this country, providing a vital platform for truth-telling, cultural expression and storytelling in all its forms.

Grace Lucas-Pennington, writer, editor and Byron Writers Festival Board Member, said the 2025 Festival program is "a testament to the strength and joy in First Nations storytelling today".

"I am excited for Festival audiences who will have the opportunity to hear from so many incredible First Nations voices stretching across the continent, in all our diversity and pride," she said.

Ms Lucas-Pennington, a Bundjalung woman and a Blak literature champion, will continue to elevate First Nations storytelling, alongside fellow featured artists:

Dr Debra Dank, a Gudanji/Wakaja and Kalkadoon woman whose award-winning book Terraglossia is a powerful reflection on language, memory and Country.

Dr JM Field (The Eagle and the Crow), a Gamilaraay writer whose book is a profound work of First Nations knowledge and research.

Trailblazer Dr Anita Heiss AM (Dirrayawadha and Red Dust Running), a Wiradjuri author, poet, and advocate, who brings her decades-long contribution to Aboriginal literature.

Dr Jackie Huggins AM (Deep History: Country and Sovereignty), a Bidjara and Birri Gubba Juru woman, will speak to her role in shaping Queensland's Treaty journey and her body of historical work.

Delta Kay, Arakwal Traditional Custodian, will again welcome guests to Bundjalung Country and guide audiences in deepening their understanding of connection to place. Tony Armstrong - a Gamilaroi man, media personality and now children's author (George the Wizard, and Maggie the Dragon) will light up the stage on Sunday as part of the Kids Program.

Mparntwe/Alice Springs based poet and spoken word performer Laurie May (Red Dirt Poetry) joins the lineup with her raw and honest spoken word, and Kaurareg and Kalkalgal author and advocate Thomas Mayo (Always Was, Always Will Be) will ask the powerful questions in the session The Voice, What's Next?

Celebrated Torres Strait Islander journalist and broadcaster Rhianna Patrick brings decades of storytelling across radio and podcasting, and acclaimed performer Ziggy Ramo, will share compelling music and stories from his book Human?: A lie that has been killing us since 1788 in an unmissable conversation with cultural powerhouse and Koori Mail Cultural Lead Rhoda Roberts AO.

Kirli Saunders OAM (Gunai), award-winning author and artist, returns with her poetic collection Eclipse, while Naomi Moran, former CEO of Koori Mail, and now a NSW Treaty Commissioner, will also join the conversation.

Yuwaalaraay woman Nardi Simpson whose latest novel The Belburd follows her acclaimed debut Song of the Crocodile.

Bundjalung woman Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, Commissioner For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, will share her journey as a lawyer, advocate, Fulbright scholar and author working for a better world.

STEM educator and DeadlyScience founder Kamilaroi man Corey Tutt OAM (Caution: This Book Contains Deadly Reptiles) will inspire young readers and future leaders.

Renowned Bundjalung/Kullilli, ABC journalist Daniel Browning (whose essay collection Close to the Subject has won multiple major literary prizes), will return with his sharp insight.

And rounding out the lineup is Bebe Oliver, an award-winning poet, illustrator and storyteller whose work reflects deep connection, creativity and culture. His book if this is the end is a fearless and honest exploration of queer First Nations identity.

Byron Writers Festival declared that its 2025 manifestation "stands as a proud celebration of First Nations knowledge and culture - and an invitation for all to listen, learn and engage with the oldest continuing cultures on Earth".

The festival organisers said they are deeply committed to platforming Indigenous perspectives and ensuring that stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are at the centre of Australia's national conversation.

Byron Writers Festival is proud to offer fully subsidised MobTix for 1-day, 3-day and Kid's programming festival passes, supported by The Vasudhara Fund.

Byron Writers Festival 2025 takes place August 8 – 10 August on Bundjalung Country.

For full program details and tickets, visit www.byronwritersfestival.com.

To purchase MobTix please contact the festival office on (02) 6685 5115