This is a Council led event.

25/07/2025 - Hurstville Library 

Join us for a fascinating journey into the life and legacy of Miles Franklin, one of Australia’s most influential literary voices. This special event will explore her groundbreaking work, her deep ties to the St George region, and the enduring impact of the Miles Franklin Literary Award, which she established to celebrate novels that reflect Australian life.

Franklin lived for many years in the local area and was a familiar figure at the Hotel Ritz in Hurstville, where she was known to write and engage in lively discussions about literature and politics.

What to Expect:

• A look at Franklin’s pioneering novel, My Brilliant Career, and her lifelong advocacy for women and writers.

• The story behind the Miles Franklin Award, one of Australia’s most prestigious literary prizes.

• A showcase of notable past winners, including:

  • Cloudstreet by Tim Winton.

  • Carpentaria by Alexis Wright.

  • All That I Am by Anna Funder.

  • The Eye of the Sheep by Sofie Laguna.

  • Benang by Kim Scott.

We’ll also explore some of the controversies in the award’s history, sparking national conversations about originality, influence and ethics in fiction.

Featuring the 2025 Winner:
The 2025 Miles Franklin Award winner will be announced just one day before this event, and we’ll be among the first to showcase the new award-winning novel. Copies of previous award-winning works will be available to borrow—offering a chance to explore both new and established voices in Australian literature.

Whether you're a literature lover, a history buff, or simply curious about the stories that define us, this event promises insight, inspiration, and a celebration of Australian storytelling at its finest.

This event is suitable for ages 16 years and over.

 

Friday 25 July 2025

 

Address

Hurstville Library
Corner Queens Road and Dora Street, Hurstville.
 

Times

6.00pm - 7.30pm.
 

Cost 

Free.
 

Bookings

Book now to secure your place!

Book Now

 

More information

• For participants aged 10 years and under, parents and/or guardians of children must remain in the library for the duration of the program.
• For participants under the age of 16, parent and/or guardian contact details must be provided at the time of booking.
• If you arrive more than 10 minutes after the advertised start time and there are people in the standby queue, your ticket may be allocated to the standby queue.
• If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration at least 3 hours prior to the event. As Library Programs have limited spaces, repeated failure to notify staff of cancellations may result in bookings being refused in the future.

Accessibility Information:
Georges River Libraries is committed to providing inclusive library services and programs. Please email library@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or note down your requirements or support needs in your event registration.