Listen to Nardi Simpson’s stunning keynote address

Nardi Simpson stands at the microphone, deeply focused, playing the ukelele.

Festival-goers from 2023 may remember the pin-drop silence when Yuwaalaraay storyteller Nardi Simpson took to the stage to deliver the Mick Dark Talk for the Future, or the swift and enthusiastic standing ovation she received upon its completion.  As we approach the 2024 Festival, and to celebrate the release of Nardi’s new book, The Belburd, we are delighted to share the recording of her incredible keynote address.

Winner of the 2018 Black&Write! Fellowship, Nardi’s debut novel, Song of the Crocodile, was longlisted for the 2021 Stella Prize and Miles Franklin Literary Award. At this year’s Festival, Nardi will be in conversation with Cheryl Leavy to talk about The Belburd, a lyrical and masterfully woven novel about women, creation, belonging and the precious fragility of a life. 

She’ll also be appearing at Bedtime Stories on Saturday 2 November, with Yumi Stynes, Ceridwen Dovey and Dobby, our evening salon events featuring poetry, storytelling and music.

The Mick Dark Talk for the Future 2024 will be delivered by rewilding educator and winner of Alone Australia Gina Chick, to mark the release of her memoir, We Are The Stars.

The Mick Dark Talk for the Future is an annual keynote address focused on the environment that honours the legacy of Mick Dark, who in 1989 gifted Varuna, the National Writers’ House to the writers of Australia. Mick was an ardent and committed environmentalist, and the talk is delivered each year in collaboration with Blue Mountains Conservation Society.