Vision Australia Radio is proud to return as a media partner of the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival in 2026, continuing our commitment to making local arts, culture and storytelling accessible to blind and low vision audiences across Melbourne’s west.
Celebrating its 21st year, the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival will run from March 12 to 17, 2026, featuring 34 free events over six days. The festival brings together writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians and storytellers to share ideas, creativity and lived experience, and once again, Vision Australia Radio will be there to help amplify those voices.
For the second year running, Vision Australia Radio is especially proud to support the festival’s micro fiction competition, which encourages writers to tell powerful stories in just a few carefully chosen words. Micro fiction is a creative form that proves great storytelling doesn’t need to be long to be impactful, and it continues to resonate strongly with our audiences.
Hear This: micro fiction takes centre stage
The winning micro fiction entries from the competition will be featured in a special episode of ‘Hear This’, hosted by France Keyland, airing in March.
Listeners can look forward to hearing the shortlisted and winning stories brought to life on air, celebrating emerging and established voices from Melbourne’s fast‑growing western suburbs. To make sure you don’t miss the episode, subscribe to ‘Hear This’ now and keep an eye on the Vision Australia Radio website and Facebook page for broadcast details and festival updates.
Here’s last year’s edition for those who can’t wait.
Supporting access, inclusion and local voices
Vision Australia Radio and Audio Manager Conrad Browne says the ongoing partnership reflects a shared commitment to access and inclusion.
“Our media partnership with the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival is a fantastic opportunity for Vision Australia Radio to support blind and low vision people across Melbourne’s western suburbs,” Conrad said.
“By promoting a free, accessible local event and showcasing initiatives like the micro fiction competition, we’re helping more people connect with stories, culture and community, while also raising awareness of Vision Australia Radio as an accessible news and information service for those who need it most.”
A festival for everyone
This year’s festival features an impressive line‑up, including opening night speaker Nam Le, along with well‑known authors, filmmakers, comedians and media professionals. There’s also a wide range of hands‑on workshops designed to help people develop their own storytelling skills.
All events are free to attend, thanks to Brimbank City Council and Principal Sponsor Victoria University, though bookings are essential and places are limited.
To explore the full program, visit brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/BWRF
