Channelling Reality

Kgshak Akec is a South-Sudanese writer, performing artist, storyteller, and a lover of words. Since the moment she learned how to write in English at the age of six, Kgshak has been writing out the stories that live inside her mind. As a migrant and non-native English speaker, Kgshak is fascinated by the unspoken words and unsung songs of the day-to-day. Her debut novel Hopeless Kingdom, inspired by her own journey of migrating to Australia, explores the relationship of a mother and daughter as they settle, break, evolve, and adapt in new lands through multiple heartaches and triumphs

Katie Brebner Griffin is a freelance writer, artist and disability advocate. She has written for various outlets such as the ABC and Guardian Australia about chronic pain, sexual assault and finding joy in creative practice. Her writing and visual art takes a practical, informative approach to illuminating the complexities of life’s challenges, whilst also exploring the various dimensions of personhood beyond these experiences.

Dominic Gordon is from Melbourne. His work has appeared in Meanjin, The Suburban Review and other literary journals. In 2018 Dominic was awarded the competitive Berry Street Fellowship, at the State Library Victoria, where he began work on what would become his first book, Excitable Boy: Essays on Risk. Since the 2024 release of his book, he has appeared on numerous ABC radio segments, his most recent was on Conversations with Richard Fidler. He lives with his partner and young son. And is currently working on a new collection of essays.