The Emerging Writers’ Festival work, learn and play largely on the land of the Kulin nation, and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

EWF celebrates the history and creativity of the world’s oldest living culture.

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Artist

Bahaa Dabbagh

Bahaa is a refugee from Syria now residing in Melbourne. At the most recent Melbourne Comedy Festival, Bahaa was selected to be part of the “Comedy Zone” program, one of the festival’s key industry development programmes where they promote the next generation of comedy superstars. Throughout 2026, he is touring with the Comedy Festival’s Road Show around regional Victoria.

Bahaa is also the creator of Refugee Thoughts, a digital initiative that uses humour, articles, and podcasts to challenge public narratives about refugees. His comedy show A Lucky Refuge? is premiering in Melbourne Fringe Festival this October 2026

Appearing In

Thursday 17 September, 8:00-9:00PM

Priceless Advice

Advice is often dished out when it’s simply not asked for. In fact, advice that charades as being in your “best interest”, often turns out to be, frankly, bad advice. Witness seven writers let loose about the times they’ve received bogus advice, and how it’s sometimes been the inspiration to succeed, just out of spite.

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