Mildura Writers Festival director, board changes

The Mildura Writers Festival has announced the appointment of Finley Japp as the new festival director, replacing co-founder Donata Carazza who has been director for the past 5 years.

Born in Mildura, Japp co-directed the 2025 program with Carazza. He has worked as a bookseller and studied Australian literature.

Japp said, “The festival has done much to put Mildura on the cultural map and each year inspires our Mildura community, including young people like me, to think, write, and engage with current debates. The Mildura Writers Festival is a must-see annual event, and I am honoured to continue our tradition of bringing excellent writing to this region.”

The festival has also announced its separation from Arts Mildura, now registered as a standalone charity. The board for the festival consists of Domenico de Pieri, Katie Clements and chair Nicolas Brasch.

The 2026 Mildura Writers Festival is set to run 16 to 19 July. More information is available on the festival website.

Category: Festivals Local news