Rivers Flow: Reflections on the songs of Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter

The Mandurah Readers’ and Writers’ Festival is an annual adult literature event presented by City of Mandurah Library Services. The aim of the festival is to foster a love of reading and literature and encourage creativity in our community.

In 2026 the festival will be held from 8 - 10 January at Seashells Mandurah, bringing together an array of established and emerging storytellers from across Western Australia. This three-day festival includes author talks, and panel discussions.

The 2026 Mandurah Readers’ & Writers’ Festive opens with a panel discussion on Rivers Flow: Reflections on the songs of Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter, facilitated by editor Casey Mulder and featuring contributors Dr Cindy Solonec and Luisa Mitchell (Shaw)

Rivers Flow: Reflections on the songs of Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter

Rivers Flow honours the profound musical and cultural legacy of Archie Roach – a Gunditjmara, Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung and Bundjalung man – and Ruby Hunter – a Ngarrindjeri, Kokatha and Pitjantjatjara woman.

Curated and introduced by two-time Miles Franklin winner, and Noongar man, Kim Scott, this special volume brings together 23 First Nations writers from across Australia to share stories, personal reflections, and poems that resonate with the legacy of these beloved artists. Among our contributors are powerful voices like Gina Williams (Balladong Noongar and Gitja), Claire G. Coleman (Noongar), Jeanine Leane (Wiradjuri), Anita Heiss (Wiradyuri) and Bruce Pascoe (Yuin, Bunurong and Tasmanian), alongside many other remarkable writers.

With the support and blessing of Amos and Eban Roach, sons of Archie and Ruby, this anthology stands as a tribute to the strength, artistry and enduring spirit of two of Australia’s most cherished artists and cultural leaders.

Panel Convenor & Editor:

Casey Mulder

Casey Mulder is the Director of First Nations Writing and Programs at Centre for Stories. A Noongar Ballardong person, she has worked as a teacher and editor with organisations including Fremantle Press, Magabala Books and Westerly Magazine. Since 2023, Casey has run the celebrated First Nations Write Night and Courtyard Yarning.

Panellists & Contributors:

Cindy Solonec

Dr Cindy Solonec, is Nyikina. Her PhD thesis was the catalyst for Debesa: The Story of Frank and Katie Rodriguez, a West Kimberley social history set during the mid-1900s and shortlisted for the WA Premiers Book Awards in 2022. Retired from lecturing in Aboriginal studies, Cindy is Patron of The Writers Collective and she enjoys dabbling in short stories, travel and family time.

Luisa Mitchell

Luisa Mitchell (Shaw) was born and raised in Rubibi-Broome. She is a Whadjuk Nyungar poet, screenwriter and arts worker living in her ancestral country, Boorloo-Perth. She is passionate about helping others to share their stories as a healing and regenerative practice.​​​

What to Expect:

6:00pm: Light Supper served

6.30pm: Panel Discussion

7:30pm: Book Signing

Places are limited. Bookings required.

Tea & Coffee provided.

Festival Bookseller is Dymocks Busselton