Benalla Rural City Council is pleased to welcome two of Australia’s leading voices in literary fiction, Wayne Marshall and Michael Winkler, for a special author talk at the Benalla Library.
Marshall and Winkler are travelling across regional Victoria to meet readers, share insights into their creative practice and celebrate the strength of storytelling in rural communities. This event is part of their rural tour championing access to writers for readers outside the capital cities. Their visit to Benalla offers a rare chance to hear directly from two writers whose work is reshaping contemporary Australian fiction.
Marshall will discuss his debut novel Henry Goes Bush, released by Pan Macmillan in April 2026. The book blends speculative fiction with Henry Lawson’s historic visit to Bourke in the 1890s, drawing comparisons to some of Australia’s most inventive literary voices. His short story collection Shirl was shortlisted for a Victorian Premier’s Literary Award, and his work has appeared in journals including Overland, Island and Going Down Swinging.
Winkler will speak about his new novel Griefdogg, published by Text in March 2026. Set along the Murray River in Mildura, the story follows a middle‑aged water scientist who abandons his high‑pressure lifestyle to live as a family pet. Winkler’s previous novel Grimmish was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award, and he is a past winner of the Calibre Essay Prize. He also has family connections in Benalla.
Author talk with Wayne Marshall and Michael Winkler
When: 2pm, Monday 27 July 2026
Where: Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Learning Centre (Benalla Library),
2 Fawckner Drive, Benalla
Cost: Free event: Call Benalla Library on 03 5762 2069. Bookings are essential.
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn said the event is an exciting opportunity for local readers to hear from two of Australia’s most original literary talents.
“Wayne Marshall and Michael Winkler are two of the most exciting writers going around, and they’re coming right here to Benalla,” Cr Hearn said.
Cr Hearn said she was pleased to see top authors making time for country towns.
“You don’t have to travel to the city to hear from writers like this. They’re bringing their stories to us, and that’s something worth celebrating.”
Community members are encouraged to reserve their place early. Please visit the Benalla Library or call 03 5762 2069 during business hours to secure your spot.