I was delighted to receive the invitations, as was the entire group of writers.

This is an opportunity to introduce Papua New Guinean women’s writing to an international audience who share a passion for literature.

When I presented to the Brisbane Writers Festival last year, the audience asked to hear more positive stories from Papua New Guinea. We are delivering on this.

Many Papua New Guinean writers have had unwavering support from long-time friends of PNG to develop their writing.

Writers such as me have been mentored and improved our writing technique under Keith Jackson, having been published on PNG Attitude. We’ve also had terrific support from Phil Fitzpatrick’s Pukpuk Publications as well as great assistance and encouragement from Australian friends like Murray Bladwell, Maibry Astill and Bob Cleland.

The Sunshine Coast festival will feature a panel event including My Walk to Equality contributors Vanessa Gordon and Helen Anderson as well as me, Phil Fitzpatrick, Daniel Kumbon and legendary journalist Sean Dorney.

I will chair a conversation with Vanessa and fellow writer Tania Basiou at the Brisbane Writers Festival as well presenting as part of a separate panel discussion with literary identities Michael Sala and Kerrie Davies.

Limited stocks of My Walk to Equality will be available for purchase at Sandy Pages Bookshop in Coolum from 11 August and from 6 September at the Queensland State Library’s Bookshop.

My Walk to Equality continues to be available for purchase on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.