News

Stella Day Out celebrates women writers

By Jaci Hicken

May 27, 2026

Gudanji/Wakaja writer Debra Dank discussed her latest book, Ankami, with Cecile Shanahan at Stella Day Out at the Echuca library. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

A literary event featuring Stella Prize-listed authors took place at Echuca library on Saturday, May 23.

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Stella Day Out, organised by literary group Stella in partnership with Campaspe Shire Council, Ripple Fest and Collins Booksellers, showcased acclaimed writers Sofie Laguna and Debra Dank in conversation with local moderators.

The first session featured Gudanji/Wakaja writer and academic Debra Dank in conversation with editor and curator Cecile Shanahan.

Ms Dank’s latest book, Ankami, was longlisted for the 2026 Stella Prize and shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award.

Her books Terraglossia, We Come With This Place and Ankami have all been highly honoured.

Ms Dank’s exploration of the myth of ‘terra nullius’, the resounding echoes of the Stolen Generation within family lineages, and the role of language in colonial violence have made her one of the most essential living voices in Australian writing.

Stella Day Out, a literary event featuring Stella Prize-listed authors Sofie Laguna and Debra Dank, was held at Echuca library. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The second session saw critically acclaimed novelist Sofie Laguna discussing her work with local writer and former journalist Christy O’Brien.

Ms Laguna’s 2015 novel, The Eye of the Sheep, won the Miles Franklin and was shortlisted for the Stella Prize, while her third novel, The Choke, was shortlisted for the Stella in 2018.

Mrs O’Brien revealed insights from her conversation with Ms Laguna about The Choke, which was set on the Murray River.

“It was in a fictional place that sounded very much like Barham,” Mrs O’Brien said.

“I really wanted to ask her why she chose that location and how she used that location, with the river and the bush, almost like a character in her book.

“She had two young children at the time, and she said she looked at the map and she thought Echuca was quite accessible from Melbourne, not too far to come up and do her research.

“When she got here, she realised how beautiful it was and how much she loved coming here to research the novel, so it was actually just a random decision.”

The event represented the first time Stella Day Out had been held at the Echuca library.

“We would have had about 30 people in each session, so it was a fabulous turnout,” Mrs O'Brien said.

“Stella Day Out isn't just an average writing prize; it was established to highlight the writing of women and non-binary people as well.

“All writing is important, but it’s really nice to highlight stories that don’t always get a lot of exposure, particularly in regional areas.”

The event was supported by Campaspe Shire Council, The Hugh Williamson Foundation, Ripple Fest, Collins Booksellers and Quest Apartment Hotels.