Kim Williams to deliver the Thomas Keneally Oration at the 2027 Manly Writers' Festival

Manly Writers’ Festival is delighted to announce that Kim Williams AM, Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, will deliver the Thomas Keneally Oration at the 2027 Festival.

One of Australia’s most experienced and influential cultural and media leaders, Williams will headline the fourth annual Manly Writers’ Festival, to be held from 18-21 March 2027.

The Thomas Keneally Oration is a centrepiece of the Manly Writers’ Festival program, inviting a distinguished Australian voice to examine an issue of national significance with the curiosity, humanity, moral seriousness and commitment to public life that have characterised Keneally’s work.

“Kim Williams has made an immense contribution to Australia’s cultural and public life. He brings intellectual curiosity, independence of mind and a deep understanding of the importance of Australian stories and institutions,” said Thomas Keneally, who delivered the inaugural Oration earlier this year.

“I am delighted that he will deliver the Thomas Keneally Oration at Manly Writers’ Festival in 2027.”

Williams said it was an honour to be invited to deliver an oration bearing the name of one of Australia’s most distinguished writers.

“Thomas Keneally has made an extraordinary contribution not only to Australian literature, but to our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. His work reflects a profound curiosity about people, history, justice and the forces that shape our lives.

“Writers’ festivals provide an increasingly important place for the exchange of ideas and the thoughtful examination of the issues confronting us. I am delighted to accept the invitation to deliver the 2027 Thomas Keneally Oration and to be part of the Manly Writers’ Festival.”

Kim Williams has held leadership roles across media, the arts and public life, including as Chief Executive of News Corp Australia, Foxtel, Fox Studios Australia, the Australian Film Commission and Musica Viva Australia. He has also served as Chair of the Sydney Opera House Trust and held numerous board and advisory positions across Australia’s cultural institutions.

Festival Director Bonita Mersiades said Williams’s acceptance marked an exciting moment in the Festival’s development.

“Kim Williams has spent his career at the centre of Australian media, culture and public life. He is a thoughtful, forthright and deeply informed contributor to national debate, and we are thrilled that he has agreed to deliver the 2027 Thomas Keneally Oration.

“As Manly Writers’ Festival enters its fourth year, we are continuing to build a festival that brings important Australian and international voices into conversation with our community. Kim’s participation reflects the ambition of the Festival.”

The Thomas Keneally Oration will open the 2027 Festival, and will be held in the evening of Thursday 18 March at Manly. The full program will be announced in January.