The day will feature discussions between Stella Prize-listed writers Sofie Laguna and Debra Dank about their craft in conversation with local moderators Cecile Shanahan and Christy O’Brien.
Ms O’Brien, a journalist, writer and Echuca local, is a familiar face to her local library, but it’s the first time she has been involved in the Stella event.
“Stella Day Out is a regional event that showcases all Stella writers, both past and present, that are long-listed and shortlisted,” Ms O’Brien said.
“It's an opportunity to hear from the writers themselves and be interviewed by local people, which is great.”
She said she was excited about the upcoming discussion with Ms Laguna.
“I'’ve read her books in the past, and I’m reading her current one at the moment; so it’s going to be a real privilege to (moderate),” she said.
Stella was formed off the back of a panel discussion on International Women’s Day about the under-representation of women in major Australian newspapers as reviewers and authors of books reviewed.
After Stella was founded in 2012, the Stella Prize emerged shortly after, awarded to the most outstanding book written by an Australian woman or non-binary writer.
The two featured authors speaking at Echuca were both long-listed for the Stella Prize in 2026.
From 11.30am, locals can join moderator Ms Shanahan for an inspiring conversation with Ms Dank about her craft, family heritage and the transformative power of words and stories.
She is a Gudanji/Wakaja and Kalkadoon woman from the Barkly Tablelands in the Northern Territory and has been highly honoured for her books Terraglossia, We Come With This Place and Ankami.
From 1.30pm, Ms O’Brien will be chatting with Ms Laguna about her award-winning novels, exploring her creative process, her work for both adults and children, and the secrets to crafting compelling stories.
She has written for over a decade about children, families and how people are shaped by stories that live in them, and has been recognised by prestigious national awards including the Miles Franklin and Stella Prize.
In the lead-up to the event, the Stella on the Go initiative was out in full force, with books of past Stella Prize winners appearing in locations around Echuca on Monday, May 18.
Campapse Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell said the activation was a fun way to connect locals with literature around town and build interest ahead of Stella Day Out.
“This is a wonderful way to bring books into our daily lives and create moments of surprise and connection across our community,” he said.
Stella Day Out event details
When: Saturday, May 23 from 11am to 3pm
Where: Echuca library
Session 1 - 11.30am to 12.30pm
Debra Dank in conversation with Cecile Shanahan
Session 2 - 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Sofie Laguna in conversation with Christy O’Brien
No cost, but bookings are required at tinyurl.com/Stella-Day-Out
