Tonight marked the launch of the inaugural Maroondah Writers and Readers Festival through a dinner with comedian and author Rod Quantock at Wyreena Community Arts Centre. Rod Quantock discussed his time in comedy and the writing of his book Double Dissolution.
Rod uses comedy to comment on social issues and spoke about the need to retain community parks and for a government focus on public transport. Rod also provided amusing anecdotes about his life growing up in the inner city and the challenges he has faced as a comedian and author.

As part of the steering committee for the Writers Festival it was great to see the event beginning with such a successful launch. The Festival was supported by Maroondah City Council, Eastern Regional Libraries and was overseen by a voluntary community steering committee which included North Ringwood Community House.

It is great to see strong community interest in cultural events and I would like to thank the many people who assisted with the festival.