Code of Conduct

Save the date! 15-17 MAY 2026

Code of Conduct – Writers, Presenters and Guests 

At the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival, we are proud to create a space that celebrates storytelling, creativity, and community. By participating, you contribute to making the Festival a welcoming, respectful, and inspiring event for everyone. 

By accepting your invitation, you agree to the following guidelines. 

  1. Respect & Professionalism
  • Treat fellow writers, artists, festival staff, volunteers, and attendees with kindness, courtesy, and respect. 
  • Discriminatory, offensive, or inappropriate behaviour is not acceptable at any time. 
  • Whether interacting in person, online, or during official festival activities, maintain a professional and respectful approach. 
  1. Punctuality & Participation
  • Please arrive on time for all scheduled events, including rehearsals, sound checks, sessions, and other festival activities. 
  • If you are unable to attend a commitment, notify the festival organisers as early as possible. 
  1. Diversity & Inclusion
  • We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming festival for all. 
  • Discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, age, ability, religion, or cultural background will not be tolerated. 
  • We value and encourage diverse voices and perspectives. 
  1. Harassment-Free Environment
  • Sexual harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. This includes unwelcome comments, advances, jokes, gestures, or physical contact. 
  • All participants have the right to feel safe and comfortable. 
  • If you experience or witness harassment, please report it immediately to the festival organisers. Reports will be handled confidentially and with care. 
  1. No Bullying
  • Bullying, intimidation, exclusion, or verbal abuse of any kind is unacceptable. 
  • The festival is a supportive environment for all participants and attendees. 
  • If you witness or experience bullying, please report it to the festival team. 
  1. Safety & Well-being
  • Please follow all safety protocols and instructions provided by the festival team. 
  • Ensure props, equipment, and materials used are safe and do not pose risks to yourself or others. 
  • If you notice any safety concerns, inform festival staff immediately. 
  1. Alcohol & Substance Use
  • Alcohol may be available as part of festival hospitality and should be enjoyed responsibly. 
  • Alcohol consumption should never interfere with events or make others feel uncomfortable. 
  • The use of illegal substances is strictly prohibited during all festival activities, both public and backstage. 
  1. Conflict Resolution
  • Should a conflict arise, we encourage you to address it calmly and respectfully. 
  • If needed, seek assistance from festival organisers to help resolve issues. 
  1. Media & Privacy
  • Please represent the festival professionally when participating in interviews or media activities. 
  • Respect the privacy of fellow writers, performers, and participants. Seek permission before taking or sharing photos, videos, or recordings. 
  1. Breach of Conduct
  • Breaches of this code may result in removal from the festival, including cancellation of scheduled sessions without compensation. 
  • The festival organisers reserve the right to take immediate action when necessary. 

Freedom of Expression

Nestled in the heart of Western Australia’s stunning South West region, the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival brings together people who love stories and ideas. It’s a place for Bold Conversations, Big Ideas, Brilliant Stories, shared in a spirit of curiosity, generosity and connection.

We believe in the power of words to help us better understand the world and each other. Through a broad and thoughtfully curated program, the Festival showcases writers from a wide range of backgrounds, offering audiences the chance to encounter new perspectives and fresh ways of thinking.

Writing thrives when ideas can be explored openly. We support authors in speaking about their work and viewpoints within the framework of Australian law and we value respectful discussion as a cornerstone of a healthy literary culture.

At the Festival, writers are invited to share their stories — about the books they’ve written, the lives they’ve lived and the places and experiences that shape them. Readers are invited to listen, engage and reflect, encountering stories that inspire, challenge and delight.

We are grateful to the writers, readers, audiences, supporters, publishers, volunteers and staff who help create a Festival grounded in openness, empathy and a shared love of storytelling.

Thank you and we look forward to welcoming you to the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival