THE Western Port Writes Literary Festival is returning in 2026, and to kick off the festival year, they are thrilled to welcome celebrated TV presenter and journalist Lisa Millar for a very special dinner event on Saturday 30 May at the Somers Yacht Club.
Lisa will be in conversation with award-winning journalist Belinda Hawkins, chatting about her illustrious career, her love for dogs and the bush, and the lessons she’s learnt on the road.
Lisa Millar is the face of the ABC’s much-loved TV series Muster Dogs and Back Roads. She started at the ABC as a young reporter in Townsville in 1992 after a short career in newspapers. Since then, she’s worked across Australia and around the globe covering some of the biggest news stories the world has witnessed. She was the ABC’s Bureau Chief in both North America and London, and kept us company over breakfast for many years.
Her memoir, Daring to Fly, shares the rollercoaster ride of her life as a foreign correspondent. She’s also the author of Muster Dogs – from Pups to Pros which tells the story of how this charming show began.
Belinda Hawkins was a reporter with ABC TV and SBS for almost 40 years. As a foreign correspondent she travelled to Cuba, Far East Siberia, Nigeria, Eritrea and Germany. Belinda also worked on the ABC’s Australian Story, for over 20 years.
Her book, Every Parent’s Nightmare, tells the story of a family saga and murder trial, set in Bulgaria, that was the subject of a two-part Australian Story called ‘Conviction’.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear two talented journalists chatting about life as storytellers.
Join them for a night of delicious food, fascinating stories, and a doggie tale or two. Woof!
First published in the Mornington News – 5 May 2026
