General News
27 June, 2024
Words in Winter Q&A - Part 2
Last week, we kicked off an exciting two-part series — taking a closer look at some of the speakers and authors involved in this year’s Central Goldfields’ Words in Winter event. Now, to conclude the chapter, we are shining the light on our...
Last week, we kicked off an exciting two-part series — taking a closer look at some of the speakers and authors involved in this year’s Central Goldfields’ Words in Winter event.
Now, to conclude the chapter, we are shining the light on our final pair of panelists.
When the festival comes into town tomorrow, for the rest of the weekend, audiences will hear from numerous experts and renowned figures — including former chef and saffron grower Rosie Pamic as well as author of eight history books, Robyn Annear.
Both spoke to The Advertiser about their unique panels and sessions.
ROSIE PAMIC - (Cooking with Saffron, June 29, from 11.45 am onwards) —
What is the central theme or topic of the panel discussion you will be contributing to at Words in Winter, and why do you find this topic important?
I will be demonstrating how to make saffron cultured butter using one of our kits. I will also be discussing creativity in the kitchen and how cooking helps to connect us to our creative sides. Being creative can help with our mental health and help us connect to other creative people.
How does your own work or expertise relate to the themes being discussed, and what unique perspective do you bring to the panel?
My own journey began when we first moved to the farm in 2014. My partner, Drew, and I moved from Melbourne where I trained as a qualified chef. We came to Central Victoria for a change of pace and a new adventure living on an off grid farm. I will be talking about why we chose to grow saffron, how it is harvested and how to get the most out of your saffron threads.
What excites you most about being part of Words in Winter this year?
This is my first time at the Words in Winter festival so I’m excited to meet other locals that like to get creative in the kitchen.
How important is it to have these important conversations, through this event, in a small regional town?
Events like Words in Winter bring a small community together in a fun and thought-provoking way.
ROBYN ANNEAR - (Grown-ups are giving up books: should we pay them to read? June 2, from 1.30 to 2.30 pm) —
What is the central theme or topic of the panel discussion you will be contributing to at Words in Winter, and why do you find this topic important?
We hear that the reading of books is declining, and not just among digital natives — even over-60s are reading fewer books. To arrest that decline, one suggestion is that seniors should be subsidised to buy books. Now, l’m a book-lover and all, but this idea seems to confuse reading with buying.
How does your own work or expertise relate to the themes being discussed, and what unique perspective do you bring to the panel?
As a reader and writer, as a parent and grandparent, and as someone who has worked in bookshops and libraries, l’m totally sold on the value of books and reading. In return for sustained attention, reading gives the gift of absorption — but then, so can a podcast or a binge-watch. Who’s to judge?
What excites you most about being part of Words in Winter this year?
Thinking out loud is always more fun in person and in company than on-screen or on the page. And there's just something compelling about the idea of words-in-winter — like tossing logs on the crackling fire of imagination.
How important is it to have these important conversations, through this event, in a small regional town?
It’s a great excuse to share the spark of ideas close to where we live.