03/09/2026
INTRODUCING DON WATSON | TALKING BIG SUNRAYSIA
We’re delighted to welcome acclaimed Australian author, historian and political commentator Don Watson as the first guest in Creative Sunraysia’s new Talking Big Sunraysia series.
For more than four decades, Don has been one of Australia’s most distinctive writers and observers of politics, history, culture and language.
A former academic, Don became a speechwriter for Victorian Premier John Cain before serving as Prime Minister Paul Keating’s speechwriter and adviser from 1992 to 1996.
He is the author of numerous acclaimed and bestselling books, including Recollections of a Bleeding Heart, Death Sentence, Watson’s Dictionary of Weasel Words, American Journeys, The Bush and The Passion of Private White.
His most recent book, The Shortest History of the United States, is a sharp, accessible journey through the history, contradictions and character of America — and makes excellent pre-reading for our conversation with Don.
TALKING BIG SUNRAYSIA #1
Don Watson — The United States: Sacred and Profane
📅 Wednesday 16 September 2026
⏰ 7.00–9.00pm
🎟️ FREE ENTRY - Bookings essential
https://creativesunraysia.org.au/whats-on
Join us for an evening of big ideas, conversation and questions as Don turns his attention to the United States — its history, contradictions, myths, politics and place in the world.
Talking Big Sunraysia is Creative Sunraysia’s new series of free public conversations, bringing leading thinkers, writers and voices to our region and creating a space to think, question, disagree and talk about the ideas shaping our world.
Come along. Bring a friend. Bring a question.
Big ideas. Great conversations. Right here in Sunraysia.
📷 Don Watson — Photo: Louis Trerise
