'Book' a Holiday to Norfolk
Inaugural Book Festival Starring Helen Reddy
October 1-8, 2006

Celebrity authors and entertainers Helen Reddy, Wendy Harmer, Ita Buttrose, Dr Karl and Gary McKay will open a new chapter for Norfolk Island this October when they front the island's first Book Festival.

The Norfolk Island Spring Book Festival from October 1-8, 2006, will provide visitors to the idyllic island with a rare opportunity to meet and dine with the famous, award-winning writers.

The program will include presentations by the authors, welcome and farewell dinner concerts and island tours. And visitors who arrive four days before the festival officially starts can catch one of two entertaining dinner shows on Norfolk by zany TV scientist Dr Karl.

Headlining the festival are:

Helen Reddy: The first Australian to win a Grammy Award, Helen Reddy rose to fame in the 1970s with 14 hit songs including the enduring feminist anthem 'I am Woman'. In 2001, Ms Reddy moved from the US to Norfolk Island where she lived on a property once farmed by her convict ancestor Richard Morgan. Now living in Sydney, Ms Reddy last year published 'The Woman I Am', her biography. In August this year she will be inducted into Australia's ARIA Hall of Fame in recognition of more than 50 successful years in music, TV, stage and film.

Ita Buttrose: Twice voted Australia's most admired woman, Ita Buttrose has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the Australian media and publishing industries. Her career in journalism led to high-profile editorships of major newspapers as well as Cleo magazine, Australian Women's Weekly, ITA magazine and recently Highlife magazine in the NSW Southern Highlands. In 2005, Ita co-wrote a book, 'Motherguilt', which explored the trials and joys of motherhood.

Wendy Harmer: One of Australia's best-known comedians, Wendy Harmer has written six popular books for children and adults and has appeared on and hosted numerous television programs including the ABC's 'Big Gig' and 'In Harmer's Way'. Wendy also hosted a top-rating breakfast program on Sydney's 2Day FM for 11 years from 1993-2004.

Gary McKay: Australia's highest-selling author on the Vietnam War where he was injured as a platoon commander, Gary McKay is now a full-time writer and will host 'How to Write oral History' workshops at the Norfolk Island Book Festival. His actions in battle won him a Military Cross for gallantry.

Dr Karl: An eccentric TV and radio science reporter, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has written 22 top-selling science books and appears regularly on Channel Seven's Sunrise program and Triple J radio.

The Travel Centre on Norfolk Island has special holiday packages to the Spring Book Festival from October 1-8, 2006, including international return flights, airfare taxes, seven nights twin share accommodation, seven days car hire, island transfers and half-day tour. Deals are available from $1039 per person from Brisbane, and $1105 from Sydney, with connections available from other centres. A $295 Book Festival kit offers access to festival events. Bookings are available via freecall 1800 1400 66 or visit www.travelcentre.nf.

Media contacts:
Andrew Mevissen/Bill Gray MG Media Communications Ph 02 9904 0011

Issued: August 4, 2006