Albany 2026: Voices of the South launches at Town Hall with contributions from 60 writers with love for city

More than 60 writers with a deep affection for Albany have contributed their stories, poems and memoirs to Voices of the South: Reflections 2026, which launches on Thursday night at the Town Hall.

Produced as a special Albany 2026 edition of the annual Voices of the South anthology, the publication features 83 contributions from writers including Menang elders Carol Pettersen and Lester Coyne, historian Malcolm Traill, authors Dianne Wolfer and Molly Schmidt and many others.

It is edited and published by Roger Guinery who said the 2026 edition was different to those of other years.

“The first two editions back in 2024 and 2025 included stories and poems on almost any subject in any location,” he said.

“The idea was to showcase writers from the Great Southern.

“This year, the writers are focused on Albany-Kinjarling and the bicentenary, so I have also included histories, memoirs and thought-pieces.”

He said the writers’ deep connection to Albany was a consistent theme.

“Most of our writers have written out of love for Albany-Kinjarling, warts and all,” he said.

“Its breathtaking beauty and spirit of place come through in the stories and poems, as the main subject or as a backdrop.

“As Albany marks 200 years since the establishment of the first colonial settlement in WA, the anthology offers an opportunity to reflect on the past while looking towards the future.

“It will also serve as a time capsule, a snapshot of what people felt and thought about Albany-Kinjarling way back in 2026.”

Guinery said story telling was a powerful way to capture the significance of the bicentenary year, especially as the tradition goes back thousands of years courtesy of the Menang people.

“I am so pleased we can put our stories, poems, histories, memoirs and musings on paper for posterity,” he said.

The launch will feature readings from contributors, with proceeds from ticket sales going to support Albany Community Hospice.

Voices of the South: Reflections 2026 launches at Albany Town Hall on August 13 (7.30pm-9pm). Tickets $11.50.