OPINION: Story of sorrow and joy shines in Big Sky

Friday the second of October, officially day two of this year’s Big Sky Readers and Writers Festival 2020. Big Sky is one of my favourite times of the year, a chance for Geraldton and the Mid West to show off what a brilliant city we have. Not only do we live in a fantastic place for sporting opportunities, and no I have not forgotten that this weekend is Great Northern Football League grand final weekend, but we also live in a community where arts and culture are highly valued. So Big Sky? If my calculations are correct this is the 15th edition of one of WA’s biggest literary events. The first Big Sky was held back in September 2005 and I salute those who were brave enough to put the idea of a Geraldton-based writing and reading extravaganza on our agenda. The trials and tribulations associated with COVID-19 this year have certainly given the Geraldton Regional Library, the main driver of the event, a tough time in organising things, but organise things superbly it has done. Without international or interstate guests Big Sky this year is truly a celebration of all things West Australian. All things Geraldton too. I’ve been lucky enough over the years to attend and be involved with quite a few Big Skies. I’ve listened to some great authors, heard some marvellous stories and been privileged to interview people with incredible intelligence. I am often humbled by what I learn. Big Sky is a great leveller. Tomorrow morning, as part of Big Sky 2020 I am talking with a man who has written a book called Father of the Lost Boys. His name is Yuot Alaak and he is from South Sudan but these days calls Western Australia home. We are blessed to have people like him who are prepared to share the joys and sorrows of their life. In preparation for my conversation with Yuot, I read his book (always a good place to start) which has only just been published and met him for a cup of coffee a couple of days ago. The story he tells is staggering. It is a true story. I only hope that my public conversation with him tomorrow does his journey to Geraldton justice. So Big Sky, under the big and beautiful skies of Champion Bay is on again. I’m sure my old pal and acclaimed author JR Stow would be proud.