GINSIGHTS
Co-presented by Big River Distilling Co, Canberra Writers Festival and MARION
GINSIGHTS:
BARRINA SOUTH
Thursday 5th March- 6pm
Olims Bar & Bistro, Mercure Hotel
Ainslie Ave & Limestone Ave, Braddon
Join us for a memorable evening in the Carlton Lounge as Olims Bar & Bistro presents Ginsights, featuring award-winning Barkindji poet Barrina South.
Celebrate the power of words over expertly crafted cocktails as Barrina reads from her acclaimed debut collection Makarra, winner of the 2025 ACT Literary Award, shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Award and the Mary Gilmore Award, and highly commended in the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award and the Anne Elder Award.
Described as “tender and attentive… moving without fear through darkness and light,” Makarra is a vivid, resonant collection shaped by riverbanks, hospital corridors, oceans, writers’ retreats and quiet moments by the fire. “Makarra” - the Barkindji word for rain - reflects the nourishing force behind Barrina’s work: water that cleanses, restores and guides the path forward.
The evening includes live poetry reading by Barrina South, a formal Q&A followed by informal conversation over cocktails. Our bookseller event partner Paperchain bookstore will have copies of her poetry publications for sale and signing on the night.
Enjoy a specially crafted cocktail of the night featuring Big River Spirits, a Big River G&T, and Olims’ full selection of drinks and dining options.
Settle in, raise a glass, and experience an evening where poetry and place come together.
Proudly co-presented by Big River Distilling Co, Canberra Writers Festival and MARION.
GINSIGHTS:
J.P. POMARE
Wednesday 25th March - 6pm
Olims Bar & Bistro, Mercure Hotel
Ainslie Ave & Limestone Ave, Braddon
Join us for an evening of crime fiction, cocktails and conversation as Olims Bar & Bistro hosts Ginsights in the Carlton Lounge, featuring bestselling author JP Pomare in conversation about his gripping new novel, The Gambler.
JP Pomare is a proud Māori (Ngāpuhi) writer who grew up in Aotearoa and now lives in Melbourne. With seven novels to his name, he’s widely regarded as your favourite crime author’s favourite crime author, earning praise from literary heavyweights including Dervla McTiernan, Ian Rankin, Michael Robotham and Benjamin Stevenson.
The Gambler introduces PI Vince Reid in the first book of JP’s brand-new series. Reid is offered what seems like an easy case: why did a respected local woman open fire at a political rally, killing a promising young university graduate? It’s meant to be a sure thing—but as Reid digs deeper, unseen forces begin to surface and the stakes rise dangerously high. Will he walk away a winner, or pay the ultimate price?
Following the success of 17 Years Later, The Gambler is a sharp, timely thriller that reflects JP’s keen insight into how AI and technology are being used by the criminal underworld to scam, radicalise and destroy lives—often with terrifying ease.
Readers may already know JP’s work, but viewers can also catch his latest screen adaptation, Watching You, now streaming on Stan.
The evening will feature a formal Q&A, followed by relaxed, informal conversations over drinks. Our event bookseller Paperchain Bookstore will have copies of JP’s books available for purchase and signing. Olims Bar & Bistro will offer a cocktail of the night featuring Big River spirits, alongside a Big River G&T and their full menu of drinks and dining options.
This informal reader–writer event is proudly co-presented by Big River Distilling Co, Canberra Writers Festival and MARION.
