The resort is the new home of the Tamar Valley Writers Festival, with the majority of events held there.

An official launch of the program was held at the resort on Friday, with Treasurer Peter Gutwein attending.

Writers Festival committee president Mary Machen said having the festival located primarily at the resort this year would create a hub for authors and attendees.

“It’s exciting to be setting up for the first time at Tamar Valley Resort,” she said.

The theme for the 2018 Tamar Valley Writers Festival is Tasmania on the global page.

While not planned, the launch of the festival’s program coincided with National Book Week.

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Mrs Machen said it was fortuitous the festival was launched during Book Week because it aimed to give all writers, across all genres and across all forms, a platform to celebrate their creativity.

“We have tried to make sure there are writers coming from across all genres,” she said. 

“By its very nature, this festival caters in every way for those who love to read, for those who make a career from writing, right through to those who have a book languishing in the bottom drawer but could well be the next best-selling author,” she said.

Mrs Machen said the festival had some of the biggest names in the industry, as well as up-and-coming authors who will present at the event.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein said the biennial festival was a great event for the North and would help to create jobs while injecting even more money into the economy through tourism.

“Since the inaugural festival in 2014, the Tamar Valley Writers Festival has grown to become one of Australia’s largest regional writers festivals,” he said.

“Events like this create opportunities for people to visit Tasmania year-round, and encourage people to explore the state and spread the benefits into our regions."

Mr Gutwein said the state government was proud to support the event through Events Tasmania.

“The theme for this year’s festival couldn’t be more apt for Tasmania right now,” he said.

“Tasmania is on the global page and with that brings opportunities and challenges.”

Mr Gutwein said the theme was likely to kickstart some fantastic conversations over the three-day event.

West Tamar mayor Christina Holmdahl said while she was an avid supporter of books and the power of words, the economic benefits of the festival were undeniable.

“We are absolutely committed to do anything to support this festival,” she said.

She said she and the council were proud to have been involved in the festival since its inception and to have such a prestigious event held in their region.

The event has secured funding from Events Tasmania to grow the festival to 2022. The West Tamar Council also reiterated its support for the event, with a $20,000 commitment.

Other funding partners include Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Bell Bay Aluminium, South 32, Petrarch’s Bookshop, Round Table Studio, Foot and Playsted, Effective Naturally, Flight Centre and Tamar Valley Resort.

Tamar Valley Writers Festival will run from September 14-16 at Tamar Valley Resort, Grindelwald.  A full program for the Writers Festival can be found on the festival’s website.