Writers from across the Albany community have turned their attention to the region's history, culture, people and sense of place in Voices of the South: Reflections 2026, a special bicentenary edition of the annual Voices of the South anthology.
Showcasing more than 60 writers with connections to Albany, the book will launch at Albany Town Hall on Thursday, 13 August, bringing together stories, poems, memoirs, essays and reflections that explore the people, places and experiences that have shaped the region.
Featuring 83 contributions from writers including Menang Elders Aunty Carol Pettersen and Uncle Lester Coyne, historian Malcolm Traill, authors Dianne Wolfer, Molly Schmidt and many others.
Editor and publisher Roger Guinery said the 2026 edition marked a significant departure from previous years.
"The first two editions back in 2024 and 2025 included stories and poems on almost any subject in any location. The idea was to showcase writers from the Great Southern," he said.
"This year the writers are focused on Albany-Kinjarling and the bicentenary, so I have also included histories, memoirs and thought-pieces."
The collection explores a wide range of themes including First Nations culture, exploration, local history, community life, work and toil, architecture, the environment and the diverse experiences that make Albany unique.
Guinery said a deep affection for Albany emerged as a common thread throughout the anthology.
"Most of our writers have written out of love for Albany-Kinjarling, warts and all," he said.
"Its breath-taking 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 Western Australia, the anthology offers an opportunity to reflect on the past while looking towards the future.
Guinery said storytelling was a powerful way to capture the significance of the bicentenary year.
"Storytelling and oral history in this part of our world goes back many thousands of years thanks to the Menang people," he said.
"But it's in our blood wherever we come from. It defines us as human and helps us understand who we are.
"I am so pleased we can put our stories, poems, histories, memoirs and musings on paper for posterity."
Beyond its contribution to Albany 2026, Guinery hopes the publication will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
"I hope Voices of the South will help us reflect on what has changed, what has been achieved, what we have lost, and where we will go in the future. And it will bring us together," he said.
"It will also serve as a time capsule, a snapshot of what people felt and thought about Albany-Kinjarling way back in 2026."
The launch event will feature readings from contributors, music and the opportunity to purchase copies of the book. Proceeds from ticket sales will support Albany Community Hospice.
Voices of the South: Reflections 2026 Book Launch
Thursday 13 August 2026
7.30pm – 9.00pm
Albany Town Hall
Tickets: $11.50 (includes $10 donation to Albany Community Hospice)
