The prestigious Adelaide Writers' Week, a cornerstone of Australia's literary calendar, has been abruptly cancelled for its 2026 edition. The decision comes in the wake of a mass exodus of more than 180 authors, speakers, and participants, who withdrew in solidarity with Palestinian Australian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah after she was disinvited from the event.
A Cascade of Resignations and an Apology
The crisis culminated in the resignation of almost the entire Adelaide Festival board. Only the Adelaide City Council representative, whose term ends in February, remains. Prior to the board's collective departure, the director of Writers' Week, Louise Adler, also stepped down from the role she had held since 2022. In an exclusive piece for Guardian Australia, Adler stated the board's controversial decision regarding Abdel-Fattah was taken "after pressure from pro-Israel lobbyists, bureaucrats and opportunistic politicians."
In a significant development, the festival board issued an apology to Randa Abdel-Fattah, specifically for "how the decision was represented." This apology, however, came too late to prevent the widespread boycott that ultimately led to the event's cancellation.
The Ripple Effect: Other Key News Stories
Beyond the literary world, several other significant stories are developing. In diplomatic circles, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced he will step down from his position as Ambassador to the United States a year earlier than planned.
Domestically, Victoria is grappling with a severe bushfire crisis, where more than 500 structures have been destroyed and a dozen major fires continue to burn out of control. In international news, the state of Minnesota has launched legal action against the Trump administration, seeking to halt a surge of ICE agents within its borders.
Sport and Culture Highlights
In sports, Australian cricket captain Alyssa Healy has revealed she will retire from international cricket in March, citing a loss of her "competitive edge." Her final series will be a home contest against India. Meanwhile, a niche publishing phenomenon has emerged, with books tied to the gay hockey TV show Heated Rivalry selling out amid fervent interest from Australian fans.
The cultural conversation also turned to a viral moment from the Golden Globes, where Leonardo DiCaprio was captured in a flamboyant, personality-driven display during a commercial break, a moment many deemed the highlight of the ceremony.
Analysis and Looking Ahead
The cancellation of Adelaide Writers' Week 2026 represents a profound moment for Australia's cultural institutions, highlighting the potent intersection of literature, politics, and public protest. The scale of the author boycott demonstrates a powerful collective stance within the literary community. The event's future now hangs in the balance, with its revival dependent on rebuilding trust with a global network of writers who felt compelled to take a stand. The resignations of both the director and the board signal a complete organisational reset will be necessary for the festival to potentially return in future years.
