The first Thirroul Readers and Writers Festival, scheduled for next March, aims to provide a creative hub for the region.

Planning is already well under way and festival organiser Dr Denise Russell believes the event's program reflects an eclectic range of interests.

"We've got a mixture of talks and interviews, a debate and a sort of Q and A session that's going to be on citizen journalism," Dr Russell said. "It's a mixture of a lot of different types of presentations with space for discussions as well."

The program will also feature theatrical performances, a literary quiz, interviews, film, photography and a coastal walk.

Thirroul Community Centre will host the event, which is planned to be held annually.

"I think a lot of people around here are [interested in reading and writing] or people who might be thinking about writing themselves but need a little bit of inspiration. That would be great if we could provide that."

Dr Russell, an author and philosopher, hopes the event will attract a range of people.

"I never really read a novel except for the ones that you had to for school until I was about 21. Maybe we'll pick up some people like that who are not really into reading, but think maybe this could be an interesting event and we can motivate them to go away and read things."