On Monday 18 May, residents and visitors are encouraged to keep an eye out for unexpected literary surprises popping up across Echuca, as part of a creative lead-in to Stella Day Out, celebrating women's writing and storytelling through a program of engaging events at Echuca Library on Saturday 23 May.
Books by past Stella Prize winners and shortlisted authors will appear in locations across town on the morning of 18 May - from the train station and cafés to playgrounds and park benches - inviting the community to discover, enjoy and share great Australian writing.
Part of the Stella on the Go initiative, the project brings stories into everyday spaces, making books more accessible while building excitement for the upcoming Stella Day Out event in Echuca.
Each book will include information about the Stella Prize, details about Stella on the Go, and an invitation for the finder to read, share or pass the book on to someone else.
Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Daniel Mackrell said the activation would be a fun and engaging way to connect people with literature in a unique setting.
"This is a wonderful way to bring books into our daily lives and create moments of surprise and connection across our community," he said.
"It also provides a great opportunity to build interest in Stella Day Out and celebrate the important role literature and storytelling play in our region."
Community members are encouraged to share their finds on social media and help spread the word about the initiative.
Stella Day Out attendees will have the chance to hear from Stella Prize-listed writers Sofie Laguna and Debra Dank, who will discuss their craft in conversation with local moderators Christy O'Brien and Cecile Shanahan.
Event details
Stella Day Out – Echuca Library
Saturday 23 May 2026, 11am–3pm
