Chris Hammer is one of Australia’s most beloved crime fiction authors, with seven novels and a hit TV series, Scrublands. But Hammer’s background was as an investigative, political and environmental journalist. In 2008-2009 he left his desk in Canberra and set out to explore the riverland communities of the Murray-Darling Basin, gathering a detailed picture of how the people along the shores are impacted by climate change, water mismanagement, and political manoeuvring. Now with the updated edition of his prize-winning The River, Chris’s ability to turn a complex environmental issue into a gripping narrative is a testament to his skill as a writer.

The River looks past the daily news reports and their sterile statistics to reveal the true impact of our rivers' decline on the people who live along their shores, on the richly diverse wildlife, and on the country as a whole. Chris Hammer will be in conversation with ABC's Fran Kelly.

Bookings cost $130, inclusive of a two course meal and all beverages. Please book here.