Thank you to Guest of Honour Siang Lu, Local Hero Garth Thomas, their interviewers Eda Gunaydin and Emma Lord, all our moderators, panellists, workshop presenters, Open Mic featured reader Jeff Clulow and all those who shared their work, plus all the attendees for making ConSYDeration a success.
Ghostly Gala, 11 September
Saturday 12 September
Sunday 13 September
Social pics (12-13 September)
11-13 September 2026
Old Government House in Parramatta Park
Guest of Honour
Siang Lu
Siang Lu is the Miles Franklin-winning author of Ghost Cities and ABIA-winning author of The Whitewash. He is the co-creator of The Beige Index and the creator of #sillybookstagram.
Ghost Cities was shortlisted for eight additional awards, including the ALS Gold Medal, The Voss Literary Prize and The Age Book of the Year. In 2026, Ghost Cities will be published with Simon & Schuster’s Summit UK and US imprints, and in 26 territories in translation thereafter.
Siang is based in Brisbane, Australia, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Photo: Kirsty Iltners
Local Hero
Garth Thomas
Garth Thomas spent 35 years at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation working in news and current affairs (winning several awards, including an Ellie Award). Now in retirement, he wants to tell his own stories. He resides in Carlingford NSW, with two wonderful daughters who have come to appreciate spooky old movies starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi… much in the same spirit (pun intended) as She Walks With Ghosts, his debut novel.
What is ConSYDeration?
ConSYDeration 2026 is the inaugural speculative writers con for Western Sydney and beyond. Sydney Speculative Scribes and WestWords have partnered to provide an event for speculative fiction writers (science fiction, fantasy and its subgenres) to meet as a community, explore ideas, refine craft, and form lasting connections. Over one weekend, our program offers panels, workshops and presentations for both emerging and established writers, featuring fresh voices and experienced professionals. Our Guest of Honour is Siang Lu, author of the Miles Franklin award-winning novel Ghost Cities.
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ConSYDeration is produced by Sydney Speculative Scribes in partnership with WestWords, presented as part of the Sydney Fringe Festival and in association with the National Trust. The event takes place on the lands of the Burramattagal people of the Dharug Nation, a significant site of colonisation. Sydney Speculative Scribes recognises that sovereignty was never ceded.