Ginsights: Showcasing Remarkable Writers
Note that for 2026, the Ginsights venue has changed. We are now holding the events at the Olims Bar & Bistro in Braddon.
Anne Buist & Graeme Simsion Thurs 16 April 2026 6-8 pm
Join us in the elegant Carlton Lounge at Olims Bar & Bistro for a lively evening of conversation, cocktails, and books as Ginsights welcomes acclaimed authors Anne Buist and Graeme Simsion.
Anne Buist - Chair of Women’s Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and author of psychological thrillers including Medea’s Curse, Dangerous to Know and This I Would Kill For -
joins internationally bestselling novelist Graeme Simsion, author of the beloved The Rosie Project series and The Best of Adam Sharp.
Together they created the acclaimed Menzies Mental Health Series, a witty and insightful medical drama set inside the hospital system. Following The Glasshouse (2024) and The Oasis (2025), we’ll be discussing their upcoming third novel, The General Hospital (releasing
April 2026).
The novel follows Dr Hannah Wright as she takes on a roving commission across medical, surgical and obstetric wards, confronting the complex intersection of mental and physical health. Alongside demanding hospital shifts, Hannah navigates an unexpected friendship, a promising new relationship with fellow trainee Alex, and a shocking family secret revealed by
her grandmother.
The evening will feature a formal Q&A, followed by relaxed drinks and informal conversation with Anne and Graeme. Olims Bar and Bistro will be serving a cocktail of the night featuring spirits from award-winning local distillery Big River Distilling Co, alongside a Big River G&T and their full food and drinks menu.
Our bookseller partner Paperchain Bookstore will have copies of Anne and Graeme’s books available for purchase and signing. Everyone is welcome to this informal reader-writer conversation, proudly co-sponsored by Big River Distilling Co, Canberra Writers Festival and MARION.
Past Presenters
Sam Guthrie
Natasha Lester
Siang Lu
Kaaron Warren
Lucy Treloar
Let customers speak for us
Lovely traditional style gin easy drinking highly recommended
Using it chiefly to make herbal tincture. I am Giving 5 stars for it.
The gin tasting experience at Big River was so fantastic that I have bought a gift voucher for my sister to do the same. The staff were lovely, and the gin was paired perfectly with the garnishes and mixers. Highly recommend.
A great classic gin. Worked very well with tonic and in a dirty martini.
Amazing just over ice. I really enjoy this. Such an easy drink and feels special. I have given as gifts to so many people now too.
We thoroughly enjoyed this distillery tour! Clyde was full of information and enthusiasm about the gin he makes and was happy to help us understand the processes, both chemical and mechanical, that go into making gin. He also showed us the distilling equipment and explained some of the how-to's of achieving different flavour notes. Afterwards we got a flyer 6 different gins accompanied by a delicious cheese and charcuterie platter. Everyone was friendly and extremely helpful.
Brilliant event! I love the discussions and warmth at Ginsights, as well as the fabulous gin.
A great activity for any gin lover. The space is cosy and the staff were super lovely. They walked us through how their gin is made, then we got to taste all the gins! Every gin was great and so drinkable (almost too good). Would recommend.
Sam was great, the book is fantastic. The interview was excellent, got me interested to buy the book
My partner and I had a wonderful time discovering the finer points of gin distilling with the team! It was great to get some insights into how they make their gins and this was followed by a lovely series of tastings accompanied by a delicious charcuterie board. Definitely recommended!!
Loved it, fascinating to get to hear from the distiller and learn what actually goes into a bottle of gin. And then get to taste said bottle of gin! Bought home three bottles afterwards, would highly recommend.
I’ve read her latest book- very easy read. Rachel’s interview style was well thought out and interactive. I would definitely go to another of her book launches.
Very good gin. Hard to stop at one. I enjoyed it straight and then added some tonic. Will buy it again.
Delightful event at a lovely venue. Great atmosphere, delicious gin, friendly people. Really enjoyed, will probably go back just for the gin!
Absolutely love the Syrah, perfect summer drink mixes with bitter lemon as suggested by the distiller.