BAD WESTERN SYDNEY: The Second Case

"WestWords is dedicated to creating and sharing the stories of Western Sydney. At BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival we believe in supporting and promoting Australian crime writers. So, for the second time, we have collaborated to bring together an anthology of short stories and microfiction to showcase not only fresh, exciting new voices but also one of the world’s most multi-cultural regions. The criteria for inclusion? The best writing, and a strong sense of place. That place is Western Sydney.

And what a place! This huge area contains over 10% of the population of Australia and it’s growing. But Parramatta is not Penrith, Bankstown is not Bringelly or Blacktown, Camden is not Cabramatta, Canley Vale or Campbelltown, Liverpool and Leumeah are not the same, neither are Merrylands and Mulgoa. All are part of Greater Western Sydney but each has its own character, its own personality, its different populations and its own voices. But for many it is unknown territory, even when it is just 25 minutes down the one of the many motorways that connect the city.

These are stories many Australians have never heard—they are not cosy or comfortable. They will startle and shock, they will illuminate and inspire, they will reveal. We hope they will reach many who don’t know the new perspectives and different realities Western Sydney has to offer," - Catherine du Peloux Menagé