Well, now, ducks, pull up a chair. Mind where you park your broom and your bottom. Oops. Don't mind him, he's just a big old softie1.
Broomsticks and Cauldrons is bubbling away again, and it wouldn't do to let it boil over unattended. There's been a deal of stirring since last we spoke - some of it with spoons, some of it with elbows - and I can't say as I'm surprised. Witches, after all, are like a good pot of tea: best eyed with suspicion, liable to improve with age, and inclined to make a mess if you leave the lid on too tight. Now then, let's see what's been brewing as we blaze our way into the year of The Curious Squid.
— Nanny Ogg
From the desk of Miss Tick contained within this edition of Broomsticks and Cauldrons:
ACCOMMODATION UPDATE: We are in the process of finalising a discount deal with the Stamford Plaza hotel for room bookings, and hope to announce this soon. If you can't wait, feel free to book your accommodation at the Stamford or another nearby hotel, and if it's cancellable you can likely switch to our direct deal later depending on the comparison price.
Right, right, step this way, last chance for the genuine, almost-honest Early Bird Upgrade, going cheap2 and that's cuttin' me own throat. Once it's gone, it's gone, and then you'll be paying full price and telling everyone you nearly bought it when it was a bargain, which is frankly worse than not buying it at all.
If you bought your supporting membership before the 9th of August 2025, upgrade your supporting membership here. Final day, 31st January 2026.
All other membership tickets and upgrades can be found here.
Looking for something to do on the Monday morning after the convention?
Take a walking tour of the notorious Darlinghurst, Sydney's version of Terry Pratchett's "The Shades." Tread the paths, like Vimes3 through a suburb known for its "colourful" and violent past.
Here's the blurb:
"Darlinghurst is one of Australia's oldest and most notorious inner-city suburbs. Most people know it for Oxford Street, the Sydney LGBT Mardi Gras and the bars and nightclubs, but beyond that, it is shrouded in mystery. For much of its history, Darlinghurst was synonymous with sex, drugs and murder. Known as Razorhurst in the roaring 1920s, it was the centre of the violent razor gang wars. For over 100 years, the alleys and laneways teemed with prostitutes, dope dealers, and thugs. If the walls of the old corner pubs could speak, the stories they could tell would send shivers down your spine.
This tour will turn whispered myths and legends into reality."
Our guide, professional historian and archaeologist, Elliot Lindsay, has kindly given us a considerable discount price of $35 per person. (Flat rate, no concessions). Tickets and full details about the tour can be found here.
Lady Lilith de Tempscire cordially invites you to her Grand Masked Ball on the evening of Saturday, 11th April 2026.
Step into a night of mystery, merriment, and music - where masks conceal, revelry reigns, and every guest becomes part of the spectacle.
The dress code is elegant or costume
Tickets are $85. Purchase tickets and find full details on our website.
Another sneak peek at the Charity Auction catalogue.
This exciting item was donated by Penguin Random House (thank you, friends). The Waterstones Special Edition of Rob Wilkins' Terry Pratchett: A Life with Footnotes is signed and individually numbered. The number is a secret, as the book has come "wrapped in plastic" for the protection of the volume.
All proceeds from the Charity Auction will be shared between three charities.
The Australian Discworld Convention is proud to announce that we will be supporting the following charities:
Aboriginal Literacy Foundation
We are yet to confirm the third charity... watch this space for the announcement and more details about our charities.
Copyright © Paul Kidby
Want to commemorate your visit to the Discworld and your Xciting adventures with the Witches of Lancre and The Chalk? Our lovely convention t-shirts and mugs are now available to pre-order for attendees of the Australian Discworld Convention, Sydney, 2026.
Special conditions apply - see our website shop for Xplicit details.
Your Game Masters have been hard at work preparing an unforgettable experience for Nullus Anxietas X. We present: The Witch's Cottage - an escape room where the only problem is getting past the cat. Not just any cat... you guessed it - Greebo!
Sign up for an Escape Room session at Ops while at the convention.
Copyright © Paul Kidby
An email is on its way with an invite for an online meet and greet with our Newcomer Coordinator, Heath. In this session, Heath will answer your questions about the convention, and you will meet others who are brand-sparkling-new, like you.
Check out the Newcomer's YouTube videos and the Newcomer's ABC.
The Australian Discworld Conventions are run entirely by volunteers, including the committee. It takes many volunteers for the convention to run smoothly. No special skills required, just enthusiasm. (Although, if you do have special skills, we'd love to know about them!). If you'd like to volunteer and haven't already done so, please fill out the form here.
A huge thank you to those of you who have already sent in your form. We would like to remind you that all volunteers need to be attending members of the convention. If you have missed that step, then please upgrade your supporting membership or purchase your attending membership here.
Memberships for Nullus Anxietas X - Australian Discworld Convention - 10-12 April 2026 in Sydney, NSW, can be purchased here.
As always, if you'd like to volunteer at the convention, we'll need your help, no expertise required... Please fill out the volunteer form.
Until then, wotcha!
1 Those scratches'll heal up no problems, given time, and enough scumble.
2 Cheep!
3 or Twoflower; add it to your "What I Did on My Holidays" book.
4 A.K.A apprentices.
