Article - The Daily Advertiser, August 4, 2008

Reignite the love of reading
REBEKAH HOLLIDAY
4/08/2008 10:47:00 AM

WAGGA and universities go together like peas and carrots in the mind of Melbourne-based author-actor William McInnes.

Best known as the character Max Connors from the ABC acclaimed series SeaChange, McInnes was in Wagga on Saturday for his first visit in almost two decades.

McInnes also starred in the 7 Network’s Blue Heelers, playing Sergeant Nick Schultz.

He joined fellow author Michael Robotham, originally from Gundagai, as a guest speaker at the Books Alive 2008 lunch at the Wagga Country Golf Club.

“Wagga’s changed a lot. I think the last time I was here was about 15 years ago. I often get invited but usually can’t make it,” McInnes told The Daily Advertiser.

“It’s a lot bigger these days and Charles Sturt University has gone from strength to strength. It’s definitely known as a uni town which can only be a good thing for the city.”

More than 180 people attended the lunch with all money raised going to charity.

The event, Books Alive, is a Federal Government initiative to encourage or reignite a love for reading in adults.

McInnes promoted his new book That’d Be Right while Robotham, the national ambassador for Books Alive 2008, showed off his literary work, Shatter.

“To anyone who says they don’t like books or reading, it’s like saying you don’t like sex – you’re just not doing it right,” Robotham said.

“There’s a book to suit everyone.”

All money raised will go to Northcott Riverina.