Justin Heazlewood
Justin Heazlewood has written four books including Dream Burnie which was released in 2025. He publishes a gazette called Fuzzy Logic and also writes a monthly column for Canberra street press BMA. He spent fifteen years performing music and comedy as The Bedroom Philosopher and twice had songs feature in the Hottest 100.
Justin is the author of Get Up Mum about living with a Mum with schizophrenia, published by Affirm Press in 2018. In 2019 he adapted the book into a ten part radio series for ABC RN’s Life Matters. In 2022 he adapted the book into a one-man theatre show which premiered at Hobart’s Theatre Royal.
In 2020 Justin gave a witness statement for the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. He is an ambassador for Satellite Foundation who support young people caring for a family member with a mental illness.
“Justin Heazlewood is nothing short of one of Australia’s most versatile and important storytellers. In his journalism and personal essays, Heazlewood demonstrates a remarkable capacity to not only make the reader laugh, but think critically about important issues often poorly discussed, such as mental illness, unemployment and the frailty of human relationships.”
– Benjamin Law.
Meet the Speaker
Where were you born?
Burnie, Tasmania. You can take the man out of Tasmania and then it’s just Tasia.
What other jobs have you had?
My first job was as a Masterchef at KFC. I wrote for a Channel Ten sketch show which was just as messy but I was paid more. Recently I was on ABC’s Collectors with my 70’s tie collection, a scene so devastating the show was cancelled.
What themes are recurring in your work?
The importance of realising that it’s okay to feel weird. My brain and how ridiculous it is. Australian pop culture, in particular the Golden Gaytime.
What have been the highlights of your career?
I played a young John Safran in the ABC series John Safran’s Race Relations. That was literally a highlight because I had to dye my hair blonde.
Where have your works been published?
Frankie, The Big Issue, JMag. I appear in the Penguin Anthology Sincerely (Women Of Letters). I've had two books published by Affirm Press.
What are you passionate about?
I’m pretty passionate about self-esteem and mental illness. I reckon our brains are an infinite rainbow playground of epic proportions but we spend most of our time worrying if our shoes are cool enough.
Haven’t I seen you before?
I’ve appeared on Spicks & Specks, Adam Hills in Gordon St Tonight, The Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala, ABC’s Collectors and my song Northcote (So Hungover) has been featured on Rage.
Anything else you’d like to share with us?
Q. How many students does it take to change a light bulb?
A. When’s it due in?
Author photo credit: Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
Conversations interview with Sarah Kanowski:
Made in Burnie — Justin Heazlewood on swapping fame for his hometown
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