SOUTH WEST
01 to 03 September
welcome to
SOUTH WEST
ofacknowledgement country
Somerset Storyfest acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognised the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. The six main Indigenous Peoples in the Shire are: Bigambul People, Gamilaraay People, Gunggari People, Kooma People, Mandandanji People, Yuwaalaraay/Euahlayi People.
Andrea Lewis CEO 'Boss Lady'
I’m thrilled to announce this year’s programme for Storyfest South West! We look forward to seeing you all on this first instalment of our Regional Tour, 2025.
Three years ago, our Writers’ Festivals in regional Queensland began with the success of Storyfest Out West in Longreach. This year’s Regional Tour will continue in St George, Longreach and Emerald, with what we hope is a host of unforgettable events for children and adults alike.
We express our gratitude towards the St George community, who have worked extensively with us to produce a jam-packed programme. St George continues to stun us with their unrivalled passion and warm solidarity. We hope that all members of your community can enjoy this festival.
I would also like to thank the many Storyfest donors and sponsors who have made this Regional Tour possible. Without you all, we would not be able to fulfil our mission of nurturing a love of literature in children across Australia.
I encourage you all to embrace this festival and the chance to engage with Australia’s best children’s authors. Join us for our Prologue Party, a free community event for the whole family to mark the beginning of the festival.
Thank you again St George for the privilege of launching yet another Storyfest South West
We’ll see you there!
Share your experiences at #storyfest #storyfestsouthwest #southwest
BOARD
Chairperson Airlie MacLachlan
Directors Alex Woodthorpe (Deputy Chair), Michael Arnold, Craig Bassingthwaighte, Megan Daley, Caroline Graham, Terry Herbert, Chris Ivey and Sara Kirby
CFO Kylie Sherrington
STAFF
CEO Andrea Lewis
Artistic Director Megan Daley
Business Development Manager Narelle Higgs
Marketing Co-ordinator Tayla Haynes
Head of Content and Design Liv Lorkin
Producer Events and Engagement (Regional) Gabriella Lennon
Producer Events and Engagement (Gold Coast) Teraze Burke
Events Assistant Charo Palenzuela
Events Assistant Lili Bannerman
from the...
Megan Daley Artistic Director
It’s a privilege to bring the magic of Storyfest South West to St George as part of our 2025 regional progamme - this year’s Storyfest South West line-up is bursting with brilliance!
We’re thrilled to welcome a stellar group of storytellers: the visual imagination of Andy Geppert, the engaging narratives of Louise Park, the sharp wit and blockbuster humour of Matt Stanton, the heartfelt verse novels of Pip Harry, and the fantastical adventures of Lili Wilkinson
Together, these artists bring humour, heart, insight and imagination — connecting with young people in ways that are both meaningful and entertaining. The 2025 progamme has been carefully designed to support the needs of both primary and secondary students, with curriculum-aligned sessions, writing workshops and creative panels that challenge and inspire and nurture the next generation of
We haven’t forgotten the grown-ups either! Storyfest is proud to support educators, families, and the wider community, with a range of professional development opportunities and community events that celebrate lifelong learning
is about connection — to place, to people, and to the power of narrative. In bringing this festival to St George, we celebrate the stories already alive in the region, and we invite young people to see their voices, experiences and imaginations as worthy of being heard, read, and remembered.
Expect joy. Expect laughter. Expect a progamme full of energy, creativity and heart. Whether you’re five or fifty-five, there’s something at Storyfest South West for you. Let’s gather, share stories, and celebrate the wonder of words.
oceanproject
Mon 01 to Wed 03 Sept
Ongoing throughout the programme
Balonne Shire Council
Cultural Centre
Pip Harry's visit! come free event
Ocean Art
Dive into creativity as we make and paint fish for a ocean-themed art installation.
Ink & Ocean
From the land to the ocean, storytelling connects us! Write and create postcards from Storyfest to exchange with your Gold Coast pen pals.
info festival
BOOKING INFORMATION
Tickets are $10.00 (GST inclusive) per person per session. For adult sessions, workshops and catered functions, please refer to individual event information. Bookings can only be processed on receipt of full payment. Bookings may be made online with credit card payment. There are no refunds or exchanges once bookings are processed. All tickets are issued as e-tickets and will be sent to your designated email address.
PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS
Tickets will be on sale from Friday 13 June 2025. You may book online anytime. Many sessions have limited numbers, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
SCHOOL BOOKINGS AND RESERVATION POLICY
Schools can reserve their tickets via our online reservation form. Once the form is completed, tickets will be placed on hold for 14 days. Payment must be made via direct deposit or credit card within that 14 days. All payments must be finalised at least seven days prior to the Festival.
FESTIVAL BOOKSHOP
The Festival Bookshop stocks an extensive range of books by all the authors and illustrators attending Storyfest South West and is open between 8.00am and 3.00pm and will be open for the Prologue Party. At the end of each of their sessions, authors are available for book signings!
SUPERVISION POLICY
Any child 14 years or younger must be accompanied by a supervising parent/ guardian or teacher while on campus at all times during Storyfest South West.
BAGS
There is no cloakroom facility at Storyfest South West. We encourage students to bring a small carry bag, as some venues have limited access for school bags. We advise students to leave valuables at home. All lost property can be collected from the festival bookshop.
FESTIVAL LOCATION
The Festival is located at the Balonne Shire Council Cultural Centre.
CULTURAL HALL
WALLAM & MUNGALLALLA ROOM
BALONNE SHIRE LIBRARY
CULGOA ROOM
MEETING POINT
FOOD TRUCKS
RESOURCE RECOVERY STATION
THE WAVE PROJECT
WATER STATION
HENRY STREET
meet the storytellers
Session SW111 Monday 01 at 12.30pm to 1.15pm
Session SW212 Tuesday 02 at 9.30am to 10.15am
Session SW241 Tuesday 02 at 1.45pm to 2.30pm
Pencil to Plate Tuesday 02 at 5.00pm to 6.30pm
Workshop SWW31 Wednesday 03 at 9.45am to 11.15am
Andy Geppert is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator whose heartfelt creations have garnered industry wide recognition.
His witty take on the everyday, illustrated in his gorgeous, warm and inviting visual style, will draw you into worlds and stories you won't want to leave.
Andy's accolades include the prestigious Crichton Award for Best New Australian Illustrator. His MEEP, has been recognised as a Notable Book by the CBCA. Australian Backyard received recognition from the Australian Book Design Awards and landed #26 on the top 50 Australian books list by Better Reading in 2023.
www.andygeppert.com
Workshop SWW11 Monday 01 at 12.45pm to 2.15pm
Workshop SWW21 Tuesday 02 at 9.45am to 11.15am
Session SW231 Tuesday 02 at 12.30pm to 1.15pm
Session SW312 Wednesday 03 at 9.30am to 10.15am
Pip Harry is the bestselling author of Wave, winner of the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers and August & Jones, winner of the CBCA Shadow Judges Book of the Year. Her latest books are young adult verse novel, Drift and picture books Over or Under? and The Inside Dog Pip lives on the Northern Beaches in Sydney and is passionate about writing characters that are brave, resilient and kind. She loves to ocean swim, eat gelato and browse bookstores.
www.pipharry.com
AndyGeppert
Pip Harry
Liv Lorkin
Session SW122 Monday 01 at 1.45pm to 2.30pm
Session SW222 Tuesday 02 at 10.45am to 11.30am
Session SW242 Tuesday 02 at 1.45pm to 2.30pm
Adult Panel Session Tuesday 02 at 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Workshop SWW32 Wednesday 03 at 9.45am to 11.15am
Liv Lorkin is a heart-led creative, children's book author and illustrator. Crafting thoughtful stories that navigate complex themes while spreading the message of hope.
Since discovering her niche in self-publishing with her first picture book, "Winter in Ballarat", she has authored six and illustrated seven more books, culminating in her latest release, "Sage and the Journey of Grief." Drawing from her childhood experience of losing her mum, infusing her middlegrade writing with authenticity and empathy.
When not immersed in illustrating on Yugambeh land, she can be found exploring gardens, finishing a good puzzle and drinking her third cup of tea.
www.livlorkin.com
Session SW122 Monday 01 at 12.30pm to 1.15pm
Workshop SWW22 Tuesday 02 at 9.45am to 11.15am
Session SW232 Tuesday 02 at 12.30pm to 1.15pm
Adult Workshop SWW25 Tuesday 02 at 3.30pm to 5.00pm
Session SW322 Wednesday 03 at 10.45am to 11.30am
I write under my own name and three pseudonyms. I have a background in teaching and publishing and have published over 400 titles across Trade, Education, Children's, mass market and adult publishing.
As an author, I spend my days battling beasts, finding secret doors, portals, and hidden tunnels to magical lands, pretending to be the world’s best ballerina, and solving Harriet Clare's mega-HUGE and terribly troublesome dramas!
Who knows what I'll be doing tomorrow? The best part about being a children’s book creator and writer is that every day is a new and exciting adventure!
www.louisepark.com.au
Lili Wilkinson
Session SW123 Monday 01 at 1.45pm to 2.30pm
Session SW211 Tuesday 02 at 9.30am to 10.15am
Session SW223 Tuesday 02 at 10.45am to 11.30am
Workshop SWW23 Tuesday 02 at 12.45pm to 2.15pm
Adult Panel Session Tuesday 02 at 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Session SW311 Wednesday 03 at 9.30am to 10.15am
Lili Wilkinson is the award-winning author of twenty books for children and teenagers, including A Hunger of Thorns, Deep is the Fen and How To Make A Pet Monster. She established the Inky Awards at the Centre for Youth Literature, State Library of Victoria. She has a PhD in Creative Writing, and lives in Melbourne with her husband, son, dog and three chickens.
www.liliwilkinson.com.au
Matt Stanton
Session SW121 Monday 01 at 1.45pm to 2.30pm
Session SW221 Tuesday 02 at 10.45am to 11.30am
Workshop SWW24 Tuesday 02 at 12.45pm to 2.15pm
Pencil to Plate Tuesday 02 at 5.00pm to 6.30pm
Session SW321 Wednesday 03 at 10.45am to 11.30am
Matt Stanton is a bestselling children’s author and illustrator who has sold more than one million books worldwide. His middle-grade series Funny Kid debuted as the #1 Australian kids’ book and has legions of fans across the globe. He has
festival details this way
$10.00 Tickets Per person, per session (inc GST)
festival studentsessions programme
12.30pm to 1.15pm
GRADES NO. STORYTELLER
Primary Middle Grade
Andy Geppert Louise Park
Primary Middle Grade Secondary
GRADES SW121 SW122 SW123 SW111 SW112
1.45pm to 2.30pm
STORYTELLER NO.
Matt Stanton Liv Lorkin Lili Wilkinson
DRIFT INTO VERSE! with Pip Harry Mon 01
4.00pm to 6.00pm
Recommended for young people and their actively engaged supervising educators
Primary = Prep to Year Three
Middle Grade = Year Four to Year Eight
Secondary = Year Eight to Year Twelve (these sessions may contain mature content)
These are recommended ages only. Please review each creator's bio and book titles to ensure the best fit for your group's booking.
festival programme
studentsessions
$10.00 Tickets Per person, per session (inc GST)
9.30am to 10.15am
GRADES
NO. STORYTELLER
Tues 2
Primary Middle Grade
SW211 SW212
Lili Wilkinson Andy Geppert
STORYTELLER NO. GRADES
Primary Middle Grade Middle Grade/Secondary
SW221 SW222 SW223
Matt Stanton Liv Lorkin
Lili Wilkinson
STORYTELLER NO. GRADES
Primary Middle Grade
10.45am to 11.30am 12.30pm to 1.15pm 1.45pm to 2.30pm
SW231 SW232
Pip Harry Louise Park
PENCIL TO PLATE: STUDENT DINNER
BALONNE SHIRE COUNCIL CULTURAL CENTRE
Andy Geppert and Matt Stanton (For students ages 10+) $40 pp
See page 22 for full details
Tues 2 festival programme
studentworkshops
Recommended for young people and their actively engaged supervising educators
Primary = Prep to Year Three Middle Grade = Year Four to Year Eight
Secondary = Year Eight to Year Twelve (these sessions may contain mature content)
These are recommended ages only. Please review each creator's bio and book titles to ensure the best fit for your group's booking.
STORYTELLER
OVER OR UNDER?
$30 pp. See page 20 for full details
SECRETS, SPIES, BEASTS AND SHAPESHIFTERS:
STORY MAKING with Louse Park (AKA Mac Park and H. I. Larry)
$30 pp. See page 20 for full details
3.30pm to 5.00pm 12.45pm to 2.15pm
9+
SWW24
STORYTELLER
BUILDING STORIES with Lili Wilkinson
$30 pp. See page 20 for full details
STORY BUILDING with Matt Stanton
$30 pp. See page 20 for full details
STORYTELLER
SWW25
adultworkshop
BUILDING LIFE-LONG READERS IN THE SWIPE AND TAP WORLD—FUTUREPROOFING LITERACY FOR GENERATION ALPHA
$50 pp. See page 23 for full details
5.30pm to 6.30pm
STORYTELLER
adultpanel
READING THE DARK: THE POWER AND PURPOSE OF EMOTIONALLY COMPLEX STORIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
hosted by L ili Wilkinson with Pip Harry and Liv Lorkin
$30 pp. See page 23 for full details
festival programme
Weds 3
$10.00 Tickets Per person, per session (inc GST)
studentsessions
9.30am to 10.15am 10.45am to 11.30am
Primary/Middle Grade Middle Grade/Secondary Primary Middle Grade
STORYTELLER NO. NO. GRADES GRADES
SW321 SW322 SW311 SW312
Lili Wilkinson Pip Harry
STORYTELLER
Matt Stanton Louise Park
studentworkshops
SQUIGL CLUB DRAWING WORKSHOP with Andy Geppert
$30 pp. See page 21 for full details
POSTCARDS FROM STORYFEST with Liv Lorkin
$30 pp. See page 21 for full details
prologue party
Mon 1 Sept 4.00pm to 6.00pm
Balonne Shire Council Cultural Centre
112-118 Victoria St St George
free event
Come along to the opening night of Storyfest South West. A fun-filled evening for all the family to celebrate reading and writing! The Prologue Party is a great opportunity to meet some of Australia’s best authors and illustrators.
Enjoy all the fun of the fair with games and activities. The festival bookshop will be open during this event, it is a great opportunity for adults and children to browse the bookshelf and find that perfect book.
Stage activated from 4.00pm to 6.00pm - details announced soon
Variety of dinner and beverage options available for purchase.
studentworkshops
Mon 01
Tues 02
12.45pm to 2.15pm 9.45am to 11.15am 12.45pm to 2.15pm
STORYTELLER
DRIFT INTO VERSE! with Pip Harry
What would you do if 20,000 bees swarmed your house!? Author Pip Harry will reveal how swarms of bees inspired her brand-new verse novel Drift and how real life moments can spark ideas for stories. She will also lead a fun poetry session where students can try their hand at writing verse.
STORYTELLER
OVER OR UNDER? with Pip Harry
Passionate ocean swimmer and author Pip Harry will discuss why she wrote Over or Under?, a story about being brave at the beach, and do a reading from this CBCA Notable picture book, beautifully illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper.
SECRETS, SPIES, BEASTS AND SHAPESHIFTERS: STORY MAKING with Louse Park (AKA Mac Park and H. I. Larry)
Get ready for a high-energy, interactive session with awardwinning author Louise Park — the creative force behind Boy vs Beast, Zac Power Test Drives, Prank Wars, Grace’s Secrets, Grace’s Escape, and more. Travel through time, unlock secret portals, and conjure magical objects as Louise shows you how to build powerful stories using imagination, history, humour, and the real world around you. She’ll take you behind the scenes of how she creates unforgettable characters, worlds, and twists that keep readers hooked.
BUILDING STORIES with Lili Wilkinson
Lili will guide students through the storytelling processincorporating brainstorming, character development, plot and how to begin and end a story.
STORY BUILDING with Matt Stanton
Sometimes writing stories is hard. Have you ever tried building them instead? Matt takes students through several different ways of imagining and constructing stories - from drawing a story before writing it to his Snowball Story Method. Fun and interactive, this workshop includes fresh ways for students to think about characters, planning, description and revision.
Weds 03
studentworkshops
SWW31 SWW32
SQUIGL CLUB DRAWING WORKSHOP with Andy Geppert
Join award-winning picture book maker and SQUIGL Club creator Andy Geppert for a vibrant workshop that celebrates the joy of drawing! Andy will share his passion for making marks and unleashing imagination through a variety of engaging drawing activities and SQUIGLing fun. You might even help set a new SQUIGL Club record for the longest continuous drawing, currently standing at an impressive 30 meters! Get ready to open your eyes to new possibilities and ignite your creative spark.
POSTCARDS FROM STORYFEST with Liv Lorkin
A postcard that can be seen from space? Not quite, but how about one so big it won’t fit in a mailbox? Join children’s book author and illustrator Liv Lorkin for a fun, hands-on workshop where you’ll dream big, design bold, and learn the art of visual
pencil student dinnerplateto
Andy Geppert vs. Matt Stanton Who will win the title of best illustrator?
as they cross canvases before a table of fierce, but fair, young judges. A vibrant competition of skills and creativity, students will steer the artists' illustration and decide who remains standing.
to 6.30pm
Andy Geppert is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator whose heartfelt creations have garnered industry wide recognition. His witty take on the everyday, illustrated in his gorgeous, warm and inviting visual style, will draw you into worlds and stories you won't want to leave. Andy's accolades include the prestigious Crichton Award for Best New Australian Illustrator.
Suitable for ages 10+, or 6+ if accompanied by a parent or guardian $40pp
Matt Stanton is a bestselling children's author and illustrator who has sold more than one million books in Australia. His middle-grade series Funny Kid debuted as the #1 Australian kids' book and has fans all around the world. He has 20 picture books to his name, including the award-winning This is a Ball series, and over twenty-five novels including the immensely popular graphic novel series, The Odds, Bored and Fluff.
Join the battle for a night of laughter and imagination while tickets remain!
for the adults
Adult Workshop with Louise Park
3.30pm to 5.00pm
$50 pp
Balonne Shire Library
Building Life-Long Readers in the Swipe and Tap World — Futureproofing Literacy for Generation Alpha
Generation Alpha are the first true digital natives — swiping, tapping, and navigating devices from the cradle. As screens become ever-present and change speeds up, how can parents and educators build confident readers in this new world?
In this engaging, research-based workshop, we’ll explore essential literacy foundations — from handwriting to screen time, and from the science of reading to the joy of book ownership.
You’ll learn:
• the 7 essential literacy skills
• The role of handwriting for reading
• How to balance books and technology
• Why book ownership matters and matching readers to the just-right book
Perfect for parents, carers, educators, and leaders, this workshop gives you the tools to nurture strong, joyful, lifelong readers.
Reading the Dark Adult Panel
Tues 02 September 5.30pm to 6.30pm
$30 pp
Balonne Shire Library
What happens when we give young readers books that explore the raw, the real, and the difficult? Join celebrated author Lili Wilkinson as she chairs a vital discussion with authors Pip Harry and Liv Lorkin around the importance of emotionally complex stories for children and teens.
Together, this panel will explore the concept of “reading the dark” — delving into books that tackle grief, mental health, diversity, climate, trauma, displacement, and other weighty realities facing today’s youth. These are the books that comfort, challenge, and ultimately connect young readers to themselves and the world around them. The panel will unpack the reasons these books are essential, how to encourage young people to engage with them and offer personal insights on how writing and reading the dark has impacted their own lives.
sponsors & supporters
Development Fund
We would like to acknowledge the donors who have contributed to the Storyfest Development Fund in support of the development and delivery of literacy programmes for disadvantaged children.