01 to 03 April
welcome to Storyfest
ofacknowledgement country
Somerset Storyfest acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Yugambeh Language Region and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People of the Gold Coast. We pay our respect to all Elders past, present and emerging as they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of our Indigenous people.
Andrea Lewis CEO 'Boss Lady'
2024 has been a pivotal year for Storyfest. Following the success of delivering Storyfest Out West in Longreach, we extended our regional programme to include Storyfest South West in St. George and Storyfest Central Queensland in Emerald. The tour was extremely successful, connecting authors with over 2,500 children across three regions. For some, it was their first interaction with a real-life author!
As always, our home is firmly based at Somerset College, and we were able to deliver a variety of activations throughout the year. These included the launch of Louise Park’s new book Prank Wars, local author Mark Cunich’s innovative approach to bedtime storytelling through Story Sparks, which was certainly a favourite with the younger students, and a visit by Isabelle Ulliana (Class of 2010) sharing her story The Christmas Tree Love Story, which was a perfect way to end the year!
What’s planned for 2025? A continuation of existing programmes. We’re growing our team to ensure we’re able to deliver on our commitments to our communities. A heartfelt thanks to current team members – Tayla Haynes, Gabriella Lennon, and Emma Monaghan – who have worked tirelessly this past year to ensure our success. We look forward to welcoming the new team members.
My immense thanks to the Directors of Storyfest for their guidance and to our patron, Jacqueline Harvey, and various ambassadors. Thank you for always keeping Storyfest front of mind and promoting our vision and mission to the world.
We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of our new patron, Will Kostakis, and welcome Megan Daley as our new Artistic Director. Will and Megan are highly regarded in the kidlit community, and we look forward to working with them over the forthcoming years.
I actively encourage all members of our community to enjoy the programme being offered. Our volunteers are our heart. If you would like to join a wonderful group, head over to the website for details.
Share stories, build better lives…
storyfest.com.au @somersetstoryfest @somstoryfest @somersetstoryfest
Share your experiences at #storyfestgc #artsqld #artsfunding #wearegoldcoast #ourgoldcoast
from the...
Tom Tate Mayor
Our city is incredibly proud to host Australia’s largest children’s literary festival.
The Somerset Storyfest has entertained, educated and excited the minds of young Australians for 32 years. This year, the program is bigger and better with the chance to meet guest authors and enjoy writers' workshops and tutorials.
Over the past two decades, the Gold Coast has forged a sound reputation where arts and culture are celebrated. The evolution of HOTA has truly cemented our national reputation as a city where art thrives.
This children’s festival adds to our city’s arts and cultural storybook and reminds us all of the importance of storytelling and literature.
Make a date with Storyfest 2025. See you there.
Lann Levigne
First Nations Artistic Director
As a Kombumerri man with a passion for music, storytelling and language development, Lann is deeply immersed in the heart of the Coast’s creative arts field. Through this connection Lann has drawn together a collection of diverse storytellers and artists important to his own stories on country.
Lann spoke of his role “It is important to give everyone the opportunity to learn about and connect with artists that they may never have otherwise. These are the artists and storytellers within my circle that I value dearly.”
Megan Daley
Artistic Director
As an educator, author and podcaster, I love words and storytelling in all forms and so it is an honour to be involved with Storyfest, with its mission to share stories, build better lives. Storyfest is a celebration of storytelling and in my role as Artistic Director, I am showcasing some of the most talented, high octane, passionate creators of stories for children and young adults in the programming.
The energy of this program will burst from the pages of books to stages of the festival venue. Authors, illustrators and storytellers are the rockstars of the literary world and there is no shortage of sparkle, skill and celebrity status amongst the line-up of presenters for the 2025 Storyfest program. As a passionate educator, I have also carefully considered the needs of primary and secondary schools, and the program is full of curriculum aligned workshops and talks as well as some inspiring professional development opportunities for adult attendees.
Young people are our future readers, our future leaders and changemakers and, potentially, our future authors and illustrators; the Storyfest program is designed to nurture, inspire and build skills in the art of storytelling and critical and creative thinking. And because Storyfest is all about celebrating the joy of reading, writing and sharing stories, the program is also playful – because we all need some joy, laughter and play, in our lives and in our literature.
our
We are striving to become a sustainable event; we encourage you to bring your own coffee cups and refillable water bottles. All waste is to be taken to the Resource Recovery Station.
Chris Ivey and Sara Kirby
CFO Kylie Sherrington
STAFF
CEO Andrea Lewis
Artistic Director Megan Daley
First Nations Artistic Director Lann Levinge
Business Development Manager Narelle Higgs
Marketing Co-ordinator Tayla Haynes
Producer Events and Engagement (Regional) Gabriella Lennon
Producer Events and Engagement (Gold Coast) Teraze Burke
Events Assistant Charo Palenzuela
Events Assistant Lili Bannerman
DAY ONE - TUESDAY 1 APRIL 2025
Student Author Sessions
Interactive Writing Workshops
Adult Professional Development
Parents' and Friends' Prologue Party
DAY TWO - WEDNESDAY 2 APRIL 2025
Student Author Sessions
Interactive Writing Workshops
Literary Lunch supported by Richardson Murray
Book Launches
Young Writers' Dinner supported by Tweed Banora Dental
DAY THREE - THURSDAY 3 APRIL 2025
Coastal Illustrators' Breakfast
Student Author Sessions
Interactive Writing Workshops
Adult Professional Development
The Craig Bassingthwaighte Long Table supported by the Somerset Alumni Association
AUTHOR BOOK SIGNINGS
In the Festival Bookshop
DON'T FORGET
To bring your own water bottle and keep cups. All rubbish is to be taken to the Resource Recovery Station.
Photos by MSP Photography and Amber Melody
info festival
BOOKING INFORMATION
Tickets are $8.00 (GST inclusive) per person per session. For adult sessions, workshops and catered functions, please refer to individual event information. Tickets will be emailed to you or can also be collected from the Storyfest Office located at Somerset College between 8.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday.
Bookings can only be processed on receipt of full payment. Bookings can only be accepted online, or in person at the Storyfest Office. There are no refunds or exchanges once bookings are processed. Your tickets and confirmation of your booking will be emailed to your designated email address.
PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS
Tickets will be on sale from Monday 10 February 2025. You may book online anytime. Many sessions have limited numbers, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
SCHOOL BOOKINGS AND RESERVATION POLICY
One complimentary ticket is provided to teachers with each group of up to 10 children (additional teachers are required to purchase extra tickets). Tickets may be reserved for up to 14 days without payment. All payments must be finalised at least seven days prior to the Festival. If payment is not received for your reservation, this will result in automatic cancellation of your booking and tickets will be released.
NOTE ABOUT VENUES
Venues for the author sessions will be allocated closer to the Festival. The capacities of the venues vary, so final venue allocation is determined according to the number of tickets purchased for each session. Please check the website prior to your visit to find the location of your sessions.
SUSTAINABILITY
We are striving to become a sustainable event therefore no plastic bottled drinks will be available for sale. A water refill station will be located in Towers Quad. In addition, no single-use coffee cups will be available, festival goers are encouraged to bring along their own keep cups or visit our Mug Library. All waste should be taken offsite or visit the Resource Recovery Station.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY PERMISSIONS
Storyfest will have a photographer and videographer onsite to record events throughout the Festival. These photos are for archival and marketing purposes and purchase of a ticket implies permission to use the photos taken for these purposes.
FESTIVAL BOOKSHOP
The Festival Bookshop stocks an extensive range of books by all the authors and illustrators attending Storyfest and is open between 8.00am and 4.00pm. It will also open during The Prologue Party. At the end of each of their sessions, authors are available for book signings!
FOOD AND DRINK
The Hardback Café operates throughout the Festival. Look out for Dippin’ Dots, Dutch Poffertjes, The Wiener Haus, Snow Cones and other treats.
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.
BAGS
There is no cloakroom facility at the Festival. 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 Storyfest Office.
HOW TO GET HERE
The Festival is located on campus at Somerset College, Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast.
Car
Take Exit 82 off the Pacific Motorway (M1), head west along Somerset Drive. Somerset College is located on the left. There is limited parking off Somerset Drive, Clover Hill Drive and Sara Carrigan Court (accessed by turning right off Clover Hill Drive).
Public Transport
Take advantage of the Government's 50-cent Transport Flat Rate. The nearest Queensland Rail station is Robina. From there, Somerset College is approximately a five minute drive by car/taxi. Alternatively, if you are a school group, contact us to book your complimentary shuttle bus. Public buses also operate from various locations around the Gold Coast. For further details, visit the TransLink website www.translink.com.au
School Bus Transport
Koala Koaches has a special rate for Gold Coast schools travelling to Storyfest. Coach (with seat belts) $8.80 plus GST per person with a minimum of 30 passengers. Schools travelling to the Gold Coast by train are also eligible for a special rate on a shuttle service between Robina Train Station and Somerset College. Please contact Koala Koaches to make your necessary travel arrangements by phoning - 07 5535 2711.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Phone: 07 5559 7377
Email: bookings@storyfest.com.au
meet the storytellers
Session 126 Tuesday 1 at 10.15am
Dennis has a rich story to share that has seen him elevate to elite athlete status, community mentor, teacher and youth worker all scattered with sliding door moments and opportunities. From a kid on the rails to homelessness and becoming Australasian Light Heavyweight Champion, Dennis is a shinning beacon, not only for First Nations people but for all and lives by his moto: “Be the person you needed when you were a kid”
Session 151 Tuesday 1 at 1.45pm
Session 213 Wednesday 2 at 9.15am
Young Writers' Dinner Wednesday 2 at 5.00pm
Session 331 Thursday 3 at 11.15am
Session 353 Thursday 3 at 1.45pm
Ashleigh Barton is a children's author and copywriter. Before writing full time, she pursued her love of books (children's books especially) by working in some of Australia's biggest publishing houses, running marketing and publicity campaigns for globally renowned authors and illustrators. Ashleigh has previously published six successful and highly acclaimed picture books and two junior fiction series and has been recognised on the CBCA Notables and/or Shortlist in 2021, 2022 and 2023. She lives in Sydney with her husband, three children and their dog.
www.ashleighbarton.com
Dennis
Ashleigh Arthur Barton
Tuesday 1 at 10.15am
Tuesday 1 at 12.45pm
Workshop Wednesday 2 at 9.30am
Session 243 Wednesday 2 at 12.45pm
Young Illustrators' Breakfast Thursday 3 at 7.30am
Session 313 Thursday 3 at 9.15am
Session 335 Thursday 3 at 11.15am
Sami is a Newcastle based author and illustrator who loves all things weird and wonderful. She enjoys painting realistic flora and fauna and sharing her passion for nature with kids. After studying a bachelor of Natural History Illustration at The University of Newcastle, she has published six books. Four of which are part of The Illustrated Encyclopaedia series, while the other two are about animal evolution stories for younger children, How We Came To Be...
www.samibayly.com
Workshop Tuesday 1 at 12.45pm
Dr Lara Cain Gray has built her multi-discipline career through libraries, museums, academic teaching and research. Currently with non-profit publisher Library For All, she curates multilingual book collections for remote and low income communities. She is a book reviewer, literary prize judge and public speaker who will NEVER be too old for picture books. The Grown-Up’s Guide to Picture Books is an A to Z guide to what makes a great picture book.
www.laracaingray.com
Session 116 Tuesday 1 at 9.15am
Session 136 Tuesday 1 at 11.15am
Session 246 Wednesday 2 at 12.45pm
Session 325 Thursday 3 at 10.15am
Session 346 Thursday 3 at 12.45pm
Brooke Blurton is a proud Noongar-Yamatji woman and broke records as the first Indigenous and bisexual Bachelorette for Network Ten’s reality television franchise. Brooke is a passionate mental health advocate and champion of young people, especially First Nations and queer youth, and all people of colour. Brooke developed her passion for mental health advocacy as a youth worker by reflecting on her own challenging journey and educating young people about essential life skills, including Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid.
Literary Lunch Wednesday 2 at 12.30pm
Gina Chick, the inaugural winner of Alone Australia, tells the story of her extraordinary, indomitable life in one of the most powerful, moving memoirs you will ever read. From day one of her wildly unconventional childhood, Gina Chick blazed her own trail, which led her to dance through the hidden world of ’90s Sydney nightlife into the arms of a conman. She fled to the wilderness to find healing, began a wondrous love affair with the deepest lessons life – and death – can offer, and found that all the answers are written in the wisdom of the body and the whirling silence of stars.
www.ginachick.com
Blurton
Cain Gray
Sami Bayly
Gina Chick
Brooke
Lara
Anton
Clifford-Motopi
Session 115 Tuesday 1 at 9.15am
Session 143 Tuesday 1 at 12.45pm
Session 215 Wednesday 2 at 9.15am
Young Writers' Dinner Wednesday 2 at 5.00pm
Anton writes stories that make children laugh, often exploring themes of self-identity, family, and friendship, inspired by his mixed-race background, large adoptive family, and experience raising four children. His passion for children's writing started while teaching high school in Mount Isa, though he didn't begin writing seriously until he was book shopping for his daughter. Over the next decade, Anton wrote three children’s books while studying public health, lecturing, and raising his kids. Though unpublished, these books fueled his love for storytelling. Currently, Anton works as a health researcher at a university but remains passionate about writing funny and thought-provoking children’s stories. To and Fro is his debut novel. www.antoncliffordmotopi.com
Session 111 Tuesday 1 at 9.15am
Session 132 Tuesday 1 at 11.15am
Session 222 Wednesday 2 at 10.15am
Session 254 Wednesday 2 at 1.45pm
Young Writers' Dinner Wednesday 2 at 5.00pm
Young Illustrators' Breakfast Thursday 3 at 7.30am
Workshop Thursday 3 at 9.30am
Session 351 Thursday 3 at 1.45pm
Amy Doak
Session 125 Tuesday 1 at 10.15am
Session 146 Tuesday 1 at 12.45pm
Session 214 Wednesday 2 at 9.15am
Session 237 Wednesday 2 at 11.15am
Young Writers' Dinner Wednesday 2 at 5.00pm
Session 327 Thursday 3 at 10.15am
Amy Doak is a lifelong lover of books, reading and writing. Following a career in media, she continues to work as a freelance writer whilst writing fiction. Her debut novel, Eleanor Jones Is Not A Murderer, won the 2024 Davitt Award for Best Crime Novel for YA Readers; was a CBCA 2024 notable; and was shortlisted for both the 2024 ABIA Award Book of the Year for Older Readers, and for the 2024 Davitt Awards Best Debut Crime Novel. Amy lives in regional Victoria with her husband, teen, tween, dog, and a very grumpy cat.
www.amywritingbooks.com
Session 121 Tuesday 1 at 10.15am
Session 322 Thursday 3 at 10.15am
Tony Flowers loves to draw and is an internationally acclaimed illustrator and artist. His drawings are loved in Japan for their detail and humour and he has won an award in the USA for his street chalk art. Tony has a Masters degree in Visual Communication. He has illustrated six books in the popular Saurus Street series and his most highly valued prize to date has been from the Oshima Picture Book Museum in Toyama, Japan, for his hand made pop-up book Gaijin Holiday
Tony Flowers
Jarred Fogarty
Kate Foster
Session 122 Tuesday 1 at 10.15am
Session 153 Tuesday 1 at 1.45pm
Session 223 Wednesday 2 at 10.15am
Session 333 Thursday 3 at 11.15am
Kate Foster is a children's author writing about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from a small town in the south east of England, she now lives on the stunning Gold Coast in Australia with her family and second-hand dogs. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via positive approach and representation.
www.kfosterbooks.com
Andy
Young Writers' Dinner Wednesday 2 at 5.00pm Young Illustrators' Breakfast Thursday 3 at 7.30am
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 picture book, has been recognised as a Notable Book Australian Backyard Birdies 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
Trevor Fourmile
Session 141
Session 211
Session 232 Wednesday 2 at 11.15am
Trevor Fourmile is from the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people of the Cairns area in Far North Queensland. He is the author of numerous children’s books, including How the Cassowary Got Its Helmet. These stories are based on the coastal rainforest and told in traditional style. Trevor’s Yidinji name is Bumi which means ‘lightning flash’. He is passionate about teaching the younger generation his culture through traditional dancing, storytelling, painting and writing children’s books.
Daniel
Gray-Barnett
Workshop Tuesday 1 at 9.30am
Session 142 Tuesday 1 at 12.45pm
Session 212 Wednesday 2 at 9.15am
Session 241 Wednesday 2 at 12.45pm
Session 312 Thursday 3 at 9.15am
Session 352 Thursday 3 at 1.45pm
Daniel Gray-Barnett is an illustrator and author from the Huon Valley in lutruwita/Tasmania, whose beloved picture books include the award-winning Grandma Z and Katerina Cruickshanks. He’s also the co-creator of two picture books about disability with Eliza Hull and Australian Children’s Laureate Sally Rippin: Come Over to My House, which won the inaugural DANZ Award, and The World We Can Build, which publishes in May 2025. His illustration clients include Disney, Kiehl’s, Sydney Opera House and The New York Times. When he’s not in the studio, he can be found daydreaming in the garden with his husband, German pointers and chickens. www.danielgraybarnett.com
Bonnie
Hancock
Session 226 Wednesday 2 at 10.15am
Session 256 Wednesday 2 at 1.45pm
Session 336 Thursday 3 at 11.15am
Session 356 Thursday 3 at 1.45pm
A professional IronWoman by age 17, Bonnie Hancock has competed in seven Nutri-Grain IronWoman Series and represented Australia in surf lifesaving. In 2022 she completed a gruelling 12,700-kilometre journey around Australia solo in an ocean ski, becoming the fastest ever paddler to circumnavigate the continent, the first Australian woman to circumnavigate the continent by paddle, and the youngest person to do so. She also achieved a new world record for the longest 24hour paddle, covering a distance of 235 kilometres.
www.bonniehancock.com
Brendan
Knight
Session 121 Tuesday 1 at 10.15am
Session 322 Thursday 3 at 10.15am
Mununjali Ngari is a traditonal and deeply immersed culturalexperience hailing from the Beusdesert region.
Brendan is a leader in the community and plays an importantrole keeping the culture of his people alive through song,dance and story telling.
Session 124 Tuesday 1 at 10.15am
Session 134 Tuesday 1 at 11.15am
Session 144 Tuesday 1 at 12.45pm
Session 224 Wednesday 2 at 10.15am
Session 234 Wednesday 2 at 11.15am
Session 244 Wednesday 2 at 12.45pm
Session 324 Thursday 3 at 10.15am
Session 334 Thursday 3 at 11.15am
Session 344 Thursday 3 at 12.45pm
Richard Kinnon is a natural storyteller. Brought up in the outback where tales are told around the campfire, he has a wealth of yarns to share. There are stories of the early pioneers, cattle duffers and stagecoaches; stories of his own childhood growing up on a station and learning from the Indigenous ‘uncles’ who worked there; stories of building his Outback Pioneers tourism business in Longreach, which is now a multi award-winning enterprise drawing thousands of visitors each year. He is passionate about educating future generations to value and preserve the real Australian outback.
www.outbackpioneers.com.au
Will Kostakis
Secrets from the Kids’ Table Thursday 3 at 5.30pm
Will Kostakis writes for young adults. First published at nineteen, he is best known for writing whip-smart comedies that break (then mend) hearts, and occasionally making national news for resisting local book and author bans. We Could Be Something is his latest novel. It’s a humorous yet heart-rending look at family, fame and falling in love. It won the 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Young Adult Literature, and was shortlisted for the Victorian and New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards and the Queensland Literary Award.
www.willkostakis.com
Richard Kinnon
Session 147 Tuesday 1 at 12.45pm
Session 231 Wednesday 2 at 11.15am
James Layton Kruger
Candace Melanie
Dr. Candace Kruger is a Yugambeh Elder and Songwoman, as well as author, composer, and academic dedicated to preserving and sharing Indigenous knowledge through storytelling, music, and education. As the founder and director of the Yugambeh Youth Choir, Candace has spent over a decade fostering cultural connection and language revitalisation through song. Her compositions and writing celebrate First Nations perspectives, weaving together traditional stories, embodied performance, and contemporary interpretations to ensure cultural integrity and intergenerational knowledgesharing. Candace is the author of Yalgun Sun, a collaboration with the Gold Coast SUNS that brings Indigenous storytelling to a new generation through sport and community engagement.
Workshop Thursday 3 at 11.30am
Larrikin House Publisher James Layton is passionate about creating fun, edgy and unique books for young readers. His industry experience spans 30 years as both a bookseller to schools and in 2018 a children’s publisher. His first question to authors when assessing manuscripts is always ‘What’s the buy-in for the kid?’ As a young reluctant reader himself, James started creating humorous books to engage kids and make them laugh. His frank, nononsense approach is invaluable for anyone who wants a publishing deal.
Session 135 Tuesday 1 at 11.15am
Session 233 Wednesday 2 at 11.15am
Session 252 Wednesday 2 at 1.45pm
Young Writers' Dinner Wednesday 2 at 5.00pm
Session 314 Thursday 3 at 9.15am
Session 343 Thursday 3 at 12.45pm
Melanie La’Brooy writes funny and action-packed fantasy adventure novels that tackle serious themes. For 14 years Melanie travelled the world, living in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. She previously wrote five books for adults, which were published in Australia and internationally, before realising that writing for kids was 100 times more fun (and 1000 times harder). The multi-award-winning The Wintrish Girl, the first book in the Talismans of Fate series, was her debut novel for children. The second book in the series, The Lost History, is out now.
www.melanielabrooy.com.au
Session 131 Tuesday 1 at 11.15am
Cheryl Leavy is an award-winning writer working across non-fiction, poetry, and children's literature. Passionate about language revitalisation, Cheryl is from the Kooma and Nguri nations in western and central Queensland. She is an award-winning poet and writer who loves to tell stories that celebrate First Nations culture, history and Country. Yanga Mother is her first picture book and her second, For You Country, will be published in 2025. Cheryl loves her job as a writer because it gives her endless opportunities to work with friends to make beautiful books together.
Cheryl Leavy
Mike Lucas
Session 127 Tuesday 1 at 10.15am
Session 154 Tuesday 1 at 1.45pm
Session 216 Wednesday 2 at 9.15am
Session 236 Wednesday 2 at 11.15am
Session 311 Thursday 3 at 9.15am
Session 337 Thursday 3 at 11.15am
Mike Lucas, author of several picture books including the CBCA Notable Book Olivia's Voice, has also published humorous children's poetry and contributed to poetry anthologies. An Honorary Member of the CBCA (SA), he helps organize the Adelaide Festival of Children’s Books and presents writing and poetry workshops at schools. Mike owns a bookshop in Blackwood, South Australia, and works as a full-time engineer. He doesn’t sleep much. In 2022, his first YA novel, What We All Saw, was published and shortlisted for the Readings Book Prize 2022, CBCA Book of the Year Award 2023, and the Prime Minister’s Literary Award 2023.
www.mikelucas.com.au
Session 114 Tuesday 1 at 9.15am
Session 155 Tuesday 1 at 1.45pm
Maryam Master
Session 255 Wednesday 2 at 1.45pm
Session 315 Thursday 3 at 9.15am
Session 332 Thursday 3 at 11.15am
Maryam Master is a screenwriter, playwright and author who loves creating stories for young people. She has adapted four of David Walliams' books for the stage - Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy, The Midnight Gang and Ratburger - as well as Oliver Jeffers' The Incredible Book Eating Boy, all of which premiered at the Sydney Opera House and toured across Australia. Maryam's first novel, Exit Through the Gift Shop, was shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards, the CBCA Book of the Year for Younger Readers and the ABIA Book of the Year for Younger Children 2022. Her second novel, No Words, was winner of the Children's Peace Literature Award and the Readings Children's Prize 2023, and was a CBCA Notable Book for Younger Readers. Her latest acclaimed middle grade novel is called Laughter is the Best Ending.
Nathan Luff
Session 112 Tuesday 1 at 9.15am
Session 133 Tuesday 1 at 11.15am
Session 235 Wednesday 2 at 11.15am
Session 251 Wednesday 2 at 1.45pm
Workshop Thursday 3 at 9.30am
Session 354 Thursday 3 at 1.45pm
Secrets from the Kids’ Table Thursday 3 at 5.30pm
Nathan Luff grew up on a farm in rural NSW as one of five boys. His colourful upbringing is often the inspiration for the stories he tells. Nathan is the author of The Nerd Herd and Family Holidays Disasters series and the middle grade novels Chicken Stu and Bad Grammar. In addition to writing children’s books and plays, Nathan can be found programming children's and YA events for writers’ festivals and teaching in primary schools.
www.nathanluff.com.au
McKerrowJoel
Session 253 Wednesday 2 at 1.45pm
Session 316 Thursday 3 at 9.15am
Session 355 Thursday 3 at 1.45pm
Joel McKerrow is an award-winning writer, keynote speaker, creativity specialist, children's author, and one of Australia’s most successful performance poets. He is the artist Ambassador for TEARFUND Australia, teaches at the Melbourne Young Writers Studio, and co-hosts The Deep Place: On Creativity and Spirituality podcast. Joel represented Australia at the Individual World Poetry Slam Championships in the USA, co-founded The Centre for Poetics and Justice, and hosted the Australian National Poetry Slam for Victoria. He is currently the Director of The School for Creative Development, working extensively to help creatives develop their practice.
www.joelmckerrow.com
Tania
Tania Moloney is the Founder of Nurture in Nature Australia and an award-winning children's book author. Through her work and play, Tania inspires children, educators, parents, and caregivers to connect with nature and each other through the power of storytelling and hands-on nature experiences. Her debut book, Nature Ninja Saves the Natural World, shows readers that even the smallest actions to care for nature where they live can make a big difference for the planet. She has secretly wanted to be Nature Ninja since she was 6 years old. Now she can be - and her readers can too!
www.nurtureinnature.com.au
Session 126 Tuesday 1 at 10.15am
Sarah Prebble, a proud Ngadjuri athlete from the Gold Coast, excels in Athletics and advocates for Indigenous rights. She combines athletic skill with cultural pride, using sport to connect with others and promote diversity. Sarah strives for personal success while inspiring others to honor their heritage and find strength in their backgrounds. As both an athlete and a passionate advocate, she demonstrates that strength, resilience, and pride are key to personal growth and achievement.
Navarro Eleea
Session 227 Wednesday 2 at 10.15am
Session 345 Thursday 3 at 12.45pm
Eleea Navarro better known as, ELEEA, is an award-winning singer-songwriter and happy little traveler, captivates with her autobiographical lyrics, emotive voice, and signature guitar style. Her latest single, Just Friends from her 800+ song catalogue, explores themes of love and life through her diverse experiences—from growing up on a Mullumbimby farm to her work with Baz Luhrmann on Elvis and her travels as a blogger. A collaboration with ARIA producer Brad Hosking, the track debuted at #1 on the AMRAP charts and earned recognition at the Queensland Music Awards. ELEEA's dynamic performances have graced stages like the FIFA Fan Festival and Brisbane Festival.
Session 116 Tuesday 1 at 9.15am
Session 136 Tuesday 1 at 11.15am
Session 246 Wednesday 2 at 12.45pm
Session 325 Thursday 3 at 10.15am
Session 346 Thursday 3 at 12.45pm
Melanie Saward is a proud Bigambul and Wakka Wakka woman. She is a writer, editor, and academic based in Tulmur (Ipswich), Queensland. Her debut novel Burn was published in 2023 and her first romantic comedy novel, Love Unleashed, was published in 2024.
www.littleredwrites.com.au
Moloney
Sarah Prebble
Melanie Saward
Session 147 Tuesday 1 at 12.45pm
Session 231 Wednesday 2 at 11.15am
Tristan Schultz is a designer, researcher and strategist of Gamilaroi and Australian-european descent. He’s spent his life living, working and playing across the Gold Coast and Scenic Rim. Along with a Bachelor of Design, a Masters of Design Futures and a PhD in Design, he has more than 20 years of professional practice in visual communication, product, events and interpretive design, strategic foresight, futures thinking and sustainability. He is currently Director of Relative Creative and Honorary Adjunct Fellow at the University of Technology, Sydney in the Design School and Honorary Principal Research Fellow at RMIT, Melbourne.
Workshop Tuesday 1 at 9.30am
Session 152 Tuesday 1 at 1.45pm
Workshop Wednesday 2 at 9.30am
Session 245 Wednesday 2 at 12.45pm
Session 326 Thursday 3 at 10.15am
Session 342 Thursday 3 at 12.45pm
Secrets from the Kids’ Table Thursday 3 at 5.30pm
Allison Tait (A. L. Tait) is the internationally published, bestselling author of nine middle-grade novels, including The Mapmaker Chronicles, The Ateban Cipher novels, Maven & Reeve Mysteries and The First Summer of Callie McGee, which was longlisted for the 2024 Margaret and Colin Roderick Literary Award. Her 10 novel, Willow Bright’s Secret Plot is out in May 2025. Allison teaches creative writing for children at the Australian Writers’ Centre and is the co-host of the top-rating Your Kid’s Next Read podcast.
www.allisontait.com
Sophie Taylor
Session 225 Wednesday 2 at 10.15am
Session 323 Thursday 3 at 10.15am
Sophie Taylor is a Gamilaraay artist and cocreator of HOTMESS, a multidisciplinary art and performance project. With over 10 years of experience as a practicing artist and cultural workshop facilitator, Sophie has dedicated her career to celebrating and sharing Indigenous culture. She studied Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art at the Queensland College of Art (QCA) and currently works for a local Indigenous non-profit organisation, supporting her community through cultural programs. Alongside her work with HOTMESS, Sophie is collaborating as a costume designer with Karul Projects, contributing to innovative Indigenous storytelling through dance and performance.
Session 126 Tuesday 1 at 10.15am
Kerry-Lee Thompson
Session 225 Wednesday 2 at 10.15am
Kerry-Lee is a proud Yidinji, Yadhaigana and Meriam Mer Sovereign First Nations woman. She has lived her entire life on the beautiful Kombumerri Saltwater Peoples and Ngarangwal Freshwater Peoples' jagun (country) of the Bundjalung Nation on the Gold Coast. Kerry-Lee is a rich melting pot of exquisite cultures, a proud First Nations woman from many places, who grew up in the Gold Coast Hinterland of Mudgeeraba and Springbrook. In her formative years, she spent countless hours wandering through the ancient and scared Gondwana Rainforests not far from where the Festival resides. This is not Keyy-Lee's jagun (country), this is her home of deep love, connection and belonging that she has known for 54 years.
Tristan Schultz
A.L. Tait
Workshop Wednesday 2 at 12.45pm
Workshop Thursday 3 at 11.30am
Dani Vee is an author, publisher, podcaster and English Head Teacher. Her books include junior fiction titles Riley's FAILPROOF Guide to Breaking a School Record and My Pet Croc! She also writes picture books including the internationally published My EXTRAordinary Mum and the My EPIC Dad! series. Dani has published a short crime story in Dark Deed Down Under 2 and is currently writing a junior fiction title, a YA mystery novel and an adult commercial fiction novel.
Wilkinson
Workshop Tuesday 1 at 9.30am
Session 156 Tuesday 1 at 1.45pm
Session 221 Wednesday 2 at 10.15am
Session 247 Wednesday 2 at 12.45pm
Session 321 Thursday 3 at 10.15am
Session 341 Thursday 3 at 12.45pm
Secrets from the Kids’ Table Thursday 3 at 5.30pm
Lili Wilkinson is the award-winning author of 20 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
Nova
Weetman
Session 113 Tuesday 1 at 9.15am
Session 137 Tuesday 1 at 11.15am
Workshop Wednesday 2 at 9.30am
Session 242 Wednesday 2 at 12.45pm
Nova Weetman is an acclaimed writer of many books for young adults and children. Her middlegrade novels include The Secrets We Keep, The Secrets We Share, Sick Bay, The Edge of Thirteen and The Jammer, as well as Elsewhere Girls and Outlaw Girls with Emily Gale.
www.novaweetman.com.au
Williams
Session 225 Wednesday 2 at 10.15am
Session 323 Thursday 3 at 10.15am
Kim is a descendent of the Kullilli & Wakka Wakka clan. "One of my biggest accomplishments was in 2016 when I completed my degree in Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art at Griffith University. This gave me the opportunity to produce over 20 gallery shows here in Australia and public art talks in China. My practice includes sculpture, intricate culture weaving, traditional & contemporary Indigenous paintings and prints and public art talks. My style reflects my heritage as an Aboriginal woman. My current work is about life and stories of my cultural journey. It is through my past and present elders that these historical, traditional and contemporary stories are told within my Aboriginal art practice."
Kim
Dani Vee
Lili
student sessions
9.15am to 10.00am
Tues 1
Lower Primary
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
Tony Flowers #illustration #visualhumour
Nathan Luff #writingcomedy #creatingcharacters
Nova Weetman #belonging #identity
Recommended for young people and their actively engaged supervising educators
Early Years = Pre-Prep to Year Two
Lower Primary = Year Two to Year Four
Senior Primary = Year Three to Year Six
Middle Grade = Year Four to Year Eight
Lower Secondary = Year Seven to Year Ten
Senior Secondary = Year Ten 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.
Maryam Master #screenwriting #creatingcharacters
Anton Clifford-Motopi #selfidentity #diversity
Brooke Blurton and Melanie Saward #co-writing #diversity
10.15am to 11.00am
Lower Primary
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
Brendan Knight and Jarred Fogarty #firstnation #storytelling #dance
Kate Foster #creatingcharacters #diversity
Sami Bayly #illustration #nonfiction
Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife (more info page 22)
Amy Doak #crimewriting #creatingcharacters
Sarah Prebble, Dennis Arthur and Kerry-Lee Thompson #firstnation #storytelling #sport
Mike Lucas #history #horror #ethicaldilemmas
11.15am to 12noon
Early Years
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
Cheryl Leavy #firstnation #storytelling
Tony Flowers #illustration #visualhumour
Nathan Luff #writingcomedy #creatingcharacters
Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife (more info page 22)
Melanie La'Brooy #fantasy #adventure #identity
Brooke Blurton and Melanie Saward #co-writing #diversity
Nova Weetman #belonging #identity
12.45pm to 1.30pm
Lower Primary
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
Trevor Fourmile #firstnation #storytelling
Daniel Gray-Barnett #illustration #creatingcharacters
Anton Clifford-Motopi #selfidentity #diversity
Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife (more info page 22)
Sami Bayly #illustration #nonfiction
Amy Doak #crimewriting #creatingcharacters
Candace Kruger and Tristan Schultz #firstnation #storytelling
1.45pm to 2.30pm
Lower Primary
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
Ashleigh Barton #narrativenonfiction #creatingcharacters
A.L. Tait #creatingcharacters #adventure
Kate Foster #creatingcharacters #diversity
Mike Lucas #poetry #identity
Maryam Master #screenwriting #creatingcharacters
Lili Wilkinson #fantasy #worldbuilding #creatingcharacters
studentsessions Weds 2
9.15am to 10.00am
Lower Primary
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
STORYTELLER
Trevor Fourmile
Daniel Gray-Barnett
Ashleigh Barton
Amy Doak
Anton Clifford-Motopi #selfidentity #diversity
Mike Lucas #history #horror #ethicaldilemmas
Recommended for young people and their actively engaged supervising educators
Early Years = Pre-Prep to Year Two
Lower Primary = Year Two to Year Four
Senior Primary = Year Three to Year Six
Middle Grade = Year Four to Year Eight
Lower Secondary = Year Seven to Year Ten
Senior Secondary = Year Ten 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.
10.15am to 11.00am
Lower Primary
Senior Primary
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
Lili Wilkinson #creatingcharacters #adventure #magic
Tony Flowers #illustration #visualcomedy
Kate Foster #creatingcharacters #diversity
Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife (more info page 22)
Kim Williams, Sophie Taylor and Kerry-Lee Thompson #firstnation #art
Bonnie Hancock #truestory #leadership
Eleea Navarro #firstnation #storytelling #music
11.15am to 12noon
Lower Primary
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
Candace Kruger and Tristan Schultz #firstnation #storytelling
Trevor Fourmile #firstnation #storytelling
Melanie La'Brooy #fantasy #adventure #identity
Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife (more info page 22)
Nathan Luff #writingcomedy #creatingcharacters
Mike Lucas #poetry #identity
Amy Doak #crimewriting #creatingcharacters
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
12.45pm to 1.30pm 1.45pm to 2.30pm
Daniel Gray-Barnett #illustration #creatingcharacters
Nova Weetman #belonging #identity
Sami Bayly #illustration #nonfiction
Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife (more info page 22)
A.L. Tait #creatingcharacters #adventure
Brooke Blurton and Melanie Saward #co-writing #diversity
Lili Wilkinson #fantasy #worldbuilding #creatingcharacters
Senior Primary
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
Nathan Luff #writingcomedy #creatingcharacters
Melanie La'Brooy #fantasy #adventure #identity
Joel McKerrow #booklaunch
Tony Flowers #illustration #visualhumour
Maryam Master #screenwriting #creatingcharacters
Bonnie Hancock #truestory #leadership
studentsessions
Thurs 3
Lower Primary
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
Mike Lucas #writingcomedy #creatingcharacters #poetry
Daniel Gray-Barnett #illustration #creatingcharacters
Sami Bayly #illustration #nonfiction
Melanie La'Brooy #fantasy #adventure #identity
Maryam Master #screenwriting #creatingcharacters
Joel McKerrow #performancepoetry #writing
Year Seven to Year Ten
Senior Secondary = Year Ten 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.
Lower Primary
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Lower Secondary
Lower Secondary
Lili Wilkinson #creatingcharacters #adventure #magic
Brendan Knight and Jarred Fogarty #firstnation #storytelling #dance
Kim Williams and Sophie Taylor #firstnation #storytelling #art
Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife (see page 22 for more info)
Brooke Blurton and Melanie Saward #co-writing #diversity
A.L. Tait #creatingcharacters #adventure
Amy Doak #crimewriting #creatingcharacters
11.15am to 12noon
Lower Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Lower Secondary
Senior Secondary
10.15am to 11.00am 12.45pm to 1.30pm 1.45pm to 2.30pm
Ashleigh Barton #narrativenonfiction #creatingcharacters
Maryam Master #screenwriting #creatingcharacters
Kate Foster #creatingcharacters #diversity
Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife (see page 22 for more info)
Sami Bayly #illustration #nonfiction
Bonnie Hancock #truestory #leadership
Mike Lucas #history #horror #ethicaldilemmas
Lili Wilkinson #creatingcharacters #adventure #magic
A.L. Tait #creatingcharacters #adventure
Melanie La'Brooy #fantasy #adventure #identity
Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife (see page 22 for more info)
Eleea Navarro #firstnation #storytelling #music
Brooke Blurton and Melanie Saward #co-writing #diversity
Will Kostakis #creatingcharacters #identity
Lower Primary
Senior Primary
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Middle Grade
Senior Secondary
Tony Flowers #illustration #writinghumour
Daniel Gray-Barnett #illustration #creatingcharacters
Ashleigh Barton #creatingcharacters #adventure
Nathan Luff #writingcomedy #creatingcharacters
Joel McKerrow #performancepoetry #writing
Bonnie Hancock #truestory #leadership
studentworkshops$20pp
Tues 1
9.30am to 11.00am
STORYTELLER
Middle Grade
Lower to Senior Primary
Weds 2
UNLOCKING THE STORY CODE with A.L. Tait
Join Allison Tait as she uses the framework of the Ateban Cipher novels and the 10 Keys To A Great Story in this workshop. Explore character, setting, plot, language choices, editing, and more.
ILLUSTRATION BOOT CAMP with Daniel Gray-Barnett
Want to be an illustrator but not sure where to start? Join award-winning illustrator Daniel Gray-Barnett for a fun mini boot camp where you’ll pick up essential skills, cool tips, and creative tricks to help you get started on your illustration journey.
CREATING STORIES with Lili Wilkinson
Brainstorm a fantasy story, complete with characters, plot and a map, using fun dicerolling prompts. Award-winning author Lili Wilkinson will guide participants through the story creation process, as well as giving a behind-the scenes glimpse into the making of her latest hit series, Bravepaw
9.30am to 11.00am
Lower Secondary
Secondary
Lower Secondary
STORYTELLER
SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATION with Sami Bayly
Learn how to draw your very own strange creature with non-fiction author and illustrator Sami Bayly. She will guide you through a step-by-step tutorial, teaching you some fun tips and tricks along the way. You might even be able to design your very own unusual creature.
WHO'S TELLING THE STORY? with A.L. Tait
A deep dive into the mystery of character and point of view with Allison Tait, using her Maven & Reeve Mysteries to illustrate the choices writers must make to tell a story.
WHAT'S YOUR STORY: MEMOIR WRITING with Nova Weetman
Everyone has a story to tell—what’s yours? Join award-winning author Nova Weetman for an engaging workshop for students. Nova will guide you through the art of writing memoirs, sharing her insights on capturing life’s pivotal moments, crafting compelling narratives, and finding your unique voice.
12.45pm to 2.15pm
STORYTELLER
Middle Grade
HOW TO MAKE READERS LAUGH with Dani Vee
Can anyone be funny? Spend time with Dani Vee and learn how to make your readers laugh out loud. The workshop will include a deep dive into her books Riley's FAILPROOF Guide to Breaking a School Record, My Pet Croc and the My EPIC Dad! series to see how humour is created and how writers can put the FUN in MUNdane everyday situations. Learn what it takes to be funny using some well known tricks and tips!
Thurs 3
STORYTELLER
Recommended for young people and their actively engaged supervising educators
Early Years = Pre-Prep to Year Two
Lower Primary = Year Two to Year Four
Senior Primary = Year Three to Year Six
Middle Grade = Year Four to Year Eight
Lower Secondary = Year Seven to Year Ten
Senior Secondary = Year Ten 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.
A guide to creating relatable and engaging characters that leap off the page. This 9.30am to 11.00am
CHARACTER BUILDING with Nathan Luff
We are striving to become a sustainable event; we encourage you to bring your own coffee cups and refillable water bottles. All waste is to be taken to the Resource Recovery Station.
extended programme
Immersive Storytelling with Richard Kinnon
10.15am, 11.15am, 12.45pm
Come and hear Richard Kinnon, talk about life growing up in the outback far from a city. He’ll tell you about his adventures, how a little kid dreamed big and how everyone can be the hero of their own life story.
$8 pp
middle grade students
Tweed Banora Dental Young Writers' Dinner
Richard is a grazier who lives in Longreach Outback Queensland with his family and lots of animals. He also founded a tourism enterprise called Outback Pioneers where people can go and experience what the outback is really like and how the pioneers lived. You won’t want to miss Richard’s sessions, which are full of amazing stories and interesting outback facts!
Weds 2 April 5.00pm to 8.30pm
$45 pp includes dinner and soft drink
The Tweed Banora Dental Young Writers’ Dinner provides young people with a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ – to spend an exciting evening workshopping with some of Australia’s bestselling kids and YA fiction writers.
The dinner is open to the wider community, suitable for ages 10+. So don’t miss the amazing, fun-filled experience of spending an evening with one of this year’s featured authors Andy Geppert, Tony Flowers, Ashleigh Barton, Anton Clifford-Motopi, Amy Doak and Melanie La’Brooy.
middle grade to senior secondary students
Parents are invited to come back and watch the performances from 7.30pm.
Book online - tickets are limited! Proudly supported by Dr. Annette Allen of Tweed Banora Dental
Coastal Illustrators' Breakfast
Thurs 3 April 7.30am to 8.30am
$30 pp includes breakfast and juice
all year levels
Start your day with creativity and breakfast! Spend the morning with the talented children’s illustrators Tony Flowers Bayly and Andy Geppert
Let your imagination soar as we share stories, swap tips, and sketch our way through a fun-filled morning. From quirky characters to vibrant landscapes, this illustrator breakfast is sure to inspire your next masterpiece!
Book online - tickets are limited! Kids under 10 require an adult, all attendees must hold a ticket. Proudly supported by Coastal.
The City Speaks Softly A creative and kindnessfilled workshop
By Tal Fitzpatrick and Melissa Spratt
Tues 1, Weds 2, Thurs 3 9.30am to 11.00am
$20 pp
middle grade to senior secondary students
parents, guardians, and wider community welcome
An interactive workshop led by the artists commissioned to create the artworks for the street-pole banners on Somerset Drive and throughout the festival site. Learn how to finger-knit or craft with fabric and give a gift in a creative and kindness-filled workshop. This activation will focus on the idea of "guerrilla kindness” a modality of craftivism that uses craft and gift giving to intervene in public spaces and to create random acts of kindness. The workshop and activation will centre around the creation of handmade objects that can be gifted or placed in the activation space for festival goers to find.
About the artists: Tal and Melissa’s collaboration explores a shared love of text-based textile art and how it might be deployed to gently intervene in public space.
Tal Fitzpatrick (she/her) works in the field of craftivism, and employs craft as a medium for activism and collaboration. Her works tackle complex social, political and environmental issues, drawing inspiration from her own experiences, and from collective conversations with her community. Tal employs textiles to create intricate wallhangings, quilts and banners that tackle challenging topics and emotional landscapes.
Melissa Spratt (she/her) works primarily in fibre-based art with her practice extending to various mediums including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and installation. Her work is concerned with immediacy and attunement to sensations and reflects on our sensitivity to an ever-changing environment and her own inner feelings and contemplations.
map festival
THE VILLAGE ROADSHOW GREAT HALL
BROHIER LEARNING CENTRE 2.1 AND 2.2
OUTBACK PIONEERS MARQUEE
THE DESIGN CENTRE
YEAR 11 COMMON ROOM
TOWERS QUAD
PARENTS’ AND FRIENDS’ VOLUNTEERS ROOM
THE BROWN BUILDING
THE YARNING CIRCLE
SPARTANS INDOOR BASKETBALL COURTS
THE RAY BUILDING DINING ROOM
OUTDOOR VOLLEYBALL COURTS
IN THE CASE OF FIRE OR EVACUATION PLEASE ASSEMBLE HERE. Don’t panic or run. Close doors and windows. Leave all articles behind.
FIRST AID THE HARDBACK CAFÉ & FOOD TRUCKS
COFFEE BOOKSHOP
TICKETBOOTH
TWEED BANORA DENTAL POETRY LANE
RESOURCE RECOVERY STATION
PARKING
WATER STATION
ADULT TOILETS
STUDENT TOILETS
No single use coffee cups or plastic bottled water will be available at the Festival. All waste to go to the Resource Recovery Station
prologue party
Tues 1 April 5.30pm
Somerset College
Towers Quad
event
Come along to the highlight of literary events on the Gold Coast. 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.
Don’t forget to come in your favourite book character costume and join in the Grand Parade at 6.00pm.
Variety of dinner and beverage options available for purchase.
Photos by MSP Photography
Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol are heading to the Prologue Party!
TUESDAY 1 APRIL 4.15PM TO 7.30PM
Reserve your free family photo by booking online!
Catch their special performace at 5.45pm in the Towers Quad, Somerset College
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!
One ticket required per family (up to 6 people allowed per family)
for the adults
Tues 1 12.45pm to 1.45pm
$20 pp
W15 READ AND SHARE: Be confident with picture books
Adult Professional Development
Revamp your picture book reading style in an interactive workshop on the art of story sharing. Learn more about the enchanting connection between words and images that make picture books important for fostering literacy and a lifelong love for stories. Lara Cain Gray will present practical tips on asking engaging questions, exploring visuals, and discovering themes, diving into timeless classics and new releases for unforgettable shared reading moments.
Tickets are limited - book online!
Master the Pitch with Larrikin House
Thurs 3 11.30am
$50 pp includes lunch
Adult Professional Development
W35 How to Pitch an Idea to a Publisher Masterclass (1 hour)
Find out what it takes to successfully pitch your idea or manuscript to a publisher. Spend an hour with publishers James Layton and Dani Vee and learn how to get a publisher's attention. The Masterclass will include:
• Examples of the best pitches
• What details to include
• Strategies to enhance your pitch
• Ensure you pitch on brand
• How to hook your audience
• Introducing great characters
• Ask us anything!
PITCH PARTY (5 Minute Pitches)
Pitch your idea to Larrikin House publishers and get real feedback. The Pitch Party includes some or all of the following:
• Honest feedback
• Strategies to enhance your manuscript
• Big picture conceptual ideas
• Ideas to ensure your story is on brand for us
• How to hook your audience
• Enhancing your characters
• Discussion about subverting stereotypes
• Whether we think it would sell
You’ll have 5 minutes to pitch your idea for a picture book or junior fiction novel. If James and Dani like your ideas, they may request to read the full manuscript.
LiteraryLunch
Gina Chick has writing in her genes. Her mother is a bestselling author, as was her grandmother, Charmian Cliftan author, essayist and Australia's first female columnist in the early 60's. Gina is best known as the inaugural winner of Alone Australia , capturing the hearts of the nation, surviving 67 days completely alone in the Australian wilderness. Her memoir, We Are The Stars , tells the extraordinary tale that led her there.
Join Gina Chick for a lunchtime conversation in which she shares stories of her extraordinary, authentic, indomitable life and do not miss the opportunity to invest in a copy of one of the most powerful, moving memoirs you will ever read.
If you’re ready to get lost in jungles, wander into wolf-dens, sing with storms, rescue orphaned animals, dive to the depths, dance ’til your knees wobble, fall in love, find yourself by losing it all, and most of all, be real, do not miss the 2025 Storyfest Literary Lunch.
all inclusive three course dinner Towers Quad Thurs 3 April 5.30pm arrivals $150pp Somerset College
Join us for a delightful evening celebrating culinary and literary artistry! Renowned celebrity chef Alastair McLeod shares his inspiring journey to stardom, accompanied by a menu celebrating our region's rich culinary heritage.
Plus, get an insider’s story on life as a children’s author with kidlit star A.L. Tait , hosting Secrets from the Kids' Table, a lively discussion with Storyfest favourites Will Kostakis, Nathan Luff , and Lili Wilkinson
Come and live the outback stories!
Meet storyteller Richard Kinnon. Hear incredible tales about the outback pioneering life. Come and experience it for yourself with a holiday in Longreach. You can gallop on a Cobb & Co stagecoach, see outback animals at working Nogo Station, cruise at sunset on a historic paddlewheeler, have a stockman’s dinner around the campfire – and much more.
Unique outback experiences Heritage-themed accommodation
Traditional hospitality A warm welcome
Gold Coast’s premier fine art award and exhibition, featuring nation-wide artists competing for a $30,000 prize pool.
Hundreds of artworks available for purchase across landscape, still life, figurative, junior and all abilities categories.
Vote for the People’s Choice Award.
ENTRIES 1 MARCH TO 16 MAY
BEAUTIFUL THINGS START WITH A SOUIGL.
It takes just a few scribbled words or loose doodles to spark young minds and launch a lifelong love for literacy.
The SQUIGL Club unites young minds through picture books, stories and creativity. This unique online gathering run by award-winning author and illustrator Andy Geppert, in partnership with Somerset Storyfest teaches kids a very special lesson: a vivid imagination can take them anywhere.
HELP START SOMETHING SPECIAL, PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT FOR A SQUIGL CLUB.
In partnership with:
sponsors & supporters
Somerset Storyfest is supported by the City of Gold Coast.
Cr Naomi Fowler - Division 2
Cr Glenn Tozer - Division 9
Cr Nick Marshall - Division 12
Cr Josh Martin - Division 13
Cr Gail O’Neill - Division 14
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.