10 to 12 September
welcome to OUT
WEST
ofacknowledgement country
Somerset Storyfest acknowledges the Iningai, Malintji and Kuunkari peoples as traditional owners of the land on which this Festival operates. We pay respect to elders past, present and future and value the traditions, cultures and aspirations of the First Australians of this land. We acknowledge and hold in great significance the valuable contribution that traditional owners have made and continue to make within the Longreach region communities.
Andrea Lewis CEO 'Boss Lady'
I’m thrilled to announce this year’s programme for Storyfest Out West! We look forward to seeing you all on this second 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.
To our incredible Out West Ambassadors Rachelle Moore and Peta Bates – we are so grateful for your long-term commitment towards strengthening literacy in the youth of Longreach. As our first regional festival, the Longreach community will always hold a special place in our hearts.
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.
We are so excited to host yet another Storyfest Out West
We’ll see you soon, Longreach!
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 Out West to Longreach as part of our 2025 regional progamme. Storyfest is more than a festival — it’s a movement dedicated to sharing stories and building better lives.
Storyfest Out West has a lineup of authors, illustrators, poets, and performers who will connect with children and young people through humour, honesty, art, and imagination.
This year, we welcome the lyrical verse novels of Kathryn Apel; the heartfelt humour of Nathan Luff; the bush yarns and outback insights of Richard Kinnon; mystery and adventure from Allison Tait; bold, beautiful visuals from Frané Lessac; evocative historical fiction from Dianne Wolfer; the quirky art of Andy Geppert; and the powerful First Nations storytelling of Graham Akhurst Together, they represent a dynamic mix of voices and visions — and we can’t wait
The 2025 progamme is designed with care to meet the needs of both primary and secondary students, offering sessions aligned with curriculum priorities and with every session aiming to inspire creative and critical thinking, and nurture the
We haven’t forgotten the grown-ups, either. Storyfest is committed to supporting educators, families, and community members, and this year’s progamme includes professional development opportunities and community events that celebrate lifelong learning and the shared joy of stories.
At its heart, Storyfest is about connection — to place, to people, and to the power of narrative. In bringing this festival to regional Queensland, we honour the rich stories that already exist in local communities, and we invite young people to see their own lives as worthy of being written, drawn, spoken and celebrated.
Expect joy. Expect laughter. Expect a progamme bursting with creativity and heart. Whether you’re five or fifty-five, there’s something at Storyfest Out West for you. Let’s gather, share stories, and celebrate the wonder of words.
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.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY PERMISSIONS
FESTIVAL BOOKSHOP
The Festival Bookshop stocks an extensive range of books by all the authors and illustrators attending Storyfest Out 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!
FOOD AND DRINK
The Hardback Café operates throughout the Festival and will be open from 8.00am to 2.30pm.
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 Storyfest Out West.
BAGS
There is no cloakroom facility at Storyfest Out 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
meet the storytellers
Session OW113
Session OW143 Thursday 11 at 1.45pm to 2.30pm
Young Writers' Showdown Thursday 11 at 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Session OW213 Friday 12 at 9.30am to 10.15am
Session OW233 Friday 12 at 12.30pm to 1.15pm
Graham Akhurst is a Kokomini writer and the author of Borderland (UWAP). He is the Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Indigenous Knowledges at UTS and a Senior Lecturer in Indigenous Australian Studies and Creative Writing.
As a Fulbright Scholar, Graham took his love for writing to New York City, where he studied for an MFA in Fiction at Hunter College.
Kathryn Apel
Workshop OWW11 Thursday 11 at 9.45am to 11.15am
Session OW133 Thursday 11 at 12.30pm to 1.15pm
Young Writers' Showdown Thursday 11 at 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Session OW212 Friday 12 at 9.30am to 10.15am
Session OW221 Friday 12 at 10.45am to 11.30am
Kathryn Apel is the author of verse novels like 'What Snail Knows', (a heart-squeeze story about a shy girl coming out of her shell), and the awardwinning ‘Bully on the Bus’. Her picture books are full of wordplay, and include 'Miss Understood' (the true story of the three little pigs, as told in rhyme by the wolf) and the minimalistic 'Mad Cows', both fabulously illustrated by Beau Wylie.
He is a board member of Varuna: The National Writers’ House, and the Sydney Review of Books. He lives with his wife on Gadigal Country in Sydney and enjoys walking Centennial Park with a good audiobook.
www.grahamakhurst.com
Born-and-bred a farm girl and married to a Queensland grazier, Kat is still scared of cows! But she’s not afraid to put them in her picture books. www.katswhiskers.wordpress.com
Graham Akhurst
Adult Panel Thursday 11 at 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Megan Daley is the author of the bestselling book 'Raising Readers' (UQP, 2019) as well as 'Teacher, Teacher' (Affirm Press, 2023) and 'The Beehive' (Walker Books, 2024). Megan is a Teacher Librarian and early years educator and has been awarded the Australian Teacher Librarian of the Year and the Queensland Teacher Librarian of the Year, as well as the national Dromkeen Librarian’s Award. A former national vice-president of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, Megan is also a regular literary judge, curator of 2023 Brisbane Writers Festival Word Play program, a workshop presenter, the creator of the popular website Children's Books Daily and co-creator of the Your Kid's Next Read podcast.
www.megandaley.com.au
Richard Kinnon
Session OW122
Session OW132 Thursday 11 at 12.30pm to 1.15pm
Young Writers' Showdown Thursday 11 at 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Session OW223 Friday 12 at 10.45am to 11.30am
Session OW232 Friday 12 at 12.30pm to 1.15pm
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
AndyGeppert
Session OW111 Thursday 11 at 9.30am to 10.15am
Session OW141 Thursday 11 at 1.45pm to 2.30pm
Young Writers' Showdown Thursday 11 at 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Young Illustrators' Breakfast Friday 12 at 7.30am to 9.00am
Workshop OWW21 Friday 12 at 9.45am to 11.15am
Session OW241 Friday 12 at 1.45pm to 2.30pm
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. His picture book, MEEP, has been recognised as a Notable Book by the CBCA. 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
Session OW121 Thursday 11 at 10.45am to 11.30am
Session OW142 Thursday 11 at 1.45pm to 2.30pm
Young Writers' Showdown Thursday 11 at 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Young Illustrators' Breakfast Friday 12 at 7.30am to 9.00am
Session OW211 Friday 12 at 9.30am to 10.15am
Workshop OWW22 Friday 12 at 10.45am to 12.15pm
Frané Lessac is an author and illustrator of international renown, having nearly fifty children’s books published throughout the world. She was born in the USA and lived on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, as well as in London, before moving to Australia. Frané loves to travel and create books based on her worldwide journeys. She has contributed her distinctive paintings to many critically acclaimed children’s picture books including, The Legend of Moondyne Joe which won the West Australian Premier’s Children’s Book Award, and Simpson and His Donkey, a CBCA Honour Book that was also selected as a USBBY Outstanding International Book. In 2019, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, written by Traci Sorell, was awarded the Robert F. Sibert Honor Book Honor medal, the Orbis Pictus Honor Book medal and the Boston Globe Horn Book Honor medal.
www.franelessac.com
Lessac
Frané
Daley Megan
Luff Nathan
Workshop OWW12 Thursday 11 at 9.45am to 11.15am
Session OW131 Thursday 11 at 12.30pm to 1.15pm
Young Writers' Showdown Thursday 11 at 5.00pm to 8.00pm
Session OW222 Friday 12 at 10.45am to 11.30am
Session OW242 Friday 12 at 1.45pm to 2.30pm
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 Jungle Escape, Bad Grammar and Chicken Stu In addition to writing children’s books, Nathan writes plays for young audiences and works part time as a primary school teacher specialising in creative writing and the performing arts. He is currently the YA and Children’s Manager for the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
www.nathanluff.com.au
A. L. Tait
Session OW123 Thursday 11 at 10.45am to 11.30am
Workshop OWW14 Thursday 11 at 12.45pm to 2.15pm
Adult Panel Thursday 11 at 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Adult Workshop OWW20 Friday 12 at 9.30am to 11.30am
Session OW243 Friday 12 at 1.45pm to 2.30pm
A. L. Tait is an internationally published, bestselling author of 11 middle-grade novels. Her three epic fantasy adventure series – The Mapmaker Chronicles The Ateban Cipher, and Maven & Reeve Mysteries – have been shortlisted and longlisted for various awards.
In 2024, her first contemporary middle-grade novel The First Summer of Callie McGee’ was longlisted for the Margaret and Colin Roderick Literary Award. ‘Willow Bright’s Secret Plot’ and 'Danger Road' followed in 2025.
Allison is the co-host of the top-rating Your Kid's Next Read podcast and teaches creative writing for children at the Australian Writers’ Centre.
www.allisontait.com
Session OW112 Thursday 11 at 9.30am to 10.15am
Workshop OWW13 Thursday 11 at 10.45pm to 12.15pm
Session OW142 Thursday 11 at 1.45pm to 2.30pm
Young Writers' Showdown
Session OW211 Friday 12 at 9.30am to 10.15am
Session OW231 Friday 12 at 12.30pm to 1.15pm
Dianne is a bookworm who writes across genres. She loves travelling, swimming and beach walking. Dianne is author of 26 books which are adapted for screen, stage, street theatre and song. Her latest titles are Cattle Muster The Colt from Old Regret Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady on the south coast of WA. Anthropomorphism is her favourite word, and she’s inspired by animals, nature and people being brave. Dianne’s free Wolfish Words
www.diannewolfer.com
Dianne Wolfer
festival details this way
festival programme
Wed 10
4.00pm to 6.00pm free event
LSODE CAMPUS
studentsessions
9.30am to 10.15am
Primary Middle Grade Secondary
$10.00 Tickets Per person, per session (inc GST)
Thurs 11
STORYTELLER
Andy Geppert
Dianne Wolfer
Graham Akhurst
10.45am to 11.30am
Primary Middle Grade Secondary
OW121 OW122 OW123 OW111 OW112 OW113
12.30pm to 1.15pm
STORYTELLER
Frané Lessac
Richard Kinnon A. L. Tait
Primary Middle Grade Secondary
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
OW131 OW132 OW133 Nathan Luff
Richard Kinnon
Kathryn Apel
1.45pm to 2.30pm
STORYTELLER
Primary Middle Grade
Secondary
OW141 OW142 OW143
Andy Geppert
Frané Lessac and Dianne Wolfer
Graham Akhurst
festival programme
STORYTELLER
studentworkshops
POETRY DOESN’T RHYME ALL THE TIME with Kathryn Apel
$30 pp. See page 16 for full details
CREATING GREAT CHARACTERS with Nathan Luff
$30 pp. See page 16 for full details
10.45am to 12.15pm 12.45pm to 2.15pm
STORYTELLER
TAPPING INTO HISTORICAL FICTION with Dianne Wolfer
$30 pp. See page 16 for full details
UNLOCKING THE STORY CODE with A. L. Tait
$30 pp. See page 16 for full details
5.30pm to 6.30pm
STORYTELLER
GROWING READERS AND WRITERS: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED with Megan Daley and A. L. Tait
$60 pp. See page 19 for full details
NOGO STATION
Graham Akhurst, Kathryn Apel, Andy Geppert, Richard Kinnon, Frané Lessac, Nathan Luff, and Dianne Wolfer.
(For students ages 10+) $50 pp
See page 18 for full details 5.00pm to 8.00pm
festival programme
Fri 12
young illustrators' breakfast
7.30am to 9.00am
Join us for a magical morning of creativity and breakfast. This special event features the talented children’s illustrators, Frané Lessac and Andy Geppert
$35 pp. See page 17 for full details
studentsessions
$10.00 Tickets Per person, per session (inc GST)
Primary Middle Grade Secondary
Frané Lessac and Dianne Wolfer
Kathryn Apel
Graham Akhurst
Primary Middle Grade Secondary
Kathryn Apel
Nathan Luff
Richard Kinnon
Primary Middle Grade Secondary
STORYTELLER
Richard Kinnon
Graham Akhurst
Primary
STORYTELLER
Nathan
festival programme
Fri 12
studentworkshops
9.45am to 11.15am
STORYTELLER
SQUIGL CLUB DRAWING WORKSHOP with Andy Geppert
$30 pp. See page 17 for full details
10.45am to 12.15pm
STORYTELLER
THE ART OF THE STORY with Frané Lessac
$30 pp. See page 17 for full details
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 NO.
OWW20 REACHING RELUCTANT READERS (+ WRITERS) with A. L. Tait
$50 pp. See page 19 for full details
prologue party
Weds 10 Sept 4.00pm to 6.00pm
LSODE Campus
Landsborough Hwy, Longreach
free event
Come along to the opening night of Storyfest Out 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 to be announced.
Variety of dinner and beverage options available for purchase.
studentworkshops
Thurs 11
9+ 9.45am to 11.15am $30 pp
9+
$30 pp $30 pp
pp $30 pp
OWW11 POETRY DOESN’T RHYME ALL THE TIME with Kathryn Apel Pumping poetry builds writing muscle and sparks creativity. With so many different forms to choose from, there is something for everyone!
OWW12 CREATING GREAT CHARACTERS with Nathan Luff
A guide to creating relatable and engaging characters that leap off the page and have excellent dramatic potential. This workshop will also focus on effective ways to reveal your characters to your reader through action and dialogue.
studentworkshopscont'd
pp
$30 pp
STORYTELLER
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.
10.45am to 12.15pm
STORYTELLER
THE ART OF THE STORY with Frané Lessac Join author and illustrator Frané Lessac as she takes the mystery out of making books.
the great youngshowdownwriters'
Step into the ultimate arena of literacy fun! The Great Young Writers’ Showdown is a fast-paced, laugh-filled games night designed for curious minds aged 10 and up. Work with our stellar line up of authors to compete in a variety of challenges. From nail-biting spelling bee rounds to chaotic book cover guessing and laugh-out-loud illustration challenges, this event celebrates words in all their wild forms. Bring your skills, flex your pencils, and compete for glory, because in this game, the right word wins!
Participating authors include Graham Akhurst , Kathryn Apel , Andy Geppert , Richard Kinnon , Frané Lessac , Nathan Luff , and Dianne Wolfer
Thurs 11 Sept 5.00pm to 8.00pm $50 pp
(meet at The Stables for transfer)
young illustrators' breakfast
Fri 12 September
7.30am to 9.00am
$35 pp (Age 6+)
Qantas Founders Museum
Gather 'round, young artists! Join us for a magical morning of creativity and breakfast. This special event features the talented children’s illustrators, Frané Lessac and Andy Geppert
Delight in a delicious breakfast spread and let your imagination soar as we share stories, swap tips, and sketch our way through a morning of fun. From quirky characters to vibrant landscapes, this illustrator breakfast is sure to inspire your next masterpiece! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet the artists behind your favourite books and discover the joy of illustration.
adults
Adult Panel with Megan Daley and A. L. Tait
Thurs 11 September 5.30pm to 6.30pm
$60 pp
Chute 1
Adult Workshop with A. L. Tait
Growing readers and writers: Your questions answered
Is there a reluctant reader at your place? Perhaps you’re struggling to keep up with an avid, advanced reader? Or maybe you’re just looking for ways to encourage reading over screens? Join hosts of the Your Kid's Next Read podcast, Megan Daley and Allison Tait as they look at how to get kids reading and keep them reading, how to help kids with their writing, and how to find the perfect next read for YOUR kid.
Allison and Megan know it takes a village to raise readers and writers – come along and join them as they answer the most frequently asked questions about kids (of all ages), reading and writing.
Fri 12 September 9.30am to 11.30am
$50 pp
LSODE Campus
REACHING RELUCTANT READERS (+ WRITERS)
In this two-hour workshop for adults, Allison Tait , a bestselling middle-grade author and co-founder of Your Kid’s Next Read, will share strategies and ideas for engaging reluctant readers. Underpinning her belief in the strong link between reading and writing, Allison will also present a mini-masterclass in the building blocks of creative writing and tips to help you encourage the young people in your life to put pen to paper!
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
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.