O FF I C I A L SO U T H W E S T 20 2 6 PRO GR A M M E
Their
stories start
here.
SOUTH WEST
31 August to 02 September 2026 storyfest.com.au
storyfest.com.au / 1
contents 3
Welcome
5
Birds of Balonne
6
Festival Information
7
Festival Map
8
Meet the Storytellers
10
Student Sessions and Workshops
14
Prologue Party
16
Student Workshops
18
Pencil to Plate
19
For the Grown Ups
20
SQUIGL Club
21
Competitions
22
Kids Writing Cool
24
Sponsors and Supporters
storyfest.com.au
Share your experiences at #storyfest #storyfestsouthwest #southwest @somersetstoryfest 2 / storyfest.com.au
@somersetstoryfest
e welcom
ackn of co owledgem untry ent Some rset S tor of
to SOUTH
yfes Co u contin ntr y throu t acknowle g d We pa uing conn hout Aust ges the Tr e r a Island y our respe ction to la alia and re ditional O n c c w e six m r cultures ts to Abor ds, waters ognised th ners ig ; a a e People in Indigen and to Eld inal and T nd commu o e o People , Gamilara us Peoples rs past and rres Strait nities. a in the presen People , Mandand y People, S t. The h ir Gu ea anji P . eople nggari Pe re: Bigam , Yuw o bul p le , aalar aay/E Kooma uahla yi
WEST
2026
Storyfest South West returns to St George for its third year, continuing to inspire a love of reading, storytelling and creativity across the region. We are delighted to once again partner with Balonne Shire Council, whose ongoing support has helped establish Storyfest South West as a highlight of the local cultural calendar. Together, we look forward to welcoming renowned authors, illustrators and storytellers to connect with students, families and communities, celebrating the power of stories to educate, entertain and inspire. Andrea Lewis CEO 'aka Boss Lady'
This festival would not be possible without the vision and dedication of the Storyfest Directors and the tireless efforts of the Storyfest A Team, whose passion and commitment continue to bring exceptional literary experiences to regional Queensland.
BOARD
STAFF
Chair Airlie MacLachlan Directors Alex Woodthorpe (Deputy Chair), Michael Auckland, Megan Daley, Dr Caroline Graham, Rev Chris Ivey, Sara Kirby, Louise Park and Kylie Sherrington (CFO).
CEO Andrea Lewis Artistic Director Megan Daley Business Development Manager Narelle Higgs Tom Tate Producer Events and Engagement (Regional) Gabriella Lennon Producer Events and Engagement (Gold Coast) Teraze Burke Marketing and Communications Officer Jared Watt
Festival Patron Will Kostakis
storyfest.com.au / 3
from the... It is a privilege to bring the magic of words, visuals and ideas to life at the 2026 Storyfest South West programme.
Megan Daley Artistic Director
I have had the joy of visiting St George as a Storyfest author and storyteller, and the warmth of the community has stayed with me. The beautiful Balonne River, the venues and the genuine friendliness of the locals made it memorable for me, and we have since visited as a family! I am delighted to have programmed some of Australia's finest storytellers for this year's programme. This year's line-up has something for every reader. Jeremy Lachlan will take young adventurers deep into world-building; Kate Foster will spark conversations about friendship, family and the importance of seeing yourself in stories; Jodie McLeod will inspire a love of the natural world through her gorgeous picture books; and Trevor Fourmile will connect young people with the power and beauty of First Nations storytelling and culture. The programme features workshops, sessions designed to make young people laugh, challenge their thinking, inspire their own writing and creativity, and help them see reading and writing as a living, breathing part of their world. Parents and educators are encouraged to engage with the programme ahead of time, enjoy the festival, and purchase books to continue the conversations and extend the Storyfest experience well beyond the event itself.
4 / storyfest.com.au
free event
Jodie McLeod's
birds of Balonne Creativity takes flight with the acclaimed children's books by Jodie McLeod with texture, colour and craft. Produced by Kimberly Thornton and Balonne Creative Arts students, this instalment is a reflection of how story is woven through nature. Featuring a rich tapestry of crocheted creations, with intention woven in every element. Take a moment to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, art and birds throughout the festival.
Mon 31 Aug to Wed 02 Sept Ongoing throughout the programme
Balonne Shire Council Cultural Centre
Somerset Storyfest is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
storyfest.com.au / 5
festival info BOOKING INFORMATION Tickets are $10 (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 Wednesday 17 June 2026. 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 Storyfest will have a photographer and videographer on-site 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. Children who do not have media permissions should be seated in the back left of venues. this area will not be photographed. 6 / storyfest.com.au
FESTIVAL BOOKSHOP The Bookshop stocks an extensive range of books and is open daily between 8.00am and 4.00pm as well as during The Prologue Party. Following each session, 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. HAVE QUESTIONS? Phone: 07 5559 7377 Email: bookings@storyfest.com.au
festival map 1
ST GEORGE CULTURAL CENTRE
MEETING POINT
2
WALLAM & MUNGALLALLA ROOM
FOOD TRUCKS
3
ST GEORGE LIBRARY
RESOURCE RECOVERY STATION
4
CULGOA ROOM
B
BALONNE CREATIVE ARTS BOOKSHOP, FIRST AID, INFORMATION, TICKETS
BIRDS OF BALONNE WATER STATION
P
BUS PARKING
B P BUS PARKING
storyfest.com.au / 7
meet the storytellers Mick Elliott
Workshops W12 Tue - 9.45am Session 132 Tue - 12.30pm Session 222 Wed - 10.45am Session 231 Wed - 12.30pm Pencil to Plate Tue - 5.00pm
Mick Elliott is an acclaimed author, illustrator, TV producer, screenwriter and professional mischief maker whose books have been published in six international territories. His books include The Turners series, Squidge Dibley Destroys the School, Dads & Dogs, Mums & Mogs, Grandmas in Grand Cars and Mr Duckins’ Chickens. Mick has written and produced acclaimed children’s TV shows for the ABC, Paramount, the Sesame Workshop and Channel TEN. He was head of creative at Nickelodeon Australia for two decades. His new graphic novel series, Uranus FC – The Greatest Goal in the Galaxy from Scholastic is inspired by his love of soccer, space and hilarious stories. www.mickelliott.me
Kate Foster
Workshop W11 Tue - 9.45am Session 131 Tue - 12.30pm Workshop W15 Tue - 3.30pm Session 212 Wed - 9.30am Session 223 Wed - 10.45am
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
Trevor Fourmile
Session 111 Tue - 9.30am Session 123 Tues - 10.45am Session 211 Wed - 9.30am
8 / storyfest.com.au
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.
Jeremy Lachlan
Session 122 Tue - 10.45am Session 142 Tue - 1.45pm Workshop W22 Tue - 9.45am
Jeremy Lachlan was born and raised on Wiradjuri country, in Griffith, New South Wales, Australia. Jane Doe and the Quill of All Tales – the start of a new epic duology – was released in 2023, and the fourth and final entry, Jane Doe and the God of All Hours, hit shelves last year, when the series also came in at spot number 14 in the Dymocks Books Top 51 Kid’s Books, as voted by readers. He came up with the idea for the Jane Doe Chronicles while lost in the Cairo Museum. www.jeremylachlan.com
Bethany Loveridge
Session 121 Tue - 10.45am Workshop W13 Tue - 12.45pm Pencil to Plate Tue - 5.00pm Session 221 Wed - 10.45am
Bethany Loveridge is a passionate educator and children’s author-illustrator who has always loved storytelling and the natural world. She’s been in trouble for daydreaming and doodling since she could dribble and has dreamt of having books with her name on their covers for almost as long. Bethany’s books include the series, Harper Wells (Books 1 and 2), Josie Mack and the MEGA Division, Genie Snail, and The Picture-Perfect Present. Bethany lives in Queensland, Australia with her trivialoving husband and two creative kids. www.bethanyloveridge.com
Jodie McLeod
Session 112 Tue - 9.30am Session 141 Tue - 1.45am Workshop W21 Wed - 9.45am Session 232 Wed - 12.30pm
Jodie McLeod is an award-winning children’s author and publisher of four picture books, all illustrated by Eloise Short and published under Jodie’s own imprint, Wollemi Press. Her first book Leonard the Lyrebird was translated into Italian and published in 2021 by Italian Publisher Voglino Editrice. It was also adapted into a classical music composition – Leonard the Lyrebird: A Musical Story – composed by internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Ian Munro. When not writing Jodie can usually be found running the trails of the Blue Mountains where she lives with her husband and two daughters. www.jodiemcleod.com
storyfest.com.au / 9
prologue party 4.30pm to 6.30pm BALONNE SHIRE COUNCIL CULTURAL CENTRE Free community event See page 14 for full details
Monday 31
fre evene t
student sessions
Tickets $10 pp
Tuesday 01
9.30am to 10.15am GRADES
NO.
STORYTELLER
111 112
Trevor Fourmile #firstnations #storytelling Jodie McLeod #picturebooks #naturelover
Primary Middle Grade
10.45am to 11.30am GRADES
NO.
STORYTELLER
Primary Middle Grade Secondary
121 122 123
Bethany Loveridge #creatingcharacters #creatingworlds Jeremy Lachlan #worldbuilding #epicquest Trevor Fourmile #firstnations #storytelling
12.30pm to 1.15pm GRADES
NO.
STORYTELLER
Primary Middle Grade
131 132
Kate Foster #diversity #familyandfriends Mick Elliott #humour #visualstorytelling
GRADES
NO.
STORYTELLER
Primary Middle Grade
141 142
Jodie McLeod #picturebooks #naturelover Jeremy Lachlan #worldbuilding #epicquest
1.45pm to 2.30pm
Age Guide Recommended for young people and their actively engaged supervising educators
WEST MORETON ANGLICAN COLLEGE Free community event See page 18 for full details Primary = Prep to Year Three
Middle Grade = Year Four to Year Eight Secondary = Year Eight to Year Twelve (these sessions may contain mature content)
10 / storyfest.com.au
These are recommended ages only. Please review each storytellers bio and book titles to ensure the best fit for your group's booking.
CONT'D
student workshops
Tuesday 01
9.45am to 11.15am
Tickets $30 pp
AGES
NO.
STORYTELLER
12+
W21
ROLL THE DICE WRITING WORKSHOP with Kate Foster See page 16 for full details
12+
W22
LET’S CREATE COMIC CHARACTERS with Mick Elliott See page 16 for full details
12.45pm to 2.15pm AGES
NO.
9+
W13
Tickets $30 pp
STORYTELLER
IDEA HUNTERS with Bethany Loveridge See page 16 for full details
workshop for grown ups 3.30pm to 5.00pm NO.
W15
Tickets $20 pp
STORYTELLER
THE RIGHT KIND OF REPRESENTATION with Kate Foster See page 19 for full details
pencil to plate 5.00pm to 6.30pm
Tickets $40 pp
Mick Elliott and Bethany Loveridge (For students ages 10+) See page 18 for full details
storyfest.com.au / 11
student sessions
Tickets $10 pp
Wednesday 02
9.30am to 10.15am GRADES
NO.
STORYTELLER
211 212
Trevor Fourmile #firstnations #storytelling Kate Foster #diversity #familyandfriends
Primary Middle Grade
10.45am to 11.30am GRADES
NO.
STORYTELLER
Primary Middle Grade Secondary
221 222 223
Bethany Loveridge #creatingcharacters #creatingworlds Mick Elliott #humour #visualstorytelling Kate Foster #diversity #familyandfriends
12.30pm to 1.15pm GRADES
NO.
STORYTELLER
Primary Middle Grade
231 232
Mick Elliott #humour #visualstorytelling Jodie McLeod #picturebooks #naturelover
student workshops 9.45am to 11.15am
CONT'D
Wednesday 02 Tickets $30 pp
AGES
NO.
STORYTELLER
9+
W21
THE POWER OF WOW – TURNING CURIOSITY INTO CREATIVITY with Jodie McLeod See page 17 for full details
9+
W22
ADVENTURE TIME with Jeremy Lachlan See page 17 for full details
12 / storyfest.com.au
Age Guide 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 storytellers bio and book titles to ensure the best fit for your group's booking. storyfest.com.au / 13
free event
prologue party Monday 31 August 4.30pm to 6.30pm Balonne Shire Council Cultural Centre Come along to the opening night of Storyfest South West. A fun-filled evening for all the family to celebrate reading and storytelling! 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 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Variety of dinner and beverage options available for purchase.
14 / storyfest.com.au
storyfest.com.au / 15
student Tuesday 01 workshops 9.45am to 11.15am
Tickets $30 pp
AGES
NO.
STORYTELLER
12+
W11
ROLL THE DICE WRITING WORKSHOP with Kate Foster Ramp up the stakes and obstacles in your stories and understand the importance of character agency. Starting with some storytelling exercises to get everyone’s creative juices flowing, followed by a roll-the-dice adventure writing game, leaving the direction of our story entirely to chance! All attendees will be provided with a workbook to take home.
12+
W12
LET’S CREATE COMIC CHARACTERS with Mick Elliott Everyone can draw! But most of us think we are terrible at it. WRONG! In this fun and free-wheeling cartooning workshop, graphic novelist Mick Elliott encourages students to reconsider their beliefs about their drawing skills and to discover how easy it is to create a cartoon character with just a few dots and dashes. Discover how to draw characters like the cast of Mick’s smash hit graphic novel, URANUS FC - THE GREATEST GOAL IN THE GALAXY. Students will leave the session buzzing with ideas for creating their own characters. (Teachers always love participating in this session too!)
12.45pm to 2.15pm AGES
NO.
9+
W13
Tickets $30 pp
STORYTELLER
IDEA HUNTERS with Bethany Loveridge Have you ever wondered where authors get their story ideas from? Join children’s author and illustrator, Bethany Loveridge, as we go on the hunt for good ideas, then try and wrangle them into a story.
16 / storyfest.com.au
student workshops
Wednesday 02
9.45am to 11.15am
Tickets $30 pp
AGES
NO.
STORYTELLER
9+
W21
THE POWER OF WOW – TURNING CURIOSITY INTO CREATIVITY with Jodie McLeod Join award-winning children’s author and publisher Jodie McLeod for a creative writing workshop that explores the power of awe and wonder in sparking creativity – and how to turn this into impactful storytelling. From noticing nature to finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, Jodie will discuss how WOW moments have inspired her own writing, along with techniques to help students develop ideas and write stories that soar. With writing exercises and practical tips, students will walk away with new skills, confidence and creative spark.
9+
W22
ADVENTURE TIME with Jeremy Lachlan Join best-selling author Jeremy Lachlan on a deep-dive into his created worlds, as he shares the tips and tricks that helped him write his awardwinning series, The Jane Doe Chronicles. How do you build a fictional world from scratch? How do you write believable characters and craft your own mythology? What makes a great action sequence? Should you plot a story or fly by the seat of your pants? All these questions will be answered, and more, as Jeremy and participating students craft their very own epic quest together.
storyfest.com.au / 17
pencil to plate
Join top children’s illustrators Mick Elliott and Bethany Loveridge 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. Mick Elliott is an acclaimed author, illustrator, TV producer, screenwriter and professional mischief maker whose books have been published in six international territories. His books include The Turners series, Squidge Dibley Destroys the School, Dads & Dogs, Mums & Mogs, Grandmas in Grand Cars and Mr Duckins’ Chickens. Bethany Loveridge is a passionate educator and children’s author-illustrator who has always loved storytelling and the natural world. She’s been in trouble for daydreaming and doodling since she could dribble and has dreamt of having books with her name on their covers for almost as long. Bethany’s books include the series, Harper Wells (Books 1 and 2), Josie Mack and the MEGA Division, Genie Snail, and The Picture-Perfect Present. Join the battle for a night of laughter and imagination while tickets remain!
book online
storyfest.com.au
Tuesday 01 September 5.00pm to 6.30pm $40 pp
includes dinner and soft drink
Student Ages 10+
workshop for grown ups Tuesday 01 September 3.30pm to 5.00pm
THE RIGHT KIND OF REPRESENTATION with Kate Foster
$20 pp
Perfect for parents, carers, educators, and leaders, this workshop delves into the importance of authentic diversity in children's literature and why the right kind of representation matters most.
Suitable for parents, teachers and guardians St George Library
book online
storyfest.com.au storyfest.com.au / 19
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. Celebrating young artists from the bush to the Arctic, this joyful art and story-share program is growing thanks to your help.
BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL, PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT OR APPLY TO JOIN OUR GROWING SQUIGL CLUB COMMUNITY. In partnership with:
20 / storyfest.com.au
SUPPORT
REGISTER
red
onso
ly sp
d Prou
by
est toryf S t e rs lla Some nal Nove on o i titi Nat ompe C g n Wr i t i
ENTRIES OPEN NOW!
So me rse t Na tio nal Po etr y Pri ze Proudly
red by
sponso
FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATION TO THE GOLD COAST
CASH PRIZES TICKETS TO ATTEND AST STORYFEST GOLD CO 27) (22 TO 24 MARCH 20
More Info
ENTRI ES C LO S E F R I DA Y 04 DE C ‘26
storyfest.com.au / 21
22 / storyfest.com.au
storyfest.com.au / 23
CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK WITH THE IDTL NETWORK’S ANNUAL BOOK WEEK PUBLICATION
76 PAGES OF ACTIVITIES BASED ON THE BOOK WEEK THEME AND CBCA-SHORTLISTED BOOKS
Ideas for Library Displays
Blackline Masters
Bookmarks and Bunting
Mini-Books and Puzzles
Colouring Pages
Art and Craft Activities
Links to Online Resources
Downloadable PDF
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR EMAIL LIST
shop.idtl.net.au/subscribe
storyfest.com.au / 25
Gold Coast
@racvroyalpines
Championship Golf Course
Luxury Day Spa
Vibrant Mediterranean Flavours
MODERN JAPANESE DINING
sponsors
& supporters
Publishers
Government Somerset Storyfest is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Collab Partners
Somerset Storyfest is supported by the City of Gold Coast.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Development Fund We would like to acknowledge the donors who have contributed to the Storyfest Development Fund in support of the delivery of literacy programmes for disadvantaged children.
storyfest.com.au / 27