Saturday 03 May
Front cover photos by Amber Melody and MSP Photography
welcome to
ofacknowledgement country
Somerset Storyfest acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Language Region and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People of the Sunshine 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'
The literary landscape of the Sunshine Coast is set to embark on an exciting new chapter as Storyfest moves into the region, continuing the legacy of the beloved writers' festival. This transition marks not only a fresh beginning for literary celebrations on the coast but also a moment to honour the incredible contributions of Kelly Dunham and her team at Beyond the Book, who have worked tirelessly to foster a love of storytelling and reading within the community for the past couple of decades.
Since 1996, Beyond the Book (previously called Voices on the Coast) had been a staple of the Sunshine Coast’s cultural calendar, bringing together authors, illustrators, and literary enthusiasts for a dynamic festival that has inspired both young and old.
Organised by Immanuel Lutheran College Buderim and hosted by the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Beyond the Book has always had exceptional local support. Under the dedicated guidance of Kelly Dunham, the festival became a beacon for literacy, engagement, and creativity on the Sunshine Coast, connecting readers with some of Australia’s most beloved authors.
Kelly, who has passionately juggled her role as festival coordinator alongside her responsibilities as Innovation Hub Coordinator at the college, reflects on the challenges and triumphs of running Beyond the Book.
“It was a labour of love, but we always managed to make it happen, and seeing the joy on the children’s faces made it all worthwhile.”
The transition from Beyond the Book to Storyfest marks a new era for literary celebrations on the Sunshine Coast, but the core mission remains the same: to inspire, engage, and bring communities together through the power of storytelling. As Kelly puts it, “It’s all about giving kids the opportunity to discover the magic of books and stories in a way that feels natural and exciting to them.”
With Storyfest at the helm, the future of literary festivals on the Sunshine Coast looks brighter than ever. The festival’s expansion ensures that local readers, young and old, will continue to have access to engaging and inspiring literary experiences for years to come. And while Beyond the Book may be closing its chapter, its legacy will undoubtedly live on, carried forward by the passionate individuals who believe in the power of stories to change lives.
Share your experiences at #storyfestsc #sunshinecoast
SUNSHINE COAST
meet the storytellers
Session SCH11 9.30am to 10.30am
Workshop SCHW12
Session SCH13 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Mattie Barker is an award-winning musician and educator known for creating a therapeutic and empowering approach to healing through music. With a background in psychology and education, he has spent 16 years honing his craft as a selftaught musician and performer, including nine years with his band, The Lamplights. In Mattie's session, he blends music, narrative, and insight to inspire, educate, and entertain, exploring themes of creativity, well-being, and the transformative power of music.
www.mattiebarkermusic.com
Peter Carnavas is an Australian author and illustrator of over twenty children’s books, many of which have won or been shortlisted for awards. His first book, Jessica’s Box, was released in 2008 while he was a primary school teacher. Since then, he has written and illustrated numerous picture books, including Last Tree in the City The Children Who Loved Books, and Blue Whale Blues. Peter’s first novel, The Elephant, was published in 2017 and won several national awards. His latest novel, Leo and Ralph, was released in late 2024. Peter lives in the Sunshine Coast hinterland with his family, a dog named Florence, and a cat named Harry, while also working as a teacher-librarian.
www.petercarnavas.com
Mattie Barker
Peter Carnavas
Workshop SCHW13
Josephine Moon for her contemporary fiction, which often explores themes of life, love, careers, and food, sometimes set between Australia and overseas. Join us for the launch of ' Friends Forever for a week of friendship, adventure and a little bit of mystery . . . The first book in an uplifting and inclusive series that celebrates friendship, family, neurodiversity, creativity and a love of animals and books. By the bestselling author of and The Wonderful Thing about Phoenix Rose www. josephinemoon.com
Moon
Josephine
studentworkshops$30 pp
11.30am to 12.30pm
STORYTELLER
Senior Primary
NO. NO. GRADES GRADES
SCHW12
Maleny Showgrounds
WORKSHOP with Peter Carnavas #belonging #identity #narrative
Lower Primary
SCHW13
STORYTELLER
BOOKLAUNCH with Josephine Moon
Join us for the launch of 'The Lost Ponies: Millie and Stella Best Friends Forever'. Join best friends Millie and Stella for a week of friendship, adventure and a little bit of mystery . . .
The first book in an uplifting and inclusive series that celebrates friendship, family, neurodiversity, creativity and a love of animals and books. By the bestselling author of
$10 pp
authorsessions
SCH11
SESSION with Mattie Barker
Mattie's session for young people blends music, narrative, and insight to inspire, educate, and entertain, exploring themes of creativity, well-being, and the transformative power of music.
1.30pm to 2.30pm
NO. GRADES
#music #storytelling #wellbeing Early Years Lower Primary
SCH13
STORYTELLER
SESSION with Peter Carnavas #belonging #identity #narrative
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.
sponsors & supporters
