Andrea Lewis currently holds the position of CEO/Festival Director of Somerset Storyfest, the writer’s festival for the Gold Coast. First contracted in 2003 by the then Somerset Celebration of Literature, Andrea has taken the festival from strength to strength to be recognised as one of Australia’s foremost writers’ festivals. Andrea’s commitment to Arts and Culture industry on the Gold Coast and beyond have assisted in developing literacy-based activities throughout the City for children, youth and adults. Taking a collaborative approach and always looking for innovative ways in which to support like minded organisations, ensures success for everyone.
Kylie is the CFO for Storyfest and current Finance Manager for Somerset College. She has worked for Somerset College, one of Australia’s leading independent Primary and Secondary education providers since 2003. Kylie is a qualified Certified Practising Accountant, and she has over 30 years’ experience working in both public practice and commercial entities on the Gold Coast. Kylie has also held the Treasurer position with local sporting clubs in a voluntary capacity. Kylie’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce and she is a member of the CPA Australia.
Megan, an accomplished educator, librarian, and published author, firmly believes in the transformative power of arts and language for young people. Her accolades include being named the ASLA Australian Teacher Librarian of the Year 2023 and the SLAQ Queensland Teacher Librarian of the Year. Megan’s extensive involvement with local and national literary organisations, including her recent role as the curator of the Children’s and Youth Program for the Brisbane Writers Festival in 2023, showcases her commitment to fostering creativity and literacy. Additionally, she serves as an ambassador for the Pyjama Foundation. We are honored to welcome Megan to the Storyfest Board of Directors, where her guidance will shape the festival’s future.
As a Kombumerri man with a passion for music and language development, Lann is deeply immersed in the heart of the Coast’s creative arts field. Lann is a man with many hats. An indigenous multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer, director and creative designer. He seems to love the chaos and variety that his world offers. From recording and designing in his North Gold Coast studio to producing and designing large scale musical performances and audio visual presentations there is plenty to keep Lann occupied in between his 260 odd performance gigs per year. He’s instinctively a creative being, a musician, a vocalist and certainly most sort after.
Lann’s transition over recent years moving deeper into first nations structures has reaped rewards for his community and gifted a more intimate connection to country to him. “I’m loving the journey and path that I’m on, discovering new ways to help and develop a new generation of language warriors, creating awareness of and connecting the Yugambeh Language to everyone through music, dance and visual art.” Lann seems to be popping up everywhere with works in design, soundscape development, documenting and recording language, creating visual installations and structuring new ways of presenting language based “Welcome to Country” through the combination of music, dance and video elements.
Tayla joined the Storyfest team in 2016. With extensive experience in Graphic Design, Tayla oversees marketing and is responsible to ensure our brand and messaging is consistent with values. As well as supervision of the creative aspect of Storyfest, Tayla also coordinates the Sponsored Schools Programme and is the key liaison for Authors to the annual writer’s festival.
Narelle brings significant experience to her new role as Business Development Manager at Storyfest. With a background in communication and marketing at Somerset College, and as a print and broadcast journalist, she holds both a Master’s and a Bachelor of Journalism. Narelle’s expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and partnership building positions her to help drive the growth of Storyfest, focusing on fostering community engagement and promoting the power of storytelling and creative expression.
Gabriella joined the Storyfest team 5 years ago as a university intern. In 2025 she is taking on the role as Producer Events and Engagement for Storyfest Regional Events. This will see her bringing our Writers’ Festivals and On the road… programme to life throughout regional Queensland. Gabbi is excited to be taking on this new role, and helping to make authors and books more accessible to students throughout Queensland.
Teraze comes from a diverse background of working in both the arts and education sectors. Bringing a wealth of knowledge in engaging young audiences in exciting and innovative ways. With a passion for storytelling, Teraze is excited to encourage and foster life-long learning in the Storyfest community.
Lili Bannerman joined the Storyfest team in 2025. Lili brings great communication, enthusiasm, leadership and creativity to the team. As a past student at Somerset College and a recent graduate of 2024 she has seen the perspective of Storyfest from a students view and is excited to work behind the scenes of Storyfest, to create and design the festival for 2025. She is extremely excited to be a part of the Storyfest team.
Charo joined the Storyfest team in 2025 as an Events Assistant, focusing on the Gold Coast Festival. She currently holds a Communications degree from the University of Queensland and a Publishing Certificate from New York University’s Summer Publishing Institute. An avid reader and writer, Charo is eager to bring her passion for books and the arts to Australia’s largest children’s literature festival.
Emma joined the Storyfest team in 2024, having spent the past 6 months in the Activities space at Somerset College. A proud Somerset alum (class of 1998), Emma holds a Bachelor's degree in Creative Arts, specialising in writing and contemporary arts practice. Emma brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to her role, having gained experience in retail, small business management and more recently, the Education Department. Emma is passionate about community, and creative arts and is excited to join the Storyfest team.
