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.
Michael has been a teacher of senior English Literature for 40 years and has taught in schools in SA and QLD. He served as Academic Deputy and then Deputy Headmaster at Somerset College for 25 years, until retirement from this position in 2020. In addition to publishing a thesis for his Masters- in- Literature and a thesis for his Doctorate (PhD) in Education, Michael has also self-published a semi-autobiographical novel and is in the process of completing a book of poetry and writing a novel. Michael has been Chairman of the Somerset Literature Festival for 20 years and currently is the Artistic Director of Somerset Storyfest. He is the owner and founder of “Ink and Dust”, a company which runs Writing Master Classes, Creative Productions (Words that Heal) and Retreats in Creative Writing.
BA Hons Dip Ed M Litt PhD
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.
Gabriella joined the Storyfest team in 2019 as an Intern whilst completing her event management degree at Southern Cross University. Gabriella has recently taken on producing our Storyfest On the road… programme bringing Authors and Illustrators to students throughout the Gold Coast and into regional communities.
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, specializing 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.
