Storyfest is thrilled to bring a 2-day writers’ festival to Longreach, promising a programme filled with author sessions, workshops and exciting events in a bid to connect regional children with the joys of literature.
While Longreach is known for its great variety of outback activities – Harry’s Restaurant or the iconic Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, anyone? -, there’s something else locals will now have to look forward to. Storyfest Out West is coming to Longreach, with a writers’ festival programme that is sure to inspire young generations.
Following a visit by children from the Longreach School of Distance Education (LSODE) to Storyfest’s cornerstone event, our annual writer’s festival on the Gold Coast, a plan was hatched to provide similar activations to children from the Central West region. As a result, Storyfest Out West was born, and we’re on a mission to expose more children to the wonders of reading through this important initiative.
Festival events for students
At the heart of Storyfest Out West are regional students – we hope to inspire them to add reading and writing to their list of hobbies. Over two days, Longreach students will have the opportunity to attend a variety of different author sessions, including authors such as Kate and Jol Temple and Lili Wilkinson; six different workshops, ranging from slam poetry to detective stories; as well as an exclusive Young Writers Dinner which will be a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to spend an exciting evening workshopping with some of Australia’s bestselling kids and YA fiction writers.
Book author sessions on Thursday
Book author sessions on Friday
Festival events for parents
Fear not, Storyfest Out West will cater to parents and adults too! With three workshops, an extended afternoon programme called ‘The future of books,’ and a free community event called ‘Navigating the publishing market,’ you are bound to find something interesting or inspiring over the two days. Join Jacqueline Harvey as she shares her inspiring and creative ways to get your kids reading and writing every day, Louise Park in a workshop that will help you futureproof your child’s literacy, or Peter FitzSimons on an exclusive Literary Dinner.
Book adult workshops and catered events
Whether you’re excited to get your kids more into books or you yourself want to spend a couple of hours talking about literature, then this is your chance! Events for Storyfest Out West can be booked in advance, so jump on the bandwagon now and we’ll see you there!
Longreach, Storyfest is coming for you!
