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welcome to 2026

Somerset Storyfest acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Yugambeh Language Region and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People of the Gold 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.

I would like to sincerely thank each of you for the energy, creativity, and care you bring to our community. Together, we have navigated change, deepened our impact, and continued to centre diverse voices across everything we do. As we look ahead to 2026, I am excited by the breadth of our programme, led by our Artistic Director, Megan Daley, including a growing range of multi-modal presentations that expand how stories are shared, experienced, and accessed. Thank you for being part of Storyfest’s journey.

I also want to acknowledge the strength and reach of our regional festivals. Storyfest South West in St George, Storyfest Out West in Longreach, and Storyfest Central Queensland in Emerald continue to thrive through deep local partnerships and passionate communities. In 2026, we are delighted to launch Storyfest West Moreton in partnership with the Ipswich District Teacher Librarian Network, recognising their legacy through the delivery of StoryArts Festival Ipswich, alongside our new partner, West Moreton Anglican College. We are also stepping into the Darling Downs, partnering with The Lighthouse Toowoomba to deliver a teaser experience that marks the beginning of Storyfest Darling Downs. These collaborations reflect our shared commitment to growing storytelling opportunities across regions.

I would also like to thank our Board for their leadership, guidance, and generosity of time. Chair Airlie Maclachlan, Deputy Chair Alex Woodthorpe, and Directors Michael Arnold, Craig Bassingthwaighte, Megan Daley, Dr Caroline Graham, Terry Herbert, Rev. Christopher Ivey, and Sara Kirby have provided thoughtful stewardship throughout the year. As Michael Arnold, Craig Bassingthwaighte, and Terry Herbert conclude their tenure in 2026, we thank them for their significant contributions. We are pleased to welcome new Directors Michael Auckland, Rachelle Moore and Louise Park, who bring valuable experience as we look to the future.

Tom Tate

Andrea Lewis CEO 'aka Boss Lady'

from the...

Somerset Storyfest is the Gold Coast’s premier writers’ festival and Australia’s largest children’s literature festival. It brings together young people and their families to explore and enjoy stories with highly acclaimed authors from across the globe.

This vibrant festival plays an important role in nurturing literacy and fostering a lifelong love of reading, while strengthening connections within communities across the state.

The Crisafulli Government is proud to provide multiyear funding support to Somerset Storyfest through the Organisations Fund 2026-29. This investment delivers on Queensland’s Time to Shine: a 10-year strategy for arts and culture and its priorities of sharing our stories, celebrating our storytellers and delivering enriching arts events for all Queenslanders.

I hope you enjoy the 2026 Somerset Storyfest programme and its remarkable lineup of workshops, author talks and creative experiences.

Somerset Storyfest brings a deep love for storytelling to life. Through literacy, the programme connects book lovers with authors, families with educators and schools with parents. Sparking the imaginations of participants helps open the door to literature for many who might not otherwise have access.

Importantly, Storyfest helps build social connection, celebrating cultural expression and providing a safe space for children and adults to explore ideas and creativity together.

As Mayor, I know this is more than just a writers’ festival - it’s a catalyst for lifelong learning, imagination and community spirit.

I encourage everyone to open the door to the 2026 Somerset Storyfest. Take a peek inside and let your imagination run wild.

The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek Minister for Education and the Arts

Tom Tate Mayor

Megan Daley

Artistic Director

It is a privilege to once again bring the magic of words, visuals and ideas to life through the 2026 Storyfest Gold Coast programme. Staying true to its mission to share stories and build better lives, Storyfest Gold Coast 2026 leans into creativity, curiosity and connection with curriculum aligned programming with a firm focus on joy.

This year’s line-up celebrates the breadth of contemporary storytelling for young Australians. Readers can step into the fantastical world of Nevermoor , explore mystery with creators such as Carla Salmon and Rachel Jackson, experience Aśka’s powerful visual storytelling and learn from Dr Niraj Lal about navigating the digital landscape. Katrina Nannestad brings history to life and Nat Amoore delivers the vibes with Books’n’Boogie . Pip Harry, Will Kostakis and Jason Gent offer compelling contemporary stories across a range of genres, and authors including Maddy Mara and Jade Godwin introduce the new Your Next Read junior fiction series. Olivia Muscat leads important conversations about disability, alongside First Nations artists and storytellers who enrich and deepen our shared stories.

The 2026 programme features multimodal The Sound of Picture Books events, professional development, book launches and more. Parents and educators are encouraged to engage with the programme ahead of time, enjoy the festival and purchase books to continue conversations and extend the Storyfest experience well beyond the event itself.

our team

BOARD

Chair Airlie MacLachlan

Directors Alex Woodthorpe (Deputy Chair), Michael Arnold, Michael Auckland, Craig Bassingthwaighte, Megan Daley, Dr Caroline Graham, Terry Herbert, Rev Chris Ivey, Sara Kirby, Rachelle Moore, Louise Park and Kylie Sherrington (CFO).

Festival Patron Will Kostakis

STAFF

CEO Andrea Lewis

Artistic Director Megan Daley

First Nations Artistic Director Lann Levinge

Business Development Manager Narelle Higgs

Producer Events and Engagement (Regional) Gabriella Lennon

Producer Events and Engagement (Gold Coast) Teraze Burke

Marketing and Communications Officer Jared Watt

Events Assistant Celene Strachan

festival info

BOOKING INFORMATION

Tickets are $10.00 (GST inclusive) per person per session. For adult sessions, workshops and catered functions, please refer to individual event information. Tickets will be emailed to you or can also be collected from the Storyfest Headquarters located at Somerset College between 8.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday.

Bookings can only be processed on receipt of full payment. Bookings can only be accepted online, or in person at the Storyfest Headquarters. There are no refunds or exchanges once bookings are processed. Your tickets and confirmation of your booking will be emailed to your designated email address.

PURCHASING YOUR TICKETS

Tickets will be on sale from Tuesday 9 February 2026. You may book online anytime. Many sessions have limited numbers, please book early to avoid disappointment.

SCHOOL BOOKINGS AND RESERVATION POLICY

One complimentary ticket is provided to teachers with each group of up to 10 children (additional teachers are required to purchase extra tickets). Tickets may be reserved for up to 14 days without payment. All payments must be finalised at least 7 days prior to the Festival. If payment is not received for your reservation, this will result in automatic cancellation of your booking and tickets will be released.

NOTE ABOUT VENUES

Venues for the author sessions will be allocated closer to the Festival. The capacities of the venues vary, final venue allocation is determined according to the number of tickets purchased for each session. Please check the venue allocation and map on the website prior to your visit to find the location of your sessions.

SUSTAINABILITY

We are striving to become a sustainable event therefore no plastic bottled drinks will be available for sale. A water refill station will be located in City of Gold Coast Towers Quad. In addition, no single-use coffee cups will be available, festival goers are encouraged to bring along their own keep cups or visit our Mug Library. All waste should be taken offsite or visit the Resource Recovery Station.

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. Purchase of a ticket implies permission to use the photos taken for these purposes.

ACCESSIBILITY

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all attendees. If attendees require additional support or accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly, and we will be happy to assist you.

QUIET ROOM

A dedicated quiet space is available for attendees in the Brown Building Room 2.5 room. This room is open throughout the festival for anyone needing a calm place to rest, reset, or take a break from the noise. Accessible access via the Storyfest Headquarters.

FESTIVAL BOOKSHOP

The Bookshopstocks 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!

FOOD AND DRINK

The Hardback Café operates throughout the Festival. Look out for Dippin’ Dots, Dutch Poffertjes, The Wiener Haus, Snow Cones Stop, G-Free Donuts and other treats.

SUPERVISION POLICY

Any child 14 years or younger must be accompanied by a supervising parent/ guardian or teacher whilst attending Storyfest.

BAGS

There is no cloakroom facility at the Festival. 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 Storyfest Headquarters.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Phone: 07 5559 7377

Email: bookings@storyfest.com.au

HOW TO GET HERE

The Festival is located on campus at Somerset College, Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast.

CAR

Take Exit 82 off the Pacific Motorway (M1), head west along Somerset Drive. Somerset College is located on the left. There is limited parking off Somerset Drive, Clover Hill Drive and Sara Carrigan Court (accessed by turning right off Clover Hill Drive).

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Take advantage of the Government's 50-cent Transport Flat Rate. The nearest Queensland Rail station is Robina. From there, Somerset College is approximately a five minute drive by car/taxi. Alternatively, if you are a school group, contact us to book your shuttle bus. Public buses also operate from various locations around the Gold Coast. For further details, visit the TransLink website .

SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORT

Koala Koaches has a special rate for Gold Coast schools travelling to Storyfest. Coach (with seat belts) $8.50 plus GST per person with a minimum of 30 passengers. Please contact Koala Koaches to make your necessary travel arrangements by phoning - 07 5535 2711.

BOND UNIVERSITY STORYHUB

BOOKSHOP

COFFEE

FESTIVAL SITE ENTRY

FIRST AID

MEETING POINT

OCEAN PROJECT

PARKING

READING NOOK

RESOURCE RECOVERY STATION

SHADED SEATING

STORYBOOK PHOTO OP THE HARDBACK CAFÉ & FOOD TRUCKS

THE SOUND OF PICTURE BOOKS ART EXHIBITION

STORYFEST HEADQUARTERS

TOILET – ADULT

TOILET – STUDENT

TWEED BANORA DENTAL POETRY LANE

WATER STATION

WRITERS' WALL & GNOME TRAIL

No single use coffee cups or plastic bottled water will be available at the Festival

meet the storytellers

Session 112 Mon - 9.15am

Books 'n Boogie Mon - 5.30pm and 6.30pm

Session 222 Tue - 10.15am

Young Writers' Dinner Tue - 5.00pm

Session 323 Wed - 10.15am

Session 342 Wed - 12.45pm

Session 135 Mon - 11.15am

Session 152 Mon - 1.45pm

Workshop W21 Tue - 9.30am

Session 246 Tue - 12.45pm

Session 153 Mon - 1.45pm

Session 227 Tue - 10.15am

Young Writers' Dinner Tue - 5.00pm

Young Illustrators' Breakfast Wed - 7.00am

Session 345 Wed - 12.45pm

Nat Amoore's debut novel Secrets Of A Schoolyard Millionaire was Dymocks and QBD's 'Kids Book Of The Month’, becoming Australia's #1 bestselling debut Aussie children’s fiction in 2019 and selling into the UK, US, Italy, China, Estonia, Germany and Romania. The Power Of Positive Pranking won the 2021 Environment Award for Children’s Literature and The Right Way To Rock, We Run Tomorrow and Nat’s new junior fiction series Shower Land are all CBCA Notables. Nat’s first picture book I Don’t Need a Little Brother hit stores in June 2025.

www.natamoore.com

Sarah Armstrong is an award-winning journalist and the author of three acclaimed novels for adults, including the Miles Franklin-shortlisted 'Salt Rain'. Her novels for children include the CBCA Notable Book 'Big Magic’, its sequel 'Magic Awry' and ‘Run’ - a survival-thriller with heart, set in the wild Australian bush. Sarah lives with her partner and daughter in the northern NSW town of Mullumbimby.

www.sarah-armstrong.com

Aśka (pronounced Ash-ka), is creative dynamite, an awardwinning graphic novelist, an ex-quantum physicist, and a hugely engaging and popular presenter. Having published more than a dozen books and comics Aśka is passionate about visual literacy and teaching people how to ‘write with pictures’. Watch out for her latest release, a YA graphic novel titled The Friendship Paradox (Allen & Unwin) – a mix of a physics road trip and a story about figuring out how to make friends. Fun fact: despite being a fan of technology, to this day Aśka has never owned a smart phone. She thinks everyone should read Behind the Screens!

www.askastorytelling.com

Nat Amoore

Sarah Armstrong

Session 117 Mon - 9.15am

Session 217 Tue - 9.15am

Session 257 Tue - 1.45pm

Session 317 Wed - 9.15am

Tristan Bancks

Tristan Bancks tells stories for the page and screen. His books for kids and teens include Two Wolves , The Fall , Detention , Cop & Robber , Ginger Meggs , the Tom Weekly series and, most recently, Scar Town , a suspense-thriller that won the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book of the Year for Younger Readers. His other awards and shortlistings include a CBCA Honour Book, the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and the YABBA children’s choice book awards. His next book for readers age 10+ is Raised By Wolves , a follow-up to Two Wolves , available at Storyfest Gold Coast 2026!

www.tristanbancks.com

Session 211 Tue - 9.15am

Session 241 Tue - 12.45pm

Amie Cawood is a paramedic in Brisbane, Australia. Her passion is helping people which has inspired her to create books for children to learn about the emergency services. Amie started writing kids stories as a hobby in between shifts and family life. Growing up in the Aussie bush surrounded by Australian native animals and her experiences helping kids in her job helped shape the creation of her vision. With cute characters and everyday situations for children to relate to, her stories make an important topic fun and enjoyable for every family.

www.myfirstemergency.com

Session 221 Tue - 10.15am

Megan Daley

Megan Daley is the author of the bestselling book Raising Readers (UQP, 2019) as well as Teacher, Teacher (Affirm Press, 2023) and The Beehive (Walker Books, 2024). Megan is a teacher librarian and early years educator and has been awarded the Australian Teacher Librarian of the Year and the Queensland Teacher Librarian of the Year, as well as the national Dromkeen Librarian’s Award. A former national vice-president of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, Megan is also a regular literary judge, curator of 2023 Brisbane Writers Festival Word Play program, a workshop presenter, the creator of the popular website Children's Books Daily and co-creator of the Your Kid's Next Read podcast.

www.megandaley.com.au

Amie Cawood

Session 116 Mon - 9.15am

Session 146 Mon - 12.45pm

Jason

Gent

Jason Gent is a Meanjin based writer. He studied Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT. During this time Jason had a short play performed by RMIT Union Arts, and helped to create a small press label, Rant , which released two anthologies. He has had a number of short stories published in Australian literary and poetry magazines. In 2021, Jason was shortlisted for the Glendower Awards for an Emerging Queensland Writer as part of the Queensland Literary Awards, for his YA verse novel, On The Exhale .

Session 221 Tue - 10.15am

Session 243 Tue - 12.45pm

Young Illustrators' Breakfast Wed - 7.00am

Workshop W32 Wed - 9.30am

Session 354 Wed - 1.45pm

Goodwin

Jade Goodwin is a children’s book illustrator based on Wonnarua Country in the Hunter Valley NSW. Since 2022, Jade has illustrated 23 published books, with another 10 (and counting!) currently in progress, including picture books, chapter books and junior fiction series. Jade believes in making art that feels warm and accessible and dreams that her illustrations spark curiosity, courage and a love of stories. When she’s not drawing, you’ll find her drinking coffee, planning her next project, or being “assisted” by one or all of her three mischievous studio cats.

www.jadegoodwin.com.au

Session 147 Mon - 12.45pm

Long Table Dinner Wed - 5.30pm

Dr Caroline Graham

Dr Caroline Graham is an award-winning investigative reporter, who works in formats ranging from documentary and podcast through to book-length non-fiction. She spent five years investigating the disappearance of Paddy Moriarty and his kelpie from the tiny outback Northern Town of Larrimah and co-wrote the Walkley Award-winning investigative true crime podcast Lost in Larrimah , and the Australian bestseller Larrimah . Caroline’s other collaborative projects include the ABC documentary Outback Musical , the Walkley Award-winning investigative series NT Schools in Crisis and Writing Feature Stories: How to research and write articles – from listicles to longform. She teaches journalism and creative writing at Bond University.

Jade

Session 122 Mon - 10.15am

Session 141 Mon - 12.45pm

Workshop W22 Tue - 9.30am

Session 242 Tue - 12.45pm

Young Writers' Dinner Tue - 5.00pm

Session 321 Wed - 10.15am

Session 343 Wed - 12.45pm

Tim Harris

Tim Harris is the award-winning bestselling author of several laugh-out-loud series for kids, including Ratbags , Mr Bambuckle’s Remarkables , Toffle Towers and Exploding Endings A former primary school teacher of 15 years, his stories are filled with quirky scenarios, loveable characters and plenty of imagination. Tim’s ‘humour with heart’ writing style has seen his books receive multiple awards, including six KOALA Honour Books, a YABBA Honour Book and a CBCA Notable. His books have been published in Australia and the USA and have been translated into numerous languages. Tim lives in Sydney with his wife and four young children.

www.timharrisbooks.com

Session 123 Mon - 10.15am

Session 154 Mon - 1.45pm

Session 225 Tue - 10.15am

Session 254 Tue - 1.45pm

Young Writers' Dinner Tue - 5.00pm

Session 356 Wed - 1.45pm

Workshop W12 Mon - 9.30am

Session 145 Mon - 12.45pm

Session 223 Tue - 10.15am

Session 255 Tue - 1.45pm

Session 333 Wed - 11.15am

Session 353 Wed - 1.45pm

Pip Harry is an Australian author, copywriter and journalist. Pip's novel August & Jones , published by Hachette in 2022, was shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Readers 2023 and the 2024 YABBA Awards, and won the CBCA Shadow Judging Book of the Year for Younger Readers. Pip has also written picture books Over or Under? (a CBCA Notable book and shortlisted for the ABIA Picture Book of the Year Award 2025), The Inside Dog and Drift , a verse novel. She lives on Sydney's Northern Beaches with her family and energetic rescue kelpie.

www.pipharry.com

Rachel Jackson is a senior intelligence analyst where – just like in her books – she looks for clues, solves puzzles and explores options to help the good guys win the day. Rachel lives in the green hills of Central West NSW, and is the author and illustrator of the Solve It Your Way series (published by Riveted Press), engaging readers with interactive adventures as imaginative and individual as they are. Each book features puzzles, secret codes, brainteasers and riddles that allow the reader to decide what happens next.

www.racheljackson.com.au

Pip Harry

Rachel Jackson

Workshop W11 Mon - 9.30am

Session 156 Mon - 1.45pm

Session 213 Tue - 9.15am

Session 237 Tue - 11.15am

Young Illustrators' Breakfast Wed - 7.00am

Session 326 Wed - 10.15am

Will Kostakis

Will Kostakis writes for young adults. First published at 19, he is best known for writing whip-smart comedies that break (then mend) hearts, and occasionally making national news for resisting local book and author bans. We Could Be Something is his latest novel. It’s a humorous yet heart-rending look at family, fame and falling in love. It won the 2024 Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Young Adult Literature, and was shortlisted for the Victorian and New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards and the Queensland Literary Award.

www.willkostakis.com

Session 113 Mon - 9.15am

Session 153 Mon - 1.45pm

Session 212 Tue - 9.15am

Session 236 Tue - 11.15am

Session 314 Wed - 9.15am

Long Table Dinner Wed - 5.30pm

Young Writers' Dinner Tue - 5.00pm

Session 332 Wed - 11.15am

Session 351 Wed - 1.45pm

Dr Niraj (Nij) Lal is an ANU Visiting Fellow and host of the ABC’s kids' podcast Imagine This . He graduated from the University of Cambridge with a PhD in physics as a Gates Scholar in 2012, and his awards include the 2021 Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science and the 2022 Royal Societies of Australia and New Zealand Piasecki Prize for Outstanding Writing on Social Change. He lives in Melbourne with his partner Sally and their three kids.

www.nirajlal.org

Liv Lorkin is a heart-led children's book author, illustrator and visual storyteller. Since packing books underneath her bed as a child, she’s loved reading, writing and colouring outside the lines. With a blended background in science and a career in design, she creates thoughtful stories that spread messages of hope and joy. Inspired by nature, magic and a dash of whimsy, her debut graphic novel, Gnoming About: Tree Mail Adventure , is set to be released in early 2026 with great excitement. When not immersed in illustrating, she can be found exploring gardens, finishing a good puzzle and drinking her third cup of tea.

www.livlorkin.com

Liv Lorkin

Dr Niraj Lal

Session 151 Mon - 1.45pm

Session 221 Tue - 10.15am

Session 251 Tue - 1.45pm

Session 311 Wed - 9.15am

Session 331 Wed - 11.15am

Session 114 Mon - 9.15am

Session 132 Mon - 11.15am

Session 155 Mon - 1.45pm

Maddy Mara

Maddy Mara is the pen name of Australian creative duo Hilary Rogers and Meredith Badger . Together they have created many international hit series including Dragon Girls , Itty Bitty Kitty , Jet Set Pets , Forever Fairies , Dragon Games , and the upcoming Max Beas t. And now they’re a part of Your Next Read! Maddy Mara also writes picture books including Brave in Every Which Way , The Greatest Mistakes that Went Right , and The Wonders of Never Giving Up

www.maddymara.com

Multifaceted Penny McNamee has starred in leading roles across film, television and theatre, most notably winning a Green Room Award for her performance in Wicked , gaining a Logie Nomination for her role as Tori in Home and Away and is currently starring as Rachel in MJ the Musical . An accomplished writer, Penny secured a multi-book deal with Scholastic with her middle-school fiction series Stage Stars: Musical Theatre Club . The first book in the series, Stage Stars: The Audition was nominated for the prestigious Book of the Year Award by Speech Pathology Australia, and the series was picked up by Scholastic Brazil. As a screenwriter, Penny has written several episodes of Home and Away , while her original Australian family drama, Family Affairs , was shortlisted for the Australian Writer's Guild's premier award for un-produced scripts.

www.pennymcnamee.com

Session 216 Tue - 9.15am

Literary Lunch Tue - 12noon

Nikki Mottram is the best selling author of Crows Nest (UQP, 2023) and Killarney (UQP, 2024). She has a psychology degree from The University of Queensland and has worked in London and Australia protecting and promoting the welfare of children at risk of harm and uses her background in child protection in her crime fiction. She has been shortlisted for the Fish Short Story Prize and the Hal Porter Short Story Competition and was a recipient of the Katharine Susannah Pritchard Writer’s Centre Fellowship. She grew up and resides in Toowoomba and brings to her work an understanding of rural communities.

www.nikkimottram.com

Penny McNamee

Nikki Mottram

Session 231 Tue - 11.15am

Session 253 Tue - 1.45pm

Session 312 Wed - 9.15am

Session 341 Wed - 12.45pm

Olivia Muscat is a writer, performer, speaker and disability arts activist living on unceded Wurundjeri land. Based in Narrm/ Melbourne she writes stories that celebrate intersectional, disabled identities and the fun, colourful, weird parts of life. Her first picture book, My Name Is Jemima , was released in June 2025. Her novel for younger readers, I Don’t Want To Be Your Friend , was shortlisted for the Text Prize for children’s and young adult literature and will be published by Fremantle Press in 2026. Her writing has featured in several notable anthologies and web publications, and she is known for her often funny, joyful and irreverent approach to disability politics.

www.oliviamuscat.com

Session 126 Mon - 10.15am

Katrina Nannestad is a multi-award-winning children’s author whose writing encompasses history, mystery, adventure and humour. Her historical novels include All the Beautiful Things , Silver Linings , Waiting for the Storks , the CBCA Honour Book Rabbit , Soldier , Angel , Thief , We Are Wolves and The Girl

Olivia Muscat

Katrina Nannestad

Session 111 Mon - 9.00am

Session 133 Mon - 11.15am

Session 214 Tue - 9.00am

Session 232 Tue - 11.15am

Session 316 Wed - 9.15am

Matt Ottley

Matt Ottley is an internationally acclaimed multi-modal artist, working equally across the fields of literature, visual arts and music. Matt has had more than forty picture books published and awards include the Prime Minister’s Literary Award, CBCA Picture Book of the Year and the Queensland, Western Australia & NSW Premiers Awards for literature. As a composer Matt writes music for many of his picture books in an initiative called The Sound of Picture BooksTM which has been performed to thousands of students across Australia. In 2014, Matt was made an Endorsed Yamaha Artist for his work as a composer.

www.mattottley.com

Session 115 Mon - 9.15am

Session 137 Mon - 11.15am

Session 247 Tue - 12.45pm

Session 335 Wed - 11.15am

Session 346 Wed -12.45pm

Carla Salmon is a teacher and marketing professional who loves telling stories. Her debut novel, We Saw What You Started , is inspired by her country coastal childhood, where sports ruled and beach campsites were paradise. Much like the students in her classrooms today, her characters lead action-packed lives with plenty of heart and humour. Carla lives in sun-soaked Brisbane, with her husband and two teens.

www.carlasalmonbooks.com

Session 125 Mon - 10.15am

Session 244 Tue - 12.45pm

Young Writers' Dinner Tue - 5.00pm

Workshop W31 Wed - 9.30am

StorySnorts

StorySnorts began as a collaboration between father-daughter duo Ian and Jemma Boyd. As a middle-grade author with a background in children’s entertainment (Kangaroo Creek Gang, Author speaking engagements), Ian was looking for something new - a live show for kids that delivers as much fun and creativity as it does education.

www.storysnorts.com.au

Carla Salmon

Session 121 Mon - 10.15am

Session 142 Mon - 12.45pm

Session 252 Tue - 1.45pm

Young Writers' Dinner Tue - 5.00pm

Session 313 Wed - 9.15am

Session 352 Wed - 1.45pm

Session 215 Tue - 9.15am

Session 235 Tue - 11.15am

Session 315 Wed - 9.15am

Session 336 Wed - 11.15am

Kate and Jol Temple

Kate and Jol Temple are internationally awarded authors of over 32 hilarious books for kids, from smash hit picture book series Bin Chicken to action-adventure illustrated novels like Mega Rich Guinea Pigs and graphic novels like Frog Squad! Their sessions are high energy, packed full of fun and designed to get kids reading for pleasure. When Kate and Jol are not writing they love getting out to schools and festivals and talking to kids about books and ideas. Kate and Jol live in Sydney. When they are not writing books Kate pretends to play the tuba and Jol designs armour for rabbits.

www.katejoltemple.com

Jessica Townsend lives on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland with her dogs, Vivien and Rik. Her pet fascinations include public transport, ancient cities, hotels, opera singers, Halloween, secret societies and gigantic cats - all of which have weaselled their way into Nevermoor , her first series and a city that feels like it belongs entirely to her. (Except now it belongs to you, too.)

Tina Wilson is an award-winning artist who loves creativity in all its forms. From her rainforest studio high on a mountain, she writes, paints, photographs, and makes animated films. Inspired by the world around her Tina’s work captures the wonder, joy and playfulness of life. The Monkey’s Great Adventures series is her enchanting children’s book series featuring an endearing soft toy, ‘Monkey’, who finds himself in all sorts of scrapes where he learns about himself and the world around him. Beautifully photographed in locations around the world, and with knitted characters and props, it perfectly captures the innocence of

www.tinawilsonartist.com

Tina Wilson

Jessica Townsend

booksignings

Join storytellers at the Festival Bookshop after each session and workshop. Shop and browse our entire catalogue daily throughout the festival.

first nations storytellers

Session 136 Mon - 11.15am

Session 223 Tue - 11.15am

Session 256 Tue - 1.45pm

Session 325 Wed - 10.15am

Mikio Kimura born of Japanese, Irish, and Dharrawal heritage and raised Catholic in a globalised, postmodern age, Mikio grew up inside overlapping traditions. Each with its own myths, silences, and moral demands, learning early to question what I had been given. Arriving late to the great philosophical conversation, Mikio sank into the vertigo of postmodernism, where meaning fractures and the self begins to thin. Through the discipline of art, he learned how to see his way back, clearly enough to remain in the world.

Sue Kimura is a Dharrawal woman of Japanese heritage whose work is grounded in truth telling across generations. Her family’s disconnection began when her Aboriginal great grandmother was taken as a baby by Catholic nuns and placed with a white family, where she was raised as domestic help, an act that fractured culture, identity, and belonging long before Sue was born. Growing up between cultures and shaped by experiences of racism, Sue spent much of her early life searching for acceptance and understanding who she was allowed to be.

Session 256 Tue - 1.45pm

Session 325 Wed - 10.15am

Dr. Candace Kruger is a Yugambeh Elder and Songwoman, as well as author, composer, and academic dedicated to preserving and sharing Indigenous knowledge through storytelling, music, and education. As the founder and director of the Yugambeh Youth Choir, Candace has spent over a decade fostering cultural connection and language revitalisation through song. Her compositions and writing celebrate First Nations perspectives, weaving together traditional stories, embodied performance, and contemporary interpretations to ensure cultural integrity and intergenerational knowledge-sharing. Candace is the author of Yalgun Sun , a collaboration with the Gold Coast SUNS that brings Indigenous storytelling to a new generation through sport and community engagement. She works closely with cultural organisations, schools, and major institutions to amplify First Nations narratives in both literary and musical forms. Through her writing, music, and research, Candace continues to inspire audiences, inviting them to engage with living culture in meaningful and transformative ways.

Mikio Kimura

Sue Kimura

Dr. Candace Kruger

Session 127 Mon - 10.15am

Session 344 Wed - 12.45pm

Session 131 Mon - 11.15am

Session 226 Tue - 10.15am

Session 131 Mon - 11.15am

Session 226 Tue - 10.15am

Sunny Luwe makes optimistic tunes that sound like 'soul, pop, sunshine!' Sunny is a proud First Nations (Wayilwan) woman based on Kombumerri Country and in 2023 she released her debut album, Flowers in the Sky . In 2025 her second album, Feeling Good , was released. Sunny has opened for artists including ARIA winner Emily Wurramurra, Nai Palm and Death by Denim.

www.sunnyluwe.com

Mandy Peckham is a Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri women sharing stories shaped by her mob through her work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and youth.

Lisa Williams is a proud Wiradjuri woman who grew up in the small town of Bathurst in south-western New South Wales, where life was simple and creativity came naturally. As a child, I was always happiest with a ball at my feet or mud on my hands. Growing up in a small town meant finding ways to make your own fun, and I often spent time in my dad’s shed, where he helped me build and create things (mostly pieces for my doll’s house). During high school, my love for craft and hands-on learning continued, especially through building, creating, and transforming old furniture into something new.

Join Bowie Solutions, Isabella Eurell and the Mununjali Ngari Dance Troupe for their sessions. Further details can be found on the Storyfest website.

Sunny Luwe

Mandy Peckham

Lisa Williams

break time activities

The fun continues across the festival, with a selection of interactive activations, a well-stocked bookshop, and Pip Harry’s Ocean Project installation to keep all ages entertained during Full festival map on pg. 8

BOND UNIVERSITY STORYHUB

STORYFEST HEADQUARTERS

STORYBOOK PHOTO OP THE HARDBACK CAFÉ & FOOD TRUCKS

THE SOUND OF PICTURE BOOKS ART EXHIBITION

TOILET – STUDENT

TWEED BANORA DENTAL POETRY LANE

WRITERS' WALL & GNOME TRAIL

Bond University Newsroom Gnoming about with Liv Lorkin

Pip Harry's Ocean Project

Immersive Storytelling with Richard Kinnon

immersive storyteller

Richard Kinnon, storyteller, talk about life growing up in the outback far from a city. He’ll tell you about his adventures, how a little kid dreamed big and how everyone can be the hero of their own life story.

Richard is a grazier who lives in Longreach outback Queensland with his family and lots of animals. He also founded a tourism enterprise called Outback Pioneers where people can go and experience what the outback is really like and how the pioneers lived. You won’t want to miss Richard’s sessions, which are full of amazing stories and interesting outback facts!

www.outbackpioneers.com.au

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:

gnoming about

with Liv Lorkin

Mon 30 to Wed 01

City of Gold Coast Towers Quad Ongoing throughout the festival

Step into the magical world of gnomes, mushrooms and fun. You're invited to get creative at the Two Tree Writers' Wall, go hunting for missing gnomes across the festival, and have the chance to win an epic prize pack.

Make sure to join Liv for a special book launch session of Gnoming About: Tree Mail Adventure on Wednesday 01 April at 1.45pm. Tickets can be purchased at storyfest.com.au

student sessions

9.15am to 10.00am

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

Middle Grade

10.15am to 11.00am

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

11.15am to 12noon

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

12.45pm to 1.30pm

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

1.45pm to 2.30pm

Lower Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

STORYTELLER

*The Sound of Picture Books #multimodal#storytelling

Nat Amoore #humour #adventure #contemporaryfiction

Dr Niraj Lal #digitalidentity #onlinesafety

Penny McNamee #musicaltheatre #contemporaryfiction

Carla Salmon #crimewriting #creatingcharacters

Jason Gent #sportswriting #versenovels #identity

Tristan Bancks #identity #resilience

Senior Secondary Mon

*9.00am start

STORYTELLER

Kate and Jol Temple #creatingcharacters #humour

Tim Harris #humour #contemporaryfiction

Pip Harry #versenovels #identity

Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife

StorySnorts #improvisation #humour

Katrina Nannestad #historicalfiction #identity #resilience

The Mununjali Ngari Dance Troupe and Sunny Luwe #firstnations #music #dance

STORYTELLER

Mandy Peckham and Lisa Williams #firstnations #art #visualliteracy

Penny McNamee #musicaltheatre #contemporaryfiction

*The Sound of Picture Books #multimodal #storytelling

Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife

Sarah Armstrong #suspense #highstakesadventure

*12.15pm finish

Isabella Eurell and Mikio Kimura #firstnations #visualartist #storytelling

Carla Salmon #crimewriting #creatingcharacters

STORYTELLER

Tim Harris #visualliteracy #picturebooks #humour

Kate and Jol Temple #writingcomedy #visualhumour

Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife

Katrina Nannestad #historicalfiction #identity #resilience

Rachel Jackson #crime #chooseyourownadventure

Jason Gent #sportswriting #versenovels #identity

Dr Caroline Graham #investigativejournalism #podcast

STORYTELLER

Maddy Mara #schoolfriendships #juniorfiction

Sarah Armstrong #suspense #highstakesadventure

Dr Niraj Lal and Aśka #digitalidentity #onlinesafety

Pip Harry #versenovels #identity

Penny McNamee #musicaltheatre #contemporaryfiction

Will Kostakis #identity #contemporaryficton

student

Age Guide

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.

adult workshops workshop

Mon 30

W11 BRING OUT YOUR BEST with Will Kostakis Will Kostakis outlines the tips and tricks every young writer needs to elevate their writing.

PLOTS, PROBLEMS AND PUZZLES with Rachel Jackson

Join intelligence specialist and enigmatologist Rachel Jackson for a puzzle-powered workshop that blends imagination with structure to develop plots with built-in problems for characters to overcome. By the end of the workshop, students will walk away with a story outline and the confidence to create many more! Rachel Jackson is the author, illustrator and puzzle-builder of the interactive Solve It Your Way series.

Workshop with Katrina Nannestad

Mon 30

$20 pp

Suitable for parents, teachers and guardians 3.30pm to 4.30pm

W13 STRATEGIES FOR SUPPORTING AND INSPIRING YOUNG WRITERS with Katrina Nannestad

Katrina Nannestad will share some practical strategies for supporting and encouraging young writers, and will guide participants through a range of fun activities they can share with these young writers to nurture confidence and creativity.

PD certificate provided, if requested.

student sessions

9.15am to 10.00am

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

Middle Grade

10.15am to 11.00am

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

11.15am to 12noon

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

12.45pm to 1.30pm

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

1.45pm to 2.30pm

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

Senior Primary

STORYTELLER

Tue 31

Amie Cawood #peoplewhohelpus #emergencyservices

Dr Niraj Lal #digitalidentity #onlinesafety

Will Kostakis #identity #contemporaryficton

*The Sound of Picture Books #multimodal #storytelling

*9.00am start

Jessica Townsend w. Nat Amoore #belonging #justice #fantasyworlds

Nikki Mottram #australiancrime #regionaltowns

Tristan Bancks #identity #resilience

STORYTELLER

YOUR NEXT READ SERIES LAUNCH with Megan Daley, Jade Goodwin, Maddy Mara and Katrina Nannestad #juniorfiction #series #booklaunch

Nat Amoore #humour #adventure #contemporaryfiction

Rachel Jackson #crime #chooseyourownadventure

Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife

Pip Harry #versenovels #identity

Mandy Peckham and Lisa Williams #firstnations #art #visualliteracy

Aśka #booklaunch #visualliteracy #comic

STORYTELLER

Olivia Muscat #guidedogs #disability #friendship

*The Sound of Picture Books #multimodal #storytelling

*12.15pm finish

Isabella Eurell and Mikio Kimura #firstnations #visualartist #storytelling

Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife

Jessica Townsend w. Megan Daley #belonging #justice#fantasyworlds

Dr Niraj Lal #digitalidentity #onlinesafety

Will Kostakis #identity #contemporaryficton

STORYTELLER

Amie Cawood #peoplewhohelpus #emergencyservices

Tim Harris #humour #writingtechniques

Jade Goodwin #illustration #visualliteracy

StorySnorts #improvisation #humour

Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife

Sarah Armstrong #suspense #highstakesadventure

Carla Salmon #crimewriting #creatingcharacters

STORYTELLER

Maddy Mara #fantasy #juniorfiction

Kate and Jol Temple #creatingcharacters #illustratedfiction #humour

Olivia Muscat #guidedogs #disability #friendship

Pip Harry #versenovel #identity

Rachel Jackson #crime #chooseyourownadventure

Sue Kimura and Dr Candace Kruger #firstnations #stolengenerations #storytelling

Tristan Bancks #identity #resilience

Age Guide

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.

student workshops

9.30am to 11.00am

W21

Tue 31

STORYTELLER

WRITING SUSPENSE with Sarah Armstrong

Join Sarah Armstrong for practical tips on writing suspenseful action. A hands-on workshop where you will learn how to grab the reader’s interest and plan your own suspenseful scene.

9+ W22 WRITING SHORT STORIES with Tim Harris

Join Tim Harris in a deep-dive into the world of short stories. This workshop will equip young writers to plan and execute their own short narratives. Tim will cover practical topics such as planning, character, setting, dialogue, paragraphing and editing. Students will also have the opportunity to read their work aloud to the group. Tim has led over 2,000 writing workshops in the past five years alone and has helped over 40 young people publish their own 20,000-word novels. He is a passionate presenter and can't wait to meet young writers at Storyfest Gold Coast 2026!

Tickets $30 pp

student sessions

9.15am to 10.00am

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

Middle Grade

10.15am to 11.00am

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

11.15am to 12noon

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

12.45pm to 1.30pm

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

1.45pm to 2.30pm

Lower Primary

Senior Primary

Middle Grade

Lower Secondary

Senior Secondary

STORYTELLER

Wed 01

Maddy Mara #fantasy #juniorfiction

Olivia Muscat #guidedogs #disability #friendship

Kate and Jol Temple #creatingcharacters #illustratedfiction #humour

Dr Niraj Lal #digitalidentity #onlinesafety

Jessica Townsend w. Nat Amoore #belonging #justice #fantasyworlds

Matt Ottley #empathy #mentalheath #livedexperience

Tristan Bancks #identity #resilience #booklaunch

STORYTELLER

Tim Harris #visualliteracy #picturebooks #humour

Bowie Solutions #TorresStraitIslander #culture #storytelling

Nat Amoore #humour #adventure #contemporaryfiction

Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife

Sue Kimura and Dr Candace Kruger #firstnations #stolengenerations #storytelling

Will Kostakis #identity #contemporaryficton

STORYTELLER

Maddy Mara #schoolfriendships #juniorfiction

Liv Lorkin #adventure #illustration

Rachel Jackson #crime #chooseyourownadventure

Richard Kinnon #oralstorytelling #outbacklife

Carla Salmon #crimewriting #creatingcharacters

Jessica Townsend w. Megan Daley #belonging #justice #fantasyworlds

STORYTELLER

Olivia Muscat #guidedogs #disability #friendship

Nat Amoore #humour #adventure #contemporaryfiction

Tim Harris #humour #writingtechniques

The Mununjali Ngari Dance Troupe and Sunny Luwe #firstnations #music #dance

Aśka #illustration #visualliteracy #comic

Carla Salmon #crimewriting #creatingcharacters

STORYTELLER

Liv Lorkin #booklaunch #adventure #illustration

Kate and Jol Temple #creatingcharacters #illustratedfiction #humour

Rachel Jackson #crime #chooseyourownadventure

Jade Goodwin #illustration #visualliteracy

Katrina Nannestad #historicalfiction #identity #resilience

Pip Harry #versenovels #identity

student workshops

9.30am to 10.30am

Wed 01

Tickets $30 pp

WHERE STORIES GO OFF-SCRIPT with StorySnorts

StorySnorts workshop will utilise improvisation to build students’ collaborative skills and confidence, and to develop their storytelling skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. Children are guided through a range of scenarios which require them to use their imaginations to create ingenious solutions. By validating each other’s ideas, they foster empathy and constructive communication. The results can be as surprising as they are hilarious.

9.30am to 11.00am

W33

ILLUSTRATION MAGIC: CREATING CHARACTERS THAT TELL STORIES with Jade Goodwin

Join illustrator Jade Goodwin for a fun, hands-on workshop exploring how illustration sparks imagination and storytelling. After a quick creative warm-up, participants will learn to draw expressive faces and simple characters (often inspired by Jade’s favourite furry muses, cats and dogs!). Together, we’ll add props, details and emotions to turn simple sketches into characters with stories. Everyone will leave with an illustrated character, new skills and confidence to bring ideas to life.

DEVELOPING AND REVEALING CHARACTER with Katrina Nannestad

Katrina Nannestad will take participants through a number of short, fun activities to create an exciting new character. The strategies used in this workshop are also useful for planning and writing a complete story.

Tickets $30 pp

Age Guide

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.

Pip Harry's

ocean project

Mon 30 to Wed 01

Yarning Circle

Ongoing throughout the festival (9.00am to 3.00pm)

Dive into creativity with an art activation and installation inspired by Pip Harry's oceanthemed writing. Pick up a paintbrush and create your own colourful fish to join the installation. Admire the crochet and tapestry river to the ocean art by St George local artist and producer Kimberly Thornton. Made using recycled materials and crafted with care alongside volunteers and St George students.

Young Writers' Dinner

Tue 31 March

5.00pm to 8.30pm

$45 pp includes dinner and soft drink

middle grade to senior secondary students

Young Illustrators' Breakfast

Wed 01 April

7.00am to 8.30am

$35 pp includes breakfast and drink all year levels

The Young Writers’ Dinner hosted by Nat Amoore provides young people with a once in a lifetime opportunity to spend an exciting evening sharing stories with some of Australia’s bestselling authorsAśka, Tim Harris, Pip Harry, Liv Lorkin and Kate and Jol Temple.

The evening includes a one-hour immersive storytelling experience with StorySnorts ! Expect big laughs, bold characters, and interactive storytelling that turns kids into part of the adventure.

Parents are invited to return at 7.30pm to spectate a portion of the immersive storytelling.

Gather ‘round, young artists! Join us for an inspiring morning of creativity and breakfast. This special event is hosted by Will Kostakis and features the talented children’s illustrators, Aśka and Jade Goodwin

Delight in a delicious breakfast spread and let your imagination soar as we share stories, swap tips, and sketch our way through a morning of fun. From quirky characters to vibrant landscapes, this illustrator breakfast is sure to inspire your next masterpiece!

Book online - tickets are limited!

Children under 10 require an adult, all attendees must hold a ticket.

Proudly supporting the Somerset National Novella Writing Competition

Proudly supporting the Somerset National Poetry Prize

free event

parents' and friends'

prologue party

Monday 30 March

5.30pm to 7.30pm

Somerset College

City of Gold Coast Towers Quad

Come along to the highlight of literary events on the Gold Coast. A fun-filled evening for all the family to celebrate reading and writing! 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.

Don’t forget to come in your favourite book character costume and join in the Grand Parade at 6.00pm. See the sky light up with fireworks at 7.30pm.

Variety of dinner and beverage options available for purchase.

Nat’s books boogie 'n'

City of Gold Coast Towers Quad

5.30pm to 6.00pm 6.30pm to 7.00pm Prologue Party

If you love books and you love to boogie, then this is for you! Take your body on a storytelling journey as you shimmy and shake your way through a book-inspired author DANCE PARTY! A loud, fun and physical celebration of books that is definitely not suitable for your oldschool hush-hush library.

Supported by Smarter Resolutions Family Law

Join us for an enthralling Literary Lunch with Nikki Mottram , one of Australia's most compelling new voices in crime fiction. Mottram masterfully weaves suspense and psychological intrigue. Her acclaimed debut, Crows Nest, plunged readers into the sinister secrets of an idyllic Queensland town. Now, she introduces us to Killarney , a gripping new mystery that delves deeper into small-town secrets and unexpected twists.

Discover what drives her to explore the darker facets of human nature and society. Hosted by ABC Gold Coast's Breakfast presenter Nicole Dyer . A must-attend for lovers of intelligent, atmospheric crime fiction.

BOND UNIVERSITY STORY HUB

Tue 31 March

Wed 01 April

Student reporters at Storyfest Gold Coast

Join Bond University’s pop-up newsroom experience at Storyfest and gain hands-on experience interviewing authors, creating news stories, and covering all the festival excitement. This opportunity is open to Year 9 to 12 students interested in writing, journalism, or social media. Applications close 12 March 2026.

kate and jol temple

A hilarious illustrated series from bestselling creators A hilariously cheeky new series from the bestselling and multi-award-winning katrina nannestad