Regional writers' festivals are essential in cultivating Australia's literary culture, particularly among children. These events bridge the gap between authors and young readers who otherwise might not have access to literary events, children’s programmes, and sometimes even books on a regular basis. Initiatives like Australia Reads' LitUp underline a growing need for more opportunities in regional Australia, and at Storyfest, we are excited to rise to the challenge in 2025.
While starting off as a writers’ festival on the Gold Coast, Storyfest began its expansion into regional Queensland in 2022 for a simple reason: to spread the love of storytelling far and wide.
At the time, Storyfest CEO Andrea Lewis was excited to reach new communities.
“Taking Storyfest Out West to Longreach was such an incredible experience for everyone involved, and it proved that what we do has the power to strengthen community relationships too. The opportunity to expand our programmes to reach even more children in rural areas, fostering connections with authors, books, and storytellers, has long been a goal for Storyfest. Witnessing it come to fruition is truly rewarding,” said Andrea.
We are acutely aware of the significance of literary programmes in regional Australia, and are working hard to bring the benefits of books to as many regional spots as possible. As a result, 2024 saw us bringing our children’s programme to four locations altogether: the Gold Coast, Longreach, Emerald and St George. The response has been overwhelmingly positive: both from visiting authors and illustrators, and of course the kids and adults attending these sessions.
In 2025, we’re hoping to up the ante.
A nationwide plea for more literature in rural areas
Launched this March, the LitUp initiative by Australia Reads aims to bring live literature events to regional and outer-metropolitan communities across Australia. By facilitating interactions between authors, illustrators, and young readers, LitUp seeks to inspire a lifelong passion for reading – a mission that we can wholeheartedly agree with.
It’s great to see more and more organisations addressing barriers such as geographic isolation and limited access to literary resources, working to ensure that children in these areas have opportunities to engage with literature. The significance of regional writers' festivals extends beyond entertainment; they are instrumental in promoting literacy and cultural enrichment. By providing platforms for children to interact with storytellers, these festivals encourage imaginative thinking and empathy. Moreover, they offer inclusive spaces where diverse voices and stories are celebrated, reflecting Australia's rich cultural tapestry.
Storyfest’s regional festivals in Queensland exemplify this commitment to literary engagement in regional communities. But there’s certainly more we can all do! These communities deserve year-round access to literature, which is why we’re excited to support new initiatives this year – such as Andy Geppert’s Squigl Club, an online community that aims to teach rural students about the making of a book, and our upcoming book trailer project, which will enable not only more regional students, but whole communities to have access to a library on wheels. But more on that soon!
Regional writers' festivals, bolstered by initiatives like LitUp and Storyfest's outreach programs, are vital in cultivating a vibrant literary landscape in Australia. By engaging children in storytelling and reading, these events lay the foundation for a more literate, empathetic, and culturally aware society.
