Louise Davidson
Louise has been a member of the Somerset community for many years as a parent and active supporter of the writers festival for over 20 years. In 2011, Louise was appointed to the College Board and in 2018, stepped into the role of Chair of Storyfest. Louise’s passion and dedication to Storyfest is second to none and she is excited by the future possibilities bringing a love of reading to the Gold Coast Community.
Craig Bassingthwaighte
Craig was educated at Cavendish Road State High School (1975); Griffith University, Bachelor of Arts (1979) and Master of Arts (1997); and the University of Queensland, Bachelor of Educational Studies (1984). Craig is the third Headmaster of Somerset College and joined the College from Whitsunday Anglican School at Mackay where he was Principal. Before this he was Deputy Principal of Trinity Anglican School in Cairns and Director of Admissions and Master of McKinley House at The Southport School. He has taught at The Hotchkiss School, Connecticut, USA and St Anne's School, Windermere, UK. He has taught Senior English, Literature and Media Studies for many years. As Headmaster, Craig is the chief executive of the College. He is appointed by the College Board and is responsible to the Board for the proper conduct, management and discipline of the College.
Airlie Maclachlan
Airlie has been in management leadership roles in the private, public, philanthropic and not-for-profit sectors for over 25 years. Across her career, Airlie has worked for some well-known Australian organisations including Clayton Utz, Minter Ellison, Outward Bound, the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Kowalski Recruitment and Hynes Lawyers. Airlie is currently a Director of Home of the Arts, Australian Certified Organic, Arcadia College and the Thyne Reid Foundation. She has an MBA and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Terry Herbert
Terry has been involved with the writer’s festival since 1998. As the owner of a nationally recognised book store chain, Terry brought a wealth of experience to develop the Festival own bookstore, which still is an integral part of the festival to this day. Terry continues to support the festival as a dedicated member of the Storyfest Board. Terry’s leadership and service to Storyfest significant and unique.
Michael Arnold
As both an alumnus and parent of Somerset College, Michael has experienced firsthand, the impact of the writer’s festival with his family. Michael has a passion to build the connection between the development of children’s literacy programmes and local businesses. As company principal of Arnold Development Consultants, which is a local entity with a 50-year history on the Gold Coast, Michael is an essential member of the Storyfest Board.
