We have another amazing line up of authors, volunteering opportunities, adult functions and events for the whole family to enjoy together. We can't wait to host a bigger and better festival for the whole Central West region and beyond to enjoy!
Come along to the opening night of Storyfest Out West, this free community event is for the whole family to enjoy! The Prologue Party is a night of festivities to celebrate and a great opportunity to meet some of Australia’s best authors and illustrators!
Enjoy all the fun with games, activities, performers and much more to enjoy in a fairground atmosphere. The festival bookshop will be open, it is a great opportunity for adults and children to browse the bookshelf and find that perfect book.
Stage activated from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, at LSODE Campus.
Variety of dinner and beverage options available for purchase.
Step into the ultimate arena of literacy fun! The Great Young Writers’ Showdown is a fast-paced, laugh-filled games night designed for curious minds aged 10 and up. Work with our stellar line up of authors to compete in a variety of challenges. From nail-biting spelling bee rounds to chaotic book cover guessing and laugh-out-loud illustration challenges, this event celebrates words in all their wild forms. Bring your skills, flex your pencils, and compete for glory, because in this game, the right word wins!
Participating authors include Sami Bayly, Mick Elliott, George Ivanoff, Rachel Jackson, Richard Kinnon and Liv Lorkin.
Tuesday 10 September from 5.00pm to 8.00pm, at Nogo Station. Includes dinner and drink.
Student ticket price: $50
Suitable for ages 10+, or 6+ if accompanied by a parent or guardian
Gather 'round, young artists! Join us for a magical morning of creativity and breakfast. This special event features the talented children’s illustrators, Sami Bayly and Mick Elliott.
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! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet the artists behind your favourite books and discover the joy of illustration.
Wednesday 11 September from 7.30am to 9.00am, at Qantas Founders Museum. Includes breakfast and drink.
Student ticket price: $35
Suitable for ages 6+
PICTURE BOOKS ARE NOT JUST FOR LITTLE CHILDREN! with Jane Godwin
In this stimulating and interactive session, we’ll explore picture books from every angle and the many opportunities they bring to a classroom or family story time - whether with 5-year-olds or 15-year-olds. Drawing on her experience as both publisher and writer, and using examples from picture books around the world, Jane explores the power of this art form to enlighten, entertain, inspire and educate.
Thursday 10 September, 3.30pm to 5.00pm
$50 pp. Suitable for parents,teachers and guardians
LSODE Campus
CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP with Louise Park
This professional learning masterclass equips adults with practical, research-informed strategies to move young writers beyond formulaic narrative structures and into more sophisticated, purposeful writing.
Drawing on techniques used by bestselling author Louise Park (Last Man Out), participants explore how accomplished writers make decisions about language, structure, characterisation and meaning.
The workshop focuses on helping students develop a stronger authorial voice, create vivid and engaging descriptions, understand how readers construct meaning, and use editing as a powerful tool to improve writing rather than simply correct errors.
Friday 11 September, 9.30am to 11.30am
$50 pp. Suitable for parents,teachers and guardians
LSODE Campus
Rachelle Moore
Deputy Principal of Longreach School of Distance Education (LSODE) and an integral member of the school community for 27 years, Rachelle is a passionate supporter and advocate for education of students in geographically isolated areas. Originally from Brisbane, Rachelle left the city lights for the sunsets of Longreach in 1995 to take up a teaching position at LSODE. It wasn’t long into her rural adventure that she met her husband Richard, settling in Longreach and later growing her family with two lovely sons, Harrison and Lachlan.
During her 27 years with LSODE Rachelle has been the heart and soul of creating our unique culture, one of fostering strong relationships, partnerships and a sense of community. Students and their families have become part of Rachelle’s extended family.
Rachelle is about adaptability and has a true gift of vision, bringing learning alive and always looking for what is possible beyond the boundaries and challenges faced within the realms of rural and remote life. Rachelle lives and breathes our school motto - ‘Effort Conquers Distance’. She truly is Longreach’s blessing.
Peta Bates
Head of Department for Western Alliance (Secondary) based at the Longreach School of Distance Education (LSODE) Peta is a passionate educator who embraces the unique culture of our whole school community. A short term plan which has turned into a long term commitment, Peta, her husband Matt, and three children, Grace, Molly and Jack moved to Longreach seeking adventure.
With strong family connectedness, Peta extends these values to all who cross her path. An advocate for education of students in geographically isolated areas, Peta invests her energy and enthusiasm into all facets of school life. Her kind and caring nature is infectious and she is a treasured member of our community.
