In 2024, we extended our outreach programme to Emerald. Storyfest provides regional communities with equitable opportunities to interact with authors and books in a fun, festive atmosphere. Rarely—if ever—do writers festivals come to the outback. We seek to change this by strengthening connection in regional communities, making inspiration accessible to all.
Come along to the opening night of Storyfest Central Queensland, 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.
Variety of dinner and beverage options available for purchase.
Andrew McDonald to host: Yvonne Mes vs. Liv Lorkin -- who will win the title of best illustrator?
Join top children's illustrators Yvonne Mes and Liv Lorkin as they cross canvases before a table of fierce, but fair, young judges. A vibrant competition of skills and creativity, students will steer the artists' illustration and decide who remains standing. Liv Lorkin is a heart-led creative, children's book author and illustrator. Her signature illustration style is whimsical and full of joy, capturing a deep sense of wonder for the natural world. Her love for celebrating regional communities blossomed into her first picture book series, inspired by her ten years in Ballarat, which spanned six titles. Yvonne Mes is a children’s author and illustrator from Brisbane. She writes fiction and non-fiction for children with curious minds. Her latest picture book is The Opal Dinosaur, a nonfiction picture book with CSIRO. Yvonne is the coordinator of Write Links, Queensland’s children’s writers and illustrators group. She is completing her Master of Arts in Creative Writing and Literature at a snail’s pace.
Join the battle for a night of laughter and imagination while tickets remain!
Student ticket price: $40
Secrets from the Kid Table
The inside story on life as a children’s author. Join host and kidlit author herself, Louise Park in discussion with Storyfest stars R.A. Spratt, Adrian Beck and Lili Wilkinson as they take us behind the scenes of life as a children’s author. Book online and join the fun - tickets are limited
Includes light nibbles and beverages.
Adult ticket price: $30
