Australia’s Top Authors Head To Mackay For Premier Youth Literature Festival

Get ready to dive into a page-turning celebration as tickets are now on sale for regional Queensland’s biggest festival of books, ideas, and imagination: the Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival.

With the online booking portal now live and more than 7,500 students expected to attend, schools and book lovers alike are urged to secure their spots early before this literary extravaganza sells out.

Returning for its 21st year on 17-18 July, the 2025 Festival promises to be one of the biggest and most vibrant yet, with more than 80 events, featuring an exciting line-up of authors, artists, scientists, storytellers, slam poets and musicians.

This year’s headline guest is none other than Nedd Brockmann – the unstoppable Aussie legend who captured the nation’s heart by running across the country and raising millions to fight homelessness.

Fresh off the success of his hit Netflix documentary RUNN – which soared into the platform’s Top 10 worldwide, Nedd is bringing his powerful story of grit, passion and purpose to the festival.

He will take to the stage as this year’s keynote presenter at the DBI Literary Dinner, Friday 18 July, to share his powerful personal story with the wider community. Attendees can expect a compelling and entertaining presentation filled with honesty, humour, and heart, as Nedd unpacks the challenges he faced during his 4,000-kilometre run and the deeper purpose that drove him forward.

“There’s something truly special about hearing a story straight from its creator,” said Festival Manager Liz Russell.

“The festival encourages students to explore where literature can take them – creatively, emotionally and even professionally.”

“This year’s program is bursting with talent,” she continued.

“We’ve gathered some of Australia’s most celebrated authors and illustrators to share their stories, ideas and passion with our young readers.”

Hosted at Whitsunday Anglican School, Principal Mr Andrew Wheaton shared that the whole school is involved in bringing the festival to life, including over 150 student volunteers, teaching, IT, corporate and facilities teams.

"In a world increasingly dominated by social media and screens, the Voices Festival is a powerful reminder of the magic found in the pages of a book," said Mr Wheaton.

"This event not only celebrates the written word, but also reignites a love of literature – encouraging young people and the wider community to pause, reflect, and connect through storytelling in its most timeless form."

Mayor Greg Williamson said “The more students we bring here, the more successful the festival will be – because more authors will want to come, and more stories will come to life.”

“It’s a fabulous event – a chance for Australian authors to share their unique voice and writing style directly with the next generation of readers.

“This has become a huge event in the Mackay region…and its absolutely outstanding to see.”

At the Whitsunday Voices launch, Kim Kleidon presented Fire by Butterfly – a children’s book linking the butterfly’s life cycle with human growth, encouraging children to embrace change.

She further noted the growing talent within the region, emphasising the importance of regional and national authors coming together to continue the legacy.

“There’s so much talent in this region – writers creating authentic work for the next generation.

“We don’t always see them on the big stage, but they’re making a real difference behind the scenes.”

Among the star-studded line-up are:
• Amie Kaufman – International New York Times best seller for Young Adult fiction
• Katherine Battersby, Mackay-born international bestselling author and illustrator, featured
in the junior program
• Kim Michelle Toft, silk artist and author of beautifully illustrated Great Barrier Reef books
• Cristy Burne, award-winning STEAM author, scientist and creative powerhouse
• Kate and Jol Temple, authors of the smash-hit Bin Chicken series
• Miles Merrill, Chicago-born master of slam poetry and spoken word
The 2025 Festival will also host two exciting book launches, including:
• A new “choose-your-own-adventure” style novel by George Ivanoff
• Amy Doak’s – 3rd in her award-winning Eleanor Jones Series – Eleanor Jones is Playing With Fire.

While the Festival is primarily designed for school groups, the public is warmly invited to attend key events, including author sessions, LitChat conversations, and the popular DBI Literary Dinner.

“Whitsunday Voices isn’t just a writers’ festival – it’s a catalyst for change in our young people. There’s nothing else like it in regional Queensland,” said Mrs Russell.

In addition to author sessions, the festival will feature live student musicians, Eat Street food stalls, a games picnic space, a roaming puppeteer, The Chess Puzzle Challenge, local storytellers at Story Corner and much more.

For tickets and the full program, visit www.whitsundayvoices.com.au

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Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival, a two-day celebration of books, creativity and ideas featuring Nedd Brockmann and more than 80 events for students and the wider community. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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