The Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival returned for its 18th year last week bringing a stellar line-up of authors, artists, storytellers, screenwriters, slam poets, musicians and scientists to the Mackay region.
The festival kicked off last Wednesday with a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country led by local Yuwi people followed by an insightful Writer’s Panel featuring presenters Melina Marchetta, Jack Heath, Cath Moore and Oliver Phommavanh, hosted by Nat Amoore.
Over the next two days, over 5000 students from the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions and 500 students from 21 schools in rural and remote regions thanks to the Winchester Foundation were immersed in all things literature.
Presentations, workshops, competitions and book signings had students of all ages captivated by the art of writing and the Litchat Educators’ Event and Flor-Hanly Literary Dinner enthralled the adults.
“The great part of why I love this festival is that it provides an opportunity for regional and rural students to experience a world-class literature festival that they normally wouldn’t get a chance to outside major capital cities,” said Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Andrew Wheaton.
“The students walk away tremendously invigorated and excited with a love of literature.”
Festival Organiser Tracey Gurdler says she feels she has delivered a festival that excites and encourages the students of Mackay into the world of literature.
“To see children immerse themselves in the joy of literature, reading and writing is incredibly meaningful,” she said.
“For me, this is what the festival is truly about.”
Two presenters at the festival included Sydney-based writer and kidlit podcast host Nat Amoore and Queensland author, illustrator and ‘Story Doctor’ Dr Cameron Stelzer.
Ms Amoore says as well as writing and illustrating, festivals are a big part of the job.
“Getting in front of the kids, they’re your audience, they’re your readers so you want to go out and see them,” she said.
“It’s where you get your ideas from as well,” added Dr Stelzer.
“If you’re sitting in a room not interacting, you don’t get the feel of what’s going to work and what the kids want to see.”
The festival came to a close last Friday night with the Whitsunday Voices Literary Dinner headlined by keynote speaker Dr Richard Harris.
Dr Harris spoke about his involvement in the rescue of a teenage soccer team trapped in a flooded Thai cave system.
The audience watched and listened in awe as Dr Harris told his unbelievable tale with a standing ovation to follow.
Dr Richard Harris and Whitsunday Anglican School Principal Andrew Wheaton. Photo credit: Cherrie Hughes
Over 5000 students from the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions and 500 from rural and remote regions were immersed in all things literature. Photo credit: Nicole Hatfield Photography
Tomorrow, When the War Began author John Marsden. Photo credit: Nicole Hatfield Photography
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