“Sharing My Story Saved My Life”

Keynote Speaker Delivers Powerful Message At DBI Literary Dinner

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Few people have the ability to silence a room full of hundreds of people. It takes skill, but more importantly, it takes a story. All eyes and attention were on Jelena Dokic last Friday night at the DBI Literary Dinner hosted at the MECC, as she did exactly that.

As she spoke of a little girl who fell in love with tennis after her father handed her a racket at just six years old, to how she quickly rose to fame as one of Australia's top tennis players, she also shared the heartbreaking reality that beyond the courts, she endured years of extreme physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her father.

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Ms Dokic addressed guests as the keynote speaker at the Whitsunday Voices Literary Dinner, sharing how she once felt powerless but has since turned her past into purpose. Through sharing her story and writing books, she now encourages not only the next generation, but anyone with a story, to find their voice and help end domestic and family violence.

“My biggest highlight and achievement was finding my voice through sharing my story,” she said.

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“It literally saved my life.

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“I would not be here today if I didn't find my voice and share my story.”

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Today, Ms Dokic said she uses that voice “to call out injustice, to advocate for change,” describing her journey as one from “victim to survivor, but most importantly, now a thriver.”

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Earlier that day, Ms Dokic was one of 17 authors who inspired students through author talks, workshops and presentations as part of the 2026 Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival at Whitsunday Anglican School.

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Now in its 22nd year, the festival welcomed more than 7,000 students, teachers and supporters from more than 80 schools across Central Queensland, cementing its place as one of the country's leading youth literacy events.

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Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said Whitsunday Voices had become “one of Australia's icon literacy events” and highlighted the importance of reading and storytelling in an increasingly digital world.

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“Literature and literacy is all about experiences... it's about a range of emotions, and what humans can actually experience,” he said.

“AI can put words together, they can't give the lived experience.”

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Mayor Williamson said the event continued to thrive because of its lasting impact on young people, and noted that it was, “exceptionally important to get kids involved in reading and literature at any stage in their life.”

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said the festival ensured students from rural and remote communities had the same opportunities as those in larger centres.

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“Everyone's got a story to tell,” she said.

“Their story is important.”

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She said events like Whitsunday Voices “really do break down the barriers” by creating access to literature and empowering students to contribute their own stories.

One student travelled six hours from his remote rural hometown to attend the Literature Festival, an opportunity that would otherwise be unavailable as he completes his education through online learning. Despite the distance, he enjoys the lifestyle of his hometown and values the chance to connect with fellow students and teachers through initiatives such as The Winchester Foundation.

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The foundation provides funding and support for rural students, helping bridge the gap between location and opportunity by enabling them to participate in experiences such as the Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival.

Festival Manager Liz Russell said bringing the festival together was a year-long effort supported by a dedicated team and the Whitsunday Anglican School community.

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“It's a big job that takes us about a year to put together,” she said.

Ms Russell said students were leaving the festival with experiences they could only gain through Whitsunday Voices, with authors, illustrators and presenters inspiring creativity across every age group.

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“What they're taking away back to their classrooms... is something that they can only get here.”

A record crowd of 500 guests attended the DBI Literary Dinner, where Ms Russell described the turnout as another “major milestone” for the much-loved festival.

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