Whitsunday Voices Inspires Local Youth

Over 5,000 students were inspired by some of the literary greats of Australia this week as the much anticipated and loved Whitsunday Voices Festival returned for another dynamic and engaging event.

Kicking off on Wednesday evening with a special launch party and smoking ceremony at the Festival Teepee, the event unfolded into an action-packed series of interactive sessions that saw 13 authors, poets and performers offer something unique to the region’s young audiences.

The festival is set to culminate this evening with the infamous Literary Dinner that welcomes keynote speaker Annabel Crabb.

A revered Author, Journalist and Producer, Annabel Crabb is the creative genius and presenter of a host of projects on ABC, including Australia Talks, Tomorrow Tonight, The House With Annabel Crabb, Kitchen Cabinet, Ms Represented and the popular TV history series Back In Time For Dinner.

Festival Manager, Mrs Tracey Gurdler, said she and the Voices team were “incredibly excited” to welcome Annabel Crabb, alongside a host of leading names in literature.

“Each year the Festival inspires students of all ages to put down their devices, get off social media and pick up a book – some of them for the very first time.

“To see children immerse themselves in the joy of literature, reading and writing is incredibly meaningful. For me, this is what the Festival is truly about.

“Generation Alpha is the first to grow up with devices in their hands. They are breaking new ground as a result of technological advances, however, us parents and educators are having to navigate this new technology era."

With this in mind, this year’s Litchat speaker, Louise Park, inspired teachers, parents and the wider community on Thursday afternoon.

Her session offered an insight into how the region’s children could have the best chance of literacy success with her presentation, "7 Steps to get Children Reading”, with scientific and research-based findings, stories and tips.

As a teacher, children's author and leading education consultant, Louise Park knows better than anyone how the goalposts have shifted over the recent years and the digital distractions of modern life.

"Louise Park will demonstrate how we can maximise both digital and traditional forms of reading, as well as preparing easy to navigate plans for our child or student," explains Tracey.

Also in attendance at this year’s event was Isobelle Carmody (Evermore and Scaterlings), alongside festival favourites like the Shake & Stir Theatre Co.

During the Festival, author, illustrator, screenwriter and producer, Mick Elliot, launched his first children's book at the Festival - Dads & Dogs.

Mick’s fabulously entertaining and animated presentations come with the warning, “Prepare to have your brain stretched until it explodes!” as he shares his inspirations behind his books and reveals how he discovered the secret power of storytelling.

Again this year, children in remote and regional areas were not forgotten, thanks to the community-focused Winchester Foundation, that funded the attendance of approximately 500 rural and remote children.

Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival has been made possible by support from Major Festival Partner Daly Bay, Literary Dinner Partner Dalrymple Bay Infrastructure and key partners BHP/BMA, Whitsunday Anglican School and Whitsunday Anglican School Foundation, and the more than 50 local business partners.

‍

Keynote speaker, Annabel Crabb, is set to delight the audience at the Literary Dinner this evening. Photo supplied

Students discovering the joy of books at the 2022 Whitsunday Voices Festival. Photo supplied

‍