The Newstead Arts Hub will transform into a literary village this Sunday as some of Australia’s best-loved children’s authors, illustrators and storytellers gather for the Newstead Young Writers Festival.
It will be a full day of creativity, stories and inspiration for young people and their families, with something new, exciting and whimsical around every corner.
Featuring more than 20 professional writers, illustrators, artists and storytellers, the program includes workshops, conversations, storytelling and creative activities.
Young writers can choose from a huge variety of workshops covering everything from comics and graphic novels, drawing and picture books to science fiction, crime writing, zines, character creation, diaries and storytelling.
Festival organiser, primary school teacher Dean McLaren, said the festival was designed to increase a love of reading, writing and storytelling.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re not a good writer; you can tell stories through pictures, music and plays,” he said.
“That’s why we’ve introduced songwriting this year. We’ve got some great advocates in Eliza Hull, Mo’Ju, a disability advocate and a gender and First Nations advocate, who have lived experience.
“It’s a really safe space for young adults to come and to be able to talk about how to tell a story through song. No one is going to be judging in any of the workshops. It’s just about being there, having fun and letting your imagination run wild.”
Award-winning young adult novelist, creative writing teacher and mentor Christie Nieman will be running a two-hour intensive workshop at 1.20pm for young adults in years 9-12 called ‘How to Tell Your Story’.
“I work with young adults and adults, and there are a couple of things that they still do that they shouldn’t do,” Christie said.
“I’m going to take some year 9-12s who are keenly interested in writing and give them the fundamentals on how to write fiction, and help them understand how to tell their story. And they will have that for the rest of their writing lives.”
The 2026 program brings together over 20 of Australia’s finest authors and illustrators! Musicians Eliza Hull and Mo’Ju open the weekend with a special festival eve songweaving workshop for teens.
Former Australian Children’s Laureates Sally Rippin and Gabrielle Wang join an incredible lineup of writers, illustrators and playwrights including Adam Wallace, Ellie Marney, Mary Anne Butler, Lucinda Gifford, Chris Kennett, Ann James, Trace Balla, Dee White, Christie Nieman, Ella Mulvey, Bridget Farmer, Simon Howe, Jasper Peach, Penny Tangey, Lachlan Walter and Amy Doak. And Suzanne Ingelbrecht has come all the way from Western Australia – and has decided to stay!
Festival organisers are also pleased to have master weaver Aunty Maryline Nicholls, Uncle Rick Nelson and Bec Phillips join the festival in the afternoon to share stories and culture from a storytelling tradition spanning more than 60,000 years.
Sunday, October 11 10am to 4pm at the Newstead Arts Hub
Visit: www.newsteadyoungwritersfestival.com for the full program and to purchase tickets.
