Newstead Young Writers Festival

Welcoming Writers & Illustrators to the Hub!

The Inaugural Newstead Young Writers Festival

You are invited!

A new festival in central Victoria will nurture young people, aged 3-18 years, with a knack for words and writing, drawing, storytelling, creating puzzles, cartoons, zines and more.

The inaugural Newstead Young Writers Festival has drawn a top line-up of almost 30 wise and witty authors, illustrators, zine makers and cartoonists for a day-long series of workshops to inspire young people to bring out their inner storytelling skills.

Come and see literary elites including;  John Marsden, author of  Tomorrow, when the War Began series, nature writer, Bridget Farmer, award winning illustrator Trace Balla, the compelling Chris Kennett who illustrated the Star Wars series for Little Golden Books and Victorian State Library storyteller, Julieanne Negri. Offering something for all ages, from those just starting out to competent young adults, who are looking for some professional advice.

The Festival will be held at the first class arts precinct at the Newstead Arts Hub, in marquees in a lovely open park alongside an unused rail line, a great setting for any young imagination.

The theme this year is ‘Gotta Get it Outta’ my Head’, inspiring writers to get their ideas out of their head and onto the page. The Festival offers workshops on topics as diverse as using smell in writing, cartooning, birds and words, creative diary writing, Sci fi, drawing mythical creatures-inspired by life, nature journalling and indigenous culture. Click here for program details. 

Festival Convenor Dean McLaren, a primary school teacher, said he wanted to create a safe space where students of all ages, abilities and diverse backgrounds could develop their love of writing, drawing and storytelling and be encouraged to express themselves.

“Writing and drawing is a great way for young people of all ages to tell their own story and unleash their imaginations,” Dean said. “It is so important for young people to appreciate and value who they are and to develop a sense of self worth and belonging.” 

For a list of visiting authors and workshops by age group, click  here
View our website : https://www.newsteadyoungwritersfestival.com/program  or jump on our Facebook page

Media contact: Dean McLaren, Convenor, Newstead Young Writers Festival. 0409 544063