Words Out West: Western Downs Readers & Writers Fest is a literary festival from Western Downs Libraries and Western Downs Regional Council. Held in Dalby and surrounds from Thursday 11 to Sunday

14 March 2021, expect a buffet of activities for readers, writers and lovers of words, big and small.

We know that sometimes Writers Festivals can seem a little stuffy, so Words Out West is taking a different approach. We’re not just interested in words that sit on a page, but words that do — words that

inspire, words that uncover, words that excite, and even words that teach you how to bake a cake.

For the second annual festival, we want you and your schools to get involved! On Thursday 11 March 2021 we’re hosting a day just for you at the Chinchilla Library, with a line-up of local and national talent in the word-ing realm aiming to help you and your students get curious and creative through a range of

workshops, presentations, displays and hands-on activities.

The Main Program

Introducing our Keynote Speaker, Anita HeissFor Primary and Middle School Students

Anita is a proud member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales, and is one of Australia’s most prolific and well-known authors, publishing across genres, including non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction and children’s novels.

As an advocate for Indigenous literacy, Anita has worked in remote communities as a role model and encouraging young Indigenous Australians to write their own stories. On an international level she has performed her own work and lectured on Indigenous literature across the globe at universities and conferences, consulates and embassies in the USA, Canada, the UK, Tahiti, Fiji, New Caledonia, Spain, Japan, Australia, Germany and New Zealand.

Thursday 11 March 202110am to 3pm at Chinchilla Cultural Centre

SCHOOL DAY FACTSHEET

Introducing our Keynote Speaker, Will KostakisFor Secondary School Students Will Kostakis started pitching manuscripts to publishers at age 12 and signed his first book deal at 17. Loathing Lola was released when he was just nineteen, and his second book The First Third, won the 2014 Gold Inky Award. It was also shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year and Australian Prime Minister’s Literary awards.

As a high school student, Will won Sydney Morning Herald Young Writer of the Year for a collection of short stories. Will’s first fantasy novel, Monuments, was released in 2019 and is a Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable book.

Storytime and Workshops with Gregg DreiseFor Primary and Middle School Students

Gregg Dreise is a gifted artist, storyteller and musician, with a penchant for incorporating the guitar and didgeridoo in his performances at schools, libraries and festivals. As a descendant of the Kamilaroi and Euahlayi people, he is passionate about addressing indigenous culture in his stories, with a focus on self-image, friendship, kindness and bullying.

Illustration Workshops with Kathleen JenningsFor Middle and Secondary School Students

Kathleen Jennings is an illustrator and writer. She is a Hugo Award finalist, has been shortlisted four times for the World Fantasy Award and received the E.G. Harvey Award for Australian SF Art. She works across three main media – cut-paper silhouettes, pen and ink, and scratchboard.

Illustration Workshops with Ann-Marie FinnFor Primary School Students

Ann-Marie is a freelance illustrator based in Queensland. She started her career in the UK designing greeting cards before moving to Brisbane in 2007. She wrote and published her first children’s book in 2012 and since then has gone on to write and illustrate many more. Her two young boys are a constant source of inspiration and imagination.

Videography Workshops with Geordie LillisFor Middle and Secondary School Students

Originally from a small farm near Dalby, Geordie began working on feature films such as Thor: Ragnarok and Pacific Rim: Uprising after studying film and TV at University. Since then, he’s created his own business revolving around creating content with a camera.

Journalism panel with Harry ClarkeFor Secondary School Students

A proud Chinchilla local, Harry has worked as a journalist for various local newspapers as well as the Courier-Mail. He spent five years working as a producer and reporter for A Current Affair, as well as Nine News Queensland. Harry has since founded Country Caller, as he believes people in the bush deserve good journalism and advocacy, and country Queensland is where some of the most interesting stories are found.

In order to reserve your spot at Words Out West we require a semi-permanent booking by Monday 1 February 2021. Please include the approximate number of students attending per session and their class details. RSVP to chinchilla.library@wdrc.qld.gov.au or phone 4660 7270 for further information.

Interested?

CHINCHILLA SCHOOL DAY (THURSDAY 11 MARCH)

ROOM ONE ROOM TWO ROOM THREE ROOM FOUR

10am

10.30am

11am

11.30am

12pm

12.30pm

1pm

1.30pm

2pm

2.30pm

3pm

10–10.45amGregg DreisePerformance

12.30–1.15pmGregg DreisePerformance

1.45–2.30pmWill Kostakis

Keynote Presentation

10 –10.45amAnn-Marie Finn

Illustration Workshop

11.15am –12pmKathleen Jennings

Illustration Workshop

12.30 –1.15pmAnn-Marie Finn

Illustration Workshop

1.45–2.30pmKathleen Jennings

Illustration Workshop

10–10.45amGeordie Lillis

Videography Workshop

11.15am–12pmGeordie Lillis

Videography Workshop

12.30 –1.15pmAnita Heiss

Keynote Presentation

10–10.45amStorytime

11.15am–12pmStorytime

BEST FORJUNIORS

BEST FORMIDDLE SCHOOL

BEST FOR HIGH SCHOOL

11.15am–12pmGregg DreisePerformance

1.45 –2.30pmGeordie Lillis &

Harry ClarkePanel