Can’t believe it was 12 years ago when the Newington festival started.
I met Sue Richer the then school librarian for Newington College at the beginning of this fantastic new venture for the College in Sydney
This is the first year that it’s been run my the new head of the Lirbary Ann Jagger and Sabine who have done a brilliant job.
There’s been a feast of authors – from Archie Fusillo, Arnold Zable, Oliver Phommocanh, Deborah Abela, Barry Jonsberg, Richard Harland, Simon Higgins, Felice Arena, Michael Gerald-Bauer, Michael Pryor ….. so many others.
and the Newington boys are fantastic.
I was deeply moved by their assembly where the Principal, chaplain, Sean Corcoran Head of Teacher Education , head of swimming…. supported by a brass band … gave such support to the Literature Festival, environmental protection and Room to Read – www.roomtoread.org – bringing literacy to the children of the developing world.
Arnold Zable acclaimed author launched the festival.
LOVED speaking to the boys. LOVED judging the the writing competition. Loved sharing my books with Newington College.
Louise Park author of STAR GIRL had me doubled over laughing as I saw a huge STARGIRL desperately trying to get through the barred front gates at the Ravenswood Festival.
STARGIRL (PanMacMillan) – made it inside with author Jeni Mawter and joined the other authors & illustrators enjoying cappuccino at the Ravenswood festival in Gordon Sydney.
Dianne Bates – Crossing the Line (Ford Street Publishing)
Aleesah Darlison – Unicorn Riders (Walker Books)
Richard Harland – World Shaker
Laurine Croasdale – IHarry (Aussie Chomps Penguin Books)
Moya Simons – Let Me Whisper You My Story (HarperCollins)
Jeni Mawter – So Gross series (HarperCollins)
Meredith Costain – A Year in Girl Hell (Hardie grant Egmont)
Deborah Abela – The Ghost Club series (RandomHouse)
Serena Geddes – Totally Twins (New Frontier )
Paul Collins – Quentaris series (Ford Street Publishing)
A Creative Net Speakers’ Agency event.
Hundreds of girls loved the day.
I loved catching up with my friends.
Kate Colley has become an Oz legend for kids’ books – sorry Kate – but your love of kids’ books, support of authors & illustrators is a LEGEND!
Everyone piled into Kate’s Bloomin’ Books in Caringbah to celebrate 20 years as a book seller.
Some of the people who came to celebrate:-
International award winning brilliant illustrators - Jeannie Baker and Julie Vivas.
Richard Harland just returned from a USA and UK media tour WORLD SHAKER
Alan Baille whose book Krakatoa just won the NSW Premier’s Literature Award
Multi award winning author Libby Gleeson and illustrator David Legge, publishing icon Margaret Hamilton and Max Hamilton and CBC supporters including the terrific Mary McNally and people who love books.
Mark MacLeod author, editor and publisher was on his way but had a car crash. His car was written off but he’s safe and that’s what matters.
Fabulous food, wine, friends and a huge CHEER for Kate!!!!
Can’t believe it was 12 years ago when the Newington festival started.
