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Festival pulls literacy off the shelf at USC
New and traditional methods of storytelling will encourage a love of language and literature in more than 4,500 school students visiting the University of the Sunshine Coast this week.
A stack of authors, poets, presenters and illustrators will hold more than 100 workshops with children from at least 75 schools at the 16th Voices on the Coast festival, coordinated by Immanuel Lutheran College in connection with USC.
Students in Years 7-12 will attend the USC campus at Sippy Downs from 9am to 2.15pm tomorrow (Monday 6 June) and students in Years 5-7 will attend from 9am to 2.15pm on Tuesday 7 June.
Coordinator Kelly Dunham said the festival would focus on the timelessness of the love of literature, whether it’s reading, writing or listening to oral stories.
“In 2011, Voices emphasises the new ways in which we share stories, the blogs, the e-zines, alternative publishing and the internet, as well as the traditional storytelling of local Indigenous people with Lyndon Davis,” she said.
“The desire to communicate with others through generations is constant. Our philosophy is to bring books alive by letting emerging young writers and readers see that authors are real people, just like them.”
Mr Davis, a Yandina educator, performer and artist who has a long involvement with the University, is sure to have children spellbound with his expressions of local Aboriginal culture and history.
The founder of the Gubbi Gubbi Dance Troupe, Mr Davis last year received a USC Honorary Senior Fellowship for his work and community focus.
Well-known authors at the festival will include John Flanagan of New York Times bestselling ‘Ranger’s Apprentice’ fantasy series for boys, local former pro-tennis player Pat Flynn and Melbourne thriller novelist James Phelan.
Hundreds of adults are also attending Voices Plus, a variety of public events between 4-8 June across the Coast region including a gala launch tomorrow night (Monday 6 June) at Immanuel College.
Lectures to be held at USC on the night of Tuesday 7 June will include USC Education postgraduate student Rebecca Belfield-Kennedy, an American screenwriter who has worked with Hollywood celebrities.
Tickets still available on 5477 3437 or www.voicesonthecoast.com.au.
— Julie Gatehouse