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Listen to the 'Voices'
28 May 2005
In the mid-1990s, Immanuel Lutheran College took a bold move to
create 'Voices on the Coast', at a time when things cultural were
almost invisible in the region.
It started as a youth literature festival, bringing leading
Australian authors, poets and illustrators to the Coast and
encouraging direct interaction with thousands of school students at
the University.
In recent years the concept has been broadened so that these
high profile people are also now accessible to the community,
allowing lots of residents who love literature, or who are
frustrated, or budding authors themselves, to learn aspects of the
trade first hand.
The festival takes an enormous amount of organisation and a lot
of financial support. Because of the strain on Immanuel's resources
they turned to the University for help, and run jointly, the event
has gone from strength to strength with each year.
This year over 7000 tickets have already been sold to student
events, thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of Judy Morrison
who has worked tirelessly to make 'Voices' a success in recent
years.
At this year's launch, with the Festival actually spanning 30
May to 4 June, two international authors will be featured talking
about their work.
'Voices' promotes creative writing through competitions,
workshops, book launches, discussion panels and lots of
opportunities for informal personal interactions.
There is nothing quite like it on the Coast and it is has been
an inspiration for many people who have gone on to become authors
in their own right, or have chosen to undertake further study to
extend their natural talent.
As many would know, Gary Crew and Karen Books have been heavily
involved over the years, and this year is no exception. Journalist
and USC lecture Jane Fynes-Clinton is also involved, as are some
USC students and graduates including Luke Kerioskie, Maria Arena,
Shane Bertschin and Sam Folder.
The events which are many and varied are held at the University
and tickets are still available for some of the community events,
and you can call 5477 3437 to book.
At the time 'Voices' was launched ten years ago, there was a lot
of risk associated with the venture. These risks have now been
minimised and so many people have welcomed and benefited from an
opportunity to engage with leading authors. The Coast itself has
been enhanced by this cultural dimension being added to the growing
list of important annual events.
Successive Principals of Immanuel, Jericho, Wiles and Nitschke,
are also to be congratulated for their continuing commitment to the
Festival, as is the school's Council.
In many ways the Festival has been a cultural pioneer, and it is
to be hoped that it will contribute to a groundswell of public
opinion and demand that will eventually lead to the provision of an
even greater array of cultural events on the Coast, and perhaps
eventually even to a modern cultural centre or centres, where
cultural life can be further enriched and enlivened.
Professor Paul Thomas is Vice-Chancellor of University of
the Sunshine Coast