Somerset Storyfest

19/06/2026

When we think about literary festivals, it’s easy to focus on the visible moments – packed storyteller sessions, smiling faces, young people finding their next read.

But what about the economic benefits of these events on the local community?

At a time when conversations around funding and community investment are growing, the broader value of literary festivals can be overlooked or not fully understood.

On the blog, we explore this interesting reality, breaking down the economics of literary events in accessible terms. 👇

https://www.storyfest.com.au/news/the-economics-of-a-literary-festival-explained-simply

19/06/2026

The Doyle's Art Exhibition is officially live!

Pop down to see some incredible art from artists across Australia.

🎟️ Free entry! The exhibition runs 19 to 28 June.
📍 Mudgeeraba Community Centre, Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba Qld

👩‍🎨 The exhibition is now hung. Word from our hanging team is that it's our best yet!

🎀 We open for public viewing tomorrow (Friday) at 10am. We close Sunday 28 June 5pm.

🎟️ Entry is free, however if you have a few $$ we really appreciate a small donation to help us keep the event running.

🖼️ All adult artwork is for sale at the exhibition and on our website.

🏡 You'll find it at Mudgeeraba Community Centre, Firth Park, Somerset Drive Mudgeeraba.

The Doyles is a not-for-profit art award and exhibition. We attract artists from every state in Australia in our annual award with a prize pool of over $33k. We are here to support art in our community and artists across Australia.

18/06/2026

Regional Tour 2026 announcement. 🥁

Programmes and ticketing to Storyfest South West, Out West and Central Queensland are officially live!

From engaging storytelling to thought-provoking conversations, each programme is designed to give voice to regional stories, with activities for young people and grown ups alike.

Expect interactive sessions, free community events and inspiring workshops for adults.

💚 South West - 31 August to 02 September
💙 Out West - 09 to 11 September
🧡 Central Queensland - 14 to 15 September

Explore the festivals and book today at our website or through the below link.

https://www.storyfest.com.au/writers-festivals

16/06/2026

Did you know free book signings are available throughout Storyfest West Moreton? ✍️

Bring along your favourite Storyfest Squad book and, after each session or workshop, head to the Festival Bookshop to have it signed!

Not sure where to start? Explore the books of our 12-strong storyteller line-up at the link below. 👇

The Festival Bookshop will also be open throughout our free community event, the Prologue Party, 22 July.

https://www.storyfest.com.au/west-moreton/authors

12/06/2026

Shaping their future - together. 🧡

This is our Storyfest community in action! As it stands, we have so far raised $134,747 in support of literary access, far surpassing our initial goal of $100,000.

Our heartfelt thanks to all who supported us this Giving Day, with special thanks to our Matched Donors - doubling every donation and amplifying your impact.

Your support has opened new literary doors for 4,492 young people, funding both transport and access to two Storyfest sessions per child that might otherwise have been out of reach.

Together, you have helped ensure more young people can access the stories, storytellers and ideas that ignite creativity and inspire lifelong learning. 👏

12/06/2026

Inspiring lifelong storytelling experiences! 👏

This is the impact of your Giving Day support. The generosity shown by our community yesterday makes storytelling experiences like these possible.

We can't wait to return to Storyfest South West from 31 August to 02 September 2026!

You may recognise some of the Storyfest Squad:
Slide 3: Jessica Townsend
Slide 5: Nat Amoore Author
Slide 9: Tim Harris
Slide 10: Outback Pioneers
Slide 13: Katrina Nannestad
Slide 15: Nat Amoore Author

11/06/2026

We did it! 🧡

Together, we've exceeded our 2026 Giving Day goal, raising over $132,012 to support the future of literacy for young people.

Your support has opened literary doors for thousands across the region, helping change the trajectory of young lives through access to story.

11/06/2026

👉 Support your team at -
https://www.charidy.com/storyfest

📚✨ TODAY IS STORYFEST GIVING DAY! ✨📚

Today, we invite our LSODE families, friends and supporters to help make a difference by supporting Somerset Storyfest.

Storyfest creates opportunities for young people to connect with authors, discover the joy of reading and experience the power of storytelling. Your donation helps ensure these inspiring literary experiences continue to reach students across Queensland, including those in regional and remote communities.

💙 The best part? Every donation made between 8:00am and 8:00pm today will be matched dollar-for-dollar by generous matching donors, meaning your contribution will have DOUBLE the impact!

No donation is too small – every dollar helps inspire the next generation of readers, writers and storytellers.

📖 Donate now: https://www.charidy.com/storyfest/LSODE

11/06/2026

This is what community action looks like. 👀

We've just reached 50% of our donation target!

We can see the finish line, but we need your support to get there.

⁠Until 8.00pm tonight, every donation will be doubled thanks to our generous matching donors.⁠

When you give, you turn potential into empowerment, opportunity into lifelong learning.

Join the community shaping their future - https://www.charidy.com/storyfest