Warrnambool Storytelling Festival

02/06/2026

The Warrnambool Storytelling Festival Book Cover Challenge is on again as part of our Story Kids programming, so get ready to hone those design skills!

1. Kids are invited to create their own book cover, inspired by the theme of FLIGHT, on an A4 sheet of white paper, with vertical/portrait orientation

2. On the back of the masterpieces, we need kids' initials and age, school name and parent/guardian signature

3. Hand designs in to Collins Booksellers Warrnambool (or your participating school) by Friday 12th June

All submissions will be proudly displayed at Warrnambool Library, with some featuring in the September edition of Kelp Magazine!




Deakin University, Warrnambool Campus

Warrnambool Storytelling Festival invites families to Story Kids, a joyful celebration of creativity and imagination designed especially for young readers and writers. This free event offers the opportunity for children aged 0-12 to explore stories through a variety of fun and educational worksho

02/06/2026

Time to get with our program!

29/05/2026

When you pick up the JUST RELEASED Warrnambool Storytelling Festival program and realise you are perfectly coordinated to the point of camouflage 😄💅💃🍷
That's some synergy right there 🙌

Huge thanks forever and ever to for all the wisdom and wizardry, and shoutout to our local Star Printing for smashing these out in record time!

Get yours at now, from a roving character hitting Liebig St tomorrow, or from all about town next week!

28/05/2026

Listen to Carlynne everyone, for she does speak much sense!

Did you know that buying tickets early is INCREDIBLY helpful to volunteer-run festivals like ours? It means we can:

🎟 Allocate our resources effectively
🎟 Finalise our catering, rosters and runsheets
🎟 Not worry about ticket sales at 2am
🎟 Avoid disappointing anyone last-minute

Huge thanks to everyone who has bought tickets so far! (And nice going if you nabbed any of the sold out sessions!)

26/05/2026

Did you sit trackside as a kid, eyes wide, clay spraying, bucket of chips in hand, with that high-octane roar in your ears and the smell of hot rubber in your nostrils? Did you go to bed that night, lulled by the memory of the thrum in your chest, the pop and crackle of the wind-down, and dream of being a sprintcar driver?

It's the experience of many southwest kids, growing up so close to Premier Speedway, Warrnambool, which over the past 50+ years has influenced our city, fuelled our economy, and helped take local culture across the globe.

It's part of our story, and we're celebrating it, with a special night detailing the highs and the lows, the funny moments, the tales passed down, the anecdotes from behind the scenes - all the stories from over the years, led by our panellists Geoff Rounds, Rik Stewart, Corey McCullagh, and local history buff Samuel Ridley.

This is an evening for anyone with a love of local history and storytelling.

Proudly supported by and , this event will take place Wednesday 8th July. Bar will be available, private memorabilia will be on display, and supper is included.

Tickets are available now via our website.

25/05/2026

Both events Santilla Chingaipe will be appearing at are already more than 50% sold out - don't leave it to the last minute!

Come meet Santilla Chingaipe.

She was recognised by the United Nations as one of the most influential people of African descent in the world in 2019.

She is the author of Stella Prize shortlisted and Cundill History Prize longlisted book BLACK CONVICTS.

She is the film-maker behind award-winning SBS documentary OUR AFRICAN ROOTS.

And she's coming to town this July for Warrnambool Storytelling Festival.

Listen to her speak and chat to her in person at:

THE PROLOGUE - ._warrnambool on Friday 3rd July

GET LIT - on Saturday 4th July (in conversation with Mary Coverdale with signings to follow).

Tickets are essential and links are available via the WSF website.
fest

24/05/2026

The final week of Warrnambool Words is upon us! Be on the lookout for:

🌟 Illustration by artist with tie-in to
🌟 Homage to local lollipop folk from
🌟 Meander with geologist/author/artist
🌟 Lively limerick from author Bill Bateman
🌟 Philosophical query from author Paul Watkins .rogue.scholar
🌟 Gothic poem from performer January Arnold
🌟 Water-born waltz in words from
🌟 Poetic moment from writer Richard Walter
🌟 Reflection from musician/songwriter Justin Carter
🌟 Tribute to the power of music from musician
🌟 Twist on an Aussie classic from singer-songwriter
🌟 Resonant reflection from theatre maker
🌟 'Looking for You' by singer/songwriter
🌟 Antidote to despondency from poet Ray Liversidge
🌟 Making space for oddity from author
🌟 Writing advice from author .linnell.writes
🌟 Inspiring poetry from author and essayist
🌟 Succinct reminder about life unraveled by artist
🌟 Landscape with words to match from artist Liz Gannon
🌟 Illustrated appeal from advocate and artist
🌟 Humorous highlight from children's author
🌟 A wish from author/playwright Will King
🌟 Cold comfort from author Tracie Griffith
🌟 Wise words for self-care from artist/writer/actor
🌟 Stunning snippet from writer Samantha Byres
🌟 Southwest skies from artist Helen Bunyon
🌟 Reminder from writer/musician Shane Howard
🌟 Life's certainties from songwriter .steel.music
🌟 Moment of wonder from children's author Catherine McLeod
🌟 Poetic prose from author Wendy Scarfe
🌟 Pun times from
🌟 World of inspiration by sound artist Gus Franklin
🌟 Wry words on myth from author Bob Bowker
🌟 Story behind a story by artist/author
🌟 Word on dreams from actor
🌟 'Folding Mercury' from musician

18/05/2026

YA writers, we're shaking things up.

Chill, small-group session with fantasy author Keshe Chow.

Writerly wisdom.

World building.

Milkshakes.

Book now via our website - last Monday of the school holidays. For writers and readers 13-21 only.

16/05/2026

Have you found a message in a bottle yet? This lark is at the halfway mark - here's what's on the way in the coming days:

🌟 A special something from Helen Bunyon ft ANON (a find within a find)
🌟 Wise words from eco-artist
🌟 A beautiful thought from author Pam Swanborough
🌟 Mini memoir on the topic of writing from
🌟 A little piece of poetry from Pamela Marriott
🌟 Provocation of thought from writer and speaker
🌟 A cool bonus piece from sound artist
🌟 Poetic musings on mountains from author Chelsea Reis
🌟 Some wry words from author Robert Bowker
🌟 Life advice delivered in style from author
🌟 A glory of language from poet Paul Venzo
🌟 An ode to our coast from author .hickey.35
🌟 A reflection on Irish settlers, unsettled, from poet
🌟 Microfiction or keen observations? You decide. From autoethnographer
🌟 A little feel-good exercise in the power of colour from artist
🌟 An homage to n**e swimming 🤭 from
🌟 A prompt for authenticity from children's author .lillie.author
🌟 A poetic reflection on time from printmaker and singer Des Bunyon
🌟 Lovely, funny lyrics from songwriter and musician Don Stewart
🌟 An excerpt from the WIP manuscript of

Go forth and forage! Hunt and gather! And please - scan and share 🙏

Warrnambool City Council

13/05/2026

EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
It's time to kick back and partake in a relaxed Sunday session for grownups - that isn't taking itself too seriously.

Relish chill tunes, cool drinks, and an arvo brimming with warmth and banter as we create some fun art that celebrates our city. Come with old friends, or create new ones; bring your arty skills or just your enthusiasm - make a day of it, your way.

🖋🍷🖋🍷🖋🍷
It's sip and sketch time! Warrnibald-winning artist Harley Manifold leads a fun intro to portraiture, bestowing his top tips for capturing a likeness and taking to the page with confidence.

Then, from stage left, our models enter: three local personalities (and very good sports) striking a pose for the love of art - and the benefit of your Sunday arvo entertainment.

Drinks will be served on arrival and snacks provided to fuel your inner van Gogh. Bar available for any further drink purchases throughout the day.

Sunday 12 July 2026, 2-4pm at ._warrnambool - booking links available now via our website.