From the Chairperson

Welcome to our 17th festival of words!

The sign of a vibrant and thriving culture is one that has a flourishing system of artists, writers, thinkers and scientists; people who challenge us to hold the mirror up to our society. Just as importantly, a culture needs people who can read, critique, discriminate, argue and participate in the debate on the important issues in society.

Our Festival each year is tangible evidence of the way Somerset contributes to the culture of the Gold Coast.  Somerset College is all about the best education for young people. By bringing to the school recognised writers each year, and giving young people from Somerset and approximately 70 other schools the opportunity to workshop stories with them, have dinner and lunch with them, discuss ideas and books with them and come to enjoy reading, the College is indeed ‘walking the walk’.

The 2010 Festival offers a fascinating blend of fiction writers, biographers, poets, journalists, illustrators and artists such as Brian Caswell, Jackie French, Leigh Hobbs, Melina Marchetta, James Moloney, James Roy and Markus Zusak, to name a few. In all, over 30 writers will bring stories to life over the three days of the Writers’ Festival. In addition, we are proud of the Somerset International Conference for Librarians and Teachers, to be held at Conrad Jupiters, Broadbeach on Monday 15 March and at Somerset College on Tuesday 16 March.

The Festival is supported by over 40 businesses in a sponsorship capacity and an army of parent volunteers without whom this event would not be possible. A heartfelt thank you to these organisations and individuals!

We are delighted to be your hosts and hope you have fun and feel welcome at the College over this week.

Michael Brohier
Chairperson