Award-winning author Sofie Laguna brings a treasure trove of her picture books to life with animated retellings that will transport young audiences (and their accompanying grown-ups) from one glorious adventure to the next.

Led by Vivian Pham, author of The Coconut Children, this hands-on workshop for ages 13-18 offers guidance for starting your writing journey. Through playful prompts and guided exercises, you’ll learn how to listen to your instincts, trust your imagination, and get words down on the page.

Join award-winning author Craig Silvey for a chat about his bestselling children’s book, Runt, and what lies in store for its beloved protagonists Annie and Runt in their second adventure Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping.

Adventure fans, budding artists or creative geniuses are invited to take part in this special event with local talent Bill Hope, as he introduces you to the world of You & Me, spills the beans on how he draws wicked cool characters and how you can master them too.

Join award-winning poet and performer Emilie Zoey Baker (EZB) for a high-energy interactive workshop aimed at ages 13-18 where you’ll explore the art of slam poetry and learn how to transform raw ideas into powerful spoken word pieces that captivate an audience.

Come and get your poetry on - learn how to write a great haiku, acrostic poem, poem in rhyming couplets and more with poet Maxine Beneba Clarke, author of Stuff I'm Not Sorry For: 99 new poems for young people.

Author and actor Tasma Walton and illustrator Charmaine Ledden-Lewis bring the ocean to the mountains for this magical event for children that draws on the stories of the Boonwurrung people of coastal Melbourne.

Drop in for a relaxed day of zine making, live music and open mic zine readings in the café courtyard at the Cultural Centre. Make your own zine, contribute to the mega-zine – the world’s longest zine – or settle in on cushions and picnic rugs for open-mic readings.