CREATING words for music will be explored at Boort District School’s first writers’ festival this month.
The lineup of guests for the one-day event has expanded with the addition of Swan Hill music teacher, songwriter and author Andrew Kelly and the Melbourne-based Connor Dougan.
Sharon Pickering, the school’s literacy learning specialist, said the pair would add to the festival that had grown in support and interest since plans were announced earlier this year.
“We’ve also formed a little committee - Mollie and Annie Meadows, Sue Gould and myself - putting together the day’s workshops, talks and activities,” she said.
“The festival is receiving support from North Central LLEN, Boort District Health, Loddon Shire, Amity in Boort and Quambatook and businesses in Boort, Pyramid Hill and Quambatook, all areas where our students come from.”
Sharon said passion for the written word was shining through as plans for the April 23 festival were finalised.
“Connor and Andrew will join Chris Kennett (illustrator), Jack Henseleit (author), Fleur Ferris (author) and Amy Doak (author) as well as our panellists at a special session in the afternoon,” she said.
“Students and the school community are really positive. Students have already submitted their entries in the writing competition.”
Poet Lorraine Marwood, who visited the school last year, is judging the poetry section and Damian Perry the prose.