Celebrate Reading Conference 2025

Celebrate Reading Conference returns for 2025, so get ready for the extraordinary line-up we have for you.

This year, we will be commemorating an astounding 80 years of the CBCA supporting and showcasing storytellers for young people over the weekend.

The conference will open with a headline presentation from the 2024 Children's Laureate and Australia's highest selling female author, Sally Rippin, as she addresses the importance of children having access to reading and stories. What follows features captivating panel discussions, intimate conversations, and interactive experiences.

A range of topics covered in the conference include, page-to-screen adaptations, author's personal career journeys, and the encouragement of reading for young people. The theatre will be sparked with innovative thoughts and ideas from the personal experiences and passions of our presenters.

A wide variety of storytellers who are past winners, those who have been shortlisted, and the notables of CBCA awards will be celebrated for their contributions to the literary industry. Sofie Laguna, Craig Silvey, Tristan Bancks, Mark Greenwood and Frané Lessac, are some of the many accomplished presenters and panelists to be making an appearance.

The flexible formatting of the conference, allows attendees to book individual sessions or a whole day at their leisure.

The program for the conference can be viewed here.

Tickets available:

• Weekend Ticket (Full access to the whole weekend of sessions)

• Day Ticket (One day of access to sessions)

• Session Ticket (Pick one or more sessions of the conference to attend)

Presenter books will be available for purchase at Paper Bird’s pop up bookshop, in the theatre foyer. An exhibition of some of your favourite Western Australian picture books from The State Library’s Peter William’s collection will be available for your viewing pleasure.

Food:

This will not be a catered event but food options will be available close by. More info will be shared closer to the date. If you have a special dietary requirement, please plan ahead and BYO lunch and snacks.

Transport:

The State Library of WA has paid parking under the venue for those driving or getting dropped off to the event. For public transport options, the venue is located near several bus stops. Blue Cat buses operate nearby, with stops on Beautfort St, Aberdeen St, and. William St. The Library is also a short walk from the Wellington Street Bus Station and Perth Railway Station.