Join us for the renowned Primary School Sessions & Book Fair at Byron Writers Festival, held at the festival site in Bangalow. Featuring Australian Children’s Laureate Sally Rippin (A Dog to Keep), comedian and children’s author Peter Helliar (Detective Galileo), and celebrated poet Maxine Beneba Clarke (Stuff I'm (Not) Sorry For).

These popular educational events showcase some of Australia’s most beloved children’s authors to foster a passion for reading and writing – and to produce the writers of the future.

Students will enjoy their own Byron Writers Festival experience, with learning resources made available, books available to buy, as well as food and drink options.

Learn among the trees at the Bangalow Showground for Byron Writers Festival’s Primary School Sessions, tailored for primary school students of any grade level.

Book fair and author signings presented by The Book Room Collective.

Booking procedure - Register Now, Pay Later

Registration Open - Wednesday 30 April

Registration Close - Wednesday 18 June

Invoices will be issued - Thursday 19 June

Payment due by - Friday 4 July

Cost

Students - $18.00 per student

Teachers - Free (1 per 10 students)

Additional Adults / Parent: $25.00 per Adult

Schedule

Time	Event
09:30 - 10:00 am	Schools arrive on buses
10:00 - 11:00 am	Book Fair & Sculpture walk (self guided)
11:00 - 11:30 am	First session
11:30 - 11:45 am	Break
11:45 am - 12:15 pm	Second session
12:15 - 12:45 pm	Lunch Break
12:45 - 1:15 pm	Third session
1:15 - 1:45 pm	Book signings
1:45 pm	Buses depart

Meet the Authors

Sally Rippin is the current Australian Children’s Laureate (2024-2025). She has written over 100 books for children and young adults, many of them award-winning. Beloved across the globe, her stories have sold more than ten million copies in eighteen countries. Her latest book, A Dog to Keep, is released this August.

Maxine Beneba Clarke is the author of over 15 books for children and adults, including the ABIA and Indie Award-winning short fiction collection Foreign Soil, the bestselling memoir The Hate Race, and the critically acclaimed poetry collections Carrying the World, How Decent Folk Behave, It’s the Sound of the Thing: 100 new poems for young people, and Stuff I’m Not Sorry For: 99 poems for young people. She is currently the inaugural Poet in Residence at The University of Melbourne.

Peter Helliar is Australia's favourite comedian, known for channeling his quintessential sharp wit and endearing charm into the stories he creates. As the author of the much-loved children's book Herman Crab and series Frankie Fish, Pete is about to embark on a new and exciting chapter – 2025 sees the release of his new series, Detective Galileo.

Key Information

Program designed for primary school students from all stages
Each school will enjoy all authors on the program in 3 x 30 minute sessions
Dedicated seating, students will remain in the same marquee for all sessions
No supervision provided by festival staff, teachers are responsible for their group
Authors available for book signings and books are available for purchase from the bookshop
Food and beverages are available for purchase, however, we suggest you have the children pack snacks
Stay hydrated with our water station: bring your own water bottle!
On-site bus parking available (weather permitting)