The Inspired Readers Festival School Author Sessions is a two-day event to connect primary school children in regional areas with prominent Australian authors through engaging Author Sessions and activities at the Book End Party. The festival aims to foster a love of reading and enhance access to literature, especially for children in regional areas.

School Author Session presentations are the same each day. To avoid duplication, students only need to purchase tickets for one day.

The festival will be held on Wednesday, 6th and Thursday, 7th November 2024, at Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie.

School Author Session presentations are the same each day. To avoid duplication, students only need to purchase tickets for one day.

The School Author Sessions runs from 9:30am to 2:30pm, featuring four authors sessions and a Book End Party with activities including book sales, author meet and greets, yard games, face painting, and music.

The School Author Sessions are exclusively for primary school students and schools.

School Author Sessions will be tailored for two age groups: Years K-3 and Years 4-6. Each session is designed to be engaging for its respective age group.

Tickets are $20 per student and are available online through our website. Ticket sales are limited and subject to availability.

Book coupons are available for $15 flat rate and can be purchased online before the event. On the day of the festival, these coupons can be exchanged for ANY book of the student’s choice. Students can then bring their books to the event for the authors to sign.

We recommend students to bring BOTH Recess and Lunch (there is nowhere available to purchase food on site), water bottle (there will be a kitchen to refill bottles), a hat and money (cash or card) to purchase books.

Please note discounted book coupons are also available to purchase online pre event.

The Fundraising Dinner will take place at The Westport Club, located in Port Macquarie.

The Fundraising Dinner starts at 6:30pm

The evening will feature a Q&A Panel with some of Australia's best children's authors. You'll enjoy a delicious two-course meal, and there will be a silent auction, raffles, and more.

All funds raised from the Fundraising Dinner will go towards providing brand new books to schools in the local Mid-North Coast area, supporting literacy and education for children in the region.

The dress code for the evening is cocktail/smart casual.