Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival back in Mackay after event was cancelled in 2020

The world-class literature festival gets ‘kids to put down their phones and iPads and actually pick up a book (and) write more than a social media status update’.

The opportunity for students to put down their phones and pick up a book has provided schools across the region to inspire the next generation of authors and artists.

The Whitsunday Voices Festival had students from as far as Capricornia and Kilcummin attend the three-day youth literature event in the hopes of energising the youth to find solace in reading and writing.

Whitsunday Anglican School principal Andrew Wheaton said it was a great opportunity for the students “to experience a world-class literature festival”.

“It’s the only one of its kind north of the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“It’s tremendous to see students engage with the written word, and be able to experience artists and slam poetry, as well as meet authors over the two days.”

Event organiser Tracey Gurdler said the battle with technology was not present during the festival.

“We get the kids to put down their phones and iPads and actually pick up a book, write more than a social media status update, and actually get inspired and go on a journey in a book,” Mrs Gurdler said.

“Different kids are inspired by different things, the festival appeals all different tastes and all different ages.

“I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve been told that someone has started reading because of this festival, it’s inspiring to be a part of this.”