Who we are

StoryBoard is run by Byron Writers Festival, a non-profit member organisation in Northern NSW that has presented a year-round program of workshops and events, and an annual festival for more than 20 years.

Byron Writers Festival creates and encourages a community of readers, writers and storytellers by inspiring, nourishing, connecting and surprising our members and audiences.

StoryBoard is Byron Writers Festival’s major program for reaching school aged children. StoryBoard is overseen by the StoryBoard Creative Collective, who are a subcommittee of the Byron Writers Festival Board.

Our Vision

Our vision is that StoryBoard workshops will foster creativity and literacy in thousands of Northern NSW kids for years to come, creating the next generation of readers and writers – young people who are excited about literature, literacy and creative expression, and who are empowered with tools that help them create their futures.

What we do (our mission)

StoryBoard runs creative writing workshops for Northern Rivers’ students aged from 5 to 18 in our local primary and high schools. We provide free in-school workshops run by authors and illustrators, that improve communication and creativity skills, build self confidence and improve learning and literacy outcomes.

Who is it for?

The Northern Rivers district has 143 primary schools, 25 secondary schools, 22 combined schools and four special schools. Around 100 of these schools lie within an 80km radius of Byron Bay – reachable as a day trip in the StoryBoard Bus. We serve our region’s schools, particularly those that have socio-economic disadvantage, by running workshops for students and helping teachers develop skills to teach creative writing.

We also extend our reach beyond schools by collaborating with libraries, youth centres, festivals and other community partners.

Why (our rationale)

Byron Writers Festival is passionate about the role stories, storytelling, ideas and debate have in shaping our culture, and the need to support and nurture writers, storytellers and readers.

Northern Rivers has higher vulnerability rates for children’s social competence, communication skills and general knowledge than other parts of NSW. Many of our kids aren’t reaching literacy levels that allow them to fully participate in the world and create their futures. We believe StoryBoard is the best way we can help our young people thrive.

How (our values)

We value:

• Creativity: fostering creative thinking, writing and storytelling in our young people
• Our volunteers: providing a rich, enjoyable and safe environment for volunteers who are approved to work with children, and acknowledging their contributions
• School teachers: respecting the hard work and achievements of local teachers, enhancing their efforts, and helping them develop new skills
• Remuneration: acknowledging the importance of artistic creation through printing/publishing the work of students, and paying our authors and illustrators at ASA rates
• Reflection: monitoring our progress, gathering good data and visual records, and deeply reflecting on our aims and what we are achieving and contributing
• Our place: respecting the people, environments and cultures of the Northern Rivers – including special respect for its traditional owners and storytellers.