Government and public support deliver a win for Young Regional Writers

Hundreds of primary school students across regional Victoria will participate in an inspiring literacy program with leading Australian authors, thanks to the support of the Victorian State Government and the generosity of donors to State Library Victoria’s end of year appeal. 

The Young Regional Writers’ Program was successfully trialled in primary schools in northeast Victoria in 2025 with over 300 students participating and an overwhelmingly positive response from teachers. Now over $250,000 in funding from the Victorian Department of Education and donations have ensured that the program will be expanded to reach more than 32 schools over two years, with the first stop Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, as well as primary schools in Victoria’s west.

The Young Regional Writers’ Program brings students and children’s authors together for a term of story writing and creativity. Co-designed with teachers and authors, the program combines online and in-person workshops with year 5 and 6 students, focussing on writing and reading. 

Students in regional Victoria can’t always access the same opportunities available to students in metropolitan Melbourne. The Young Regional Writers’ program aims to break down barriers and provide a transformative education experience, ensuring that all children can discover a lifelong love of reading and writing.

Celebrated author and illustrator Jess McGeachin is looking forward to working with the students at Lara Lake Primary School and Geelong East Primary School.

'Encouraging children to read and to have confidence in their own self-expression and storytelling is so important. It’s exciting to see kids embrace their imagination and creativity, and I’m really glad to take part in this unique program’ he said. 

State Library Victoria Acting CEO John Wicks said the program bridges the gap for schools in regional and rural Victoria.

‘The Young Regional Writers’ Program provides a real-world classroom experience for students and teachers in rural and regional Victoria, promoting vital writing and literacy skills. Thanks to the support of the Victorian Department of Education and our many generous donors, we can now reach even more students across the state, at no cost to parents or primary schools.’

The Young Regional Writers’ Program commences in term one, with 275 students from the following primary schools participating:

- Anakie Primary School

- Balliang East Primary School

- Bell Park North Primary School

- Lara Lake Primary School

- Geelong East Primary School

- Bannockburn P-12 College

- Hamlyn Banks Primary School

- Lethbridge Primary School

- Portarlington Primary School

- Lara Primary School.

The celebrated authors leading the Young Regional Writers’ Program in term one are Huda Hayek, Amie Kaufmann, Alex Miles and Jess McGeachin.