A New Chapter for Local Stories: Whitsundays Writers Festival Appoints Leadership Team

ByFestival Media

Following its successful return, the Whitsundays Writers Festival is strengthening its foundation with a new leadership team dedicated to celebrating the region’s own literary voices.

The Festival is proud to announce the appointment of three local professionals to guide its future:

  • Richard Evans, a Whitsundays author of nine political thrillers, as President and Festival Director.
  • Cait Fleming as Secretary and Strategy and Marketing Manager.
  • Dr Julia Evans, a publishing services consultant, as Treasurer and Operations Manager.

They will be supported by a committee of local authors, community specialists, and representatives from regional libraries and schools. Together they will build upon the legacy of outgoing President Karen Jacobsen and her committee.

“Our core mission is to provide a platform for the exceptional writers we have right here in the Whitsundays and to connect them directly with our community of readers,” said incoming President Richard Evans. “We are building a festival that is by, for, and about our region’s literary culture. Our vision is bold: to shine a spotlight on local literary talent.”

The team’s first priority is a focused, community-centred event in 2026, which will pave the way for future growth.

A 2026 Festival For Our Community
You are invited to save the date for a special one-day celebration of local literary talent:

  • When: Sunday 13 September 2026
  • Where: Whitsunday Marine Club, 7 Altmann Avenue, Cannonvale Queensland 
  • What: A day dedicated to local authors, local stories, and the readers who bring them to life.

Program details and ticket information will be released in early 2026. To receive direct updates, community members are encouraged to sign up via the festival website.

A Call to Local Writers
The Festival Committee is now seeking expressions of interest from local authors for programming and participation in the 2026 event and beyond. Writers residing in the Whitsundays region are invited to contact hello@whitsundayswriters.com

“This is a festival built on local talent,” said Cait Fleming. “We want to hear from our writers, involve them in the journey, and create an event that truly reflects the stories of our home.”

About the Whitsundays Writers Festival

The Whitsundays Writers Festival is a community-focused event dedicated to fostering a vibrant literary culture in the region by connecting local authors with readers and celebrating the power of local storytelling.