Warrnambool, where stories swell and surge

Sitting snugly around its coastal curve on the Peek Whurrong and Kirrae Whurrung lands of the Eastern Maar/Gunditjmara nations, Warrnambool is the chief hub of the Great Ocean Road region, yet retains its rural roots. Proudly home to folk of land and sea, and furnishing a sweet sojourn for welcomed wanderers, the city offers a wellspring of wonders that enrapture and inspire, drawing creativity from the souls of those who breathe its salty air. 

A festival reimagined

After beginning as a small community festival in 2021, Warrnambool Storytelling Festival was revivified in 2026, with updated branding, a fresh format, and a new administrative approach as a registered charity of Australia. The organisation is non-profit, 100% volunteer run, and operates solely for the benefit of the public, namely through the delivery of a winter festival built for the purpose of enriching cultural experience and community connectivity.

Focused on storytelling in its many forms, various festival events are designed to celebrate homegrown writers, artists and performers and provide a greater platform for our multifaceted cultural mien, while others bring new faces and stories to our region to exhilarate, educate, and captivate audiences consisting of locals and visitors alike.  

Radio Theatre: A Whale’s Tail, 2024 - 3WAYFM

Walking and Talking on Peek Whurrong Land, 2021

Southern Ocean Sea Band, 2025

Tales From The Morgue, 2024 - Warrnambool Theatre Company & F Project

The team, uncovered

  • Michaelie Clark

    PRESIDENT

    Occupation: Owner and manager of award-winning bookshop, Collins Booksellers Warrnambool

    A little story: A book changed the trajectory of Michaelie's life. At age 13 she read Outlander and vowed to move to Scotland one day; at age 30 she finally did, where she promptly met her husband. Years later, they moved back to her hometown where they created a family with two babies and a city full of book lovers. 

  • Zita Tattersall

    VICE-PRESIDENT

    Occupation: Deakin University

    A little story: Zita is a bookworm and ocean addict.

  • Emma Ludeman

    SECRETARY

    Occupation: Deakin University

    A little story: Emma enjoys making playlists and listening to podcasts.

  • Melanie Jones

    TREASURER

    Occupation: Bookkeeper at MJ Custom Carpentry • Cellar Door Attendant & Winery Worker at Keayang Maar • Bar Manager at Terang Mortlake FNC

    A little story: Mel is still figuring out what she wants to be when she 'grows up', but for now she collects jobs that spark her interest and pursues hobbies she enjoys - and if she can turn one (like wine) into a career, even better!

  • Meridith McKinnon

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Occupation: Writer

    A little story: Meridith swims in the ocean most days - sometimes twice a day - and agrees with many who say it's addictive. 

  • Dr Linda Thies

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Occupation:

    A little story: Linda sings in a choir called 'Khinkali' which is the Georgian word for 'little dumplings'.

  • Samuel Ridley

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Occupation: Environmental health officer and author

    A little story: Despite having no evidence to support his theory, Sam is certain that his family line is descended from druids. He also believes in the existence of the Mahogany Ship - and wrote a novel about it. 

  • Carlynne Nunn

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Occupation: Minister at Uniting Church

    A little story: Carlynne has a strong interest in Queer events and advocacy, and makes great playlists.

  • Rob Dowlin

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

    Occupation: Retired professional Santa (Myer trained)

    A little story: Rob enjoys painting, and spent 20 years performing on stage with Warrnambool Theatre Company and the Port Fairy Theatre Group. 

2027 Volunteer
Applications Now Open

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