Warrnambool, where stories swell and surge

Sitting snugly around its coastal curve on the Peek Whurrong and Kirrae Whurrung lands of the Eastern Maar and 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, many of our festival events are designed to celebrate homegrown writers, artists and performers and provide a greater platform for our multifaceted cultural mien. Others bring new faces and stories to our region to exhilarate, educate, and captivate audiences consisting of locals and visitors alike.

Walking and Talking on Peek Whurrong Land, 2021

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: Project and Engagement Coordinator at Deakin University
A little story: From the age of ten, Zita's compass wasn’t a person she knew, it was Atticus Finch. While her peers were collecting stickers, she was quietly collecting values: fairness, courage, and the belief that education could open doors far beyond the postcode you were born into.
Emma Ludeman

SECRETARY
Occupation: Study Support, 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 has a strong interest in languages other than English. She speaks Thai and although she has studied Korean at Yonsei University, her Korean is less proficient! She swims in the ocean most days, writes, reads and spends time with her family and friends on Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast spotting kangaroos and echidnas and storytelling around the open fire.
Dr Linda Thies

COMMITTEE MEMBER
Occupation: Student Learning Success Facilitator (SWTAFE)
A little story: Linda has always loved stories told through music and song, and currently sings in a choir called ‘Khinkali’. Khinkali is the Georgian word for 'little dumplings'. The dumplings often do ‘pop up’ performances in community spaces, such as one at the Warrnambool Library, which told stories about the joy of reading.
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 atUniting Church
A little story: A relative newcomer to the city, Carlynne moved to Warrnambool in 2024, bringing with her a strong interest in verbal storytelling, Queer events and advocacy. She also makes great playlists!
Rob Dowlin

COMMITTEE MEMBER
Occupation: 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.