Scribblers Family Fun Day

Get ready, Kalgoorlie! On Saturday, 5 April 2025, some of Australia’s top storytellers are heading to the Goldfields Arts Centre for the FREE Scribblers on the Road Family Fun Day.

This day of creativity and fun is packed with interactive workshops, storytelling, live music, face painting, arts and crafts – and an exclusive Teen Zone. It’s the perfect chance to spark inspiration in young creatives and families alike.

Meet top local and national creatives, including DC and Marvel Comics writer Shane McCarthy, WA Premier’s Literary Award winner Sally Murphy, indigenous graphic novelist Brenton E. McKenna, and Picture Book of the Year awardee Zeno Sworder.

Don’t miss Scribblers LIVE! from 1-2 PM in the auditorium, where the creative line-up will engage in an entertaining variety show and storytelling challenge.

It’s a day of stories, creativity and family fun – you won’t want to miss it.

Goldfields Arts Centre,
Kalgoorlie - 5 April
10AM – 4PM

Events

SCRIBBLERS LIVE! Stage Spectacular

Auditorium: 1PM - 2PM  (DOORS OPEN 12:45PM)

With Gamemaster Bendy Abbs at the helm, Scribblers stars from across Australia join local legends live on stage in an epic battle of storytelling madness. Jam-packed with quests and challenges, surprise guests and live performances, this not-to-be-missed stage spectacular will have the whole family on the edge of their seats and laughing their socks off.

Best of all – entry is FREE for all and just by coming along you’ll get the chance to win a $250 KalDollar$ DOOR PRIZE!  

STARRING:  
Shane McCarthy
Brenton E McKenna
Sally Murphy
Zeno Sworder
Gary Cooper
Owen Hinton

STORYTIME: MY MAGIC TUNNEL

The Book Nook: 10:30 - 11:00 (AGES 3+)
HAYLEY WILLIS
Step into the enchanting world of My Magic Tunnel in this interactive story time experience designed for young minds. Explore the wonders of imagination, creativity and play with this unique book and toy kit that tells a delightful story and encourages hands-on interaction, allowing kids to immerse themselves in the magical journey as they learn through play.

Hayley – occupational therapist

Book and toy expertly designed to support healthy physical and emotional development

Supports positive bedtime routines, parent-child bonding and nurture imagination  

HAIRY HOLES 2 – EXCLUSIVE WORLD-FIRST preview

Ensemble Room: 11:00 - 11:30 (AGES 7+)
BRENTON E. McKENNA
Be the first in Australia (and the world) to get a sneak peek at Brenton E E McKenna's yet-to-be-released graphic novel, Hairy Holes 2. You'll meet the mysterious keyboard warrior, Ned AKA Crypt_hunter19, on his journey to prove the supernatural beings known as Hairy Holers do exist. There will be laughs, drawing and a whole lot of hairy, supernatural, outback adventure fun. Limited copies of the book will be available to buy  so you can own your very own copy and get it signed - before it's even hit the shelves!

POETRY AND PLAY

The Book Nook: 11:30 - 12:00 (AGES 6+)
Sally Murphy
Join children’s author and poet, Sally Murphy, as she brings her latest books alive with poetry readings and interactive wordplay fun. With her warm, engaging style, Sally will spark imaginations, encourage creative thinking, and inspire youngsters to experiment with words and rhythm. This session is perfect for children who love stories, poems, and discovering the fun in language.

SECRETS OF THE MULTIVERSES

Ensemble Room: 12:00 - 12:30 (AGES 9+)
SHANE McCARTHY
For over 20 years, Shane has been writing comics for DC, Marvel and IDW and knows everything about all your favourite superhero franchises. Join him in this fun session where you'll discover  how comics lay the foundation for blockbuster movies, dive into  your favourite superheroes and villains’ origin stories and get a behind-the-scenes look into how all those crossovers and multiverses actually work.

WORDS AND PLAY WITH NINGA NUNTHALEE WANGKATJA

Ensemble Room: 2:15 - 2:45 (AGES 5+)
tanya tucker
Tanya Tucker brings her Ninga Nunthalee Wangkatja picture books to life with interactive readings, games and multi-sensory play. You'll learn Wangkatja words for family, animals and more - and have a whole lot of fun along the way!

CREATIVES TALK: CAREERS, CALLINGS AND CRAFTING YOUR OWN STORY

Ensemble Room: 3:15 - 3:45 (KIDS & ADULTS 10+)
Gary Cooper, Shane McCarthy, Jacques Wingrove and Sarah-Jayne Eeles
Shane, Gary and Jacques chat with Sarah-Jayne about creative careers, navigating the gig economy and the personal and cultural power of creative expression. This is a must-attend session for anyone interested in pursuing creative careers, turning hobbies into side gigs, or simply enjoying a good old yarn with like-minded artsy folks.

DARK FANTASY INK ILLUSTRATION

Function Room: 11:00 - 12:00 (KIDS & ADULTS 11+)
Jacques Wingrove
Level up your dark fantasy art with pen and ink washes. Learn how to build form and detail using the power of black and white to create edgy, atmospheric illustrations. The perfect workshop budding young artists and adults looking to refine their illustration skills or experiment with new techniques.

DOT PAINTING

Community Gallery: 11:00 - 12:00 (AGES 5+)
REGINA DONALDSON
Learn the stories and inspiration behind Regina's artwork as she guides you to create your own art using traditional dot painting techniques.

MAKE YOUR OWN PICTURE BOOK

Function Room: 2:30 - 3:30 (AGES 7+)
zeno sworder
Join award-winning picture book author and illustrator Zeno Sworder to learn how to make mini books! Zeno will lead you through the process of building your story and characters through words and illustrations, providing oodles of tips, advice and fun along the way.
*Workshop spaces are limited – arrive early to avoid missing out

The teen zone

10:00 - 4:00 (AGES 13+)
Hosted by Headspace KalgoorlIe
Hosted by Headspace Kalgoorlie, the Teen Zone is THE only place to be this weekend! We'll have the very best jams playing all day long, chill out spaces and heaps of creative fun - from haiku writing, rock art, origami, giant games and more!

What's in store:
Games: Challenge your friends to a game or two and show off your skills.
Music: Enjoy the very best tunes playing all day long, setting the perfect mood for a great time. Non-stop beats!!!
Rock Art Activity: Rock painting activities all day.  
Chill-out spaces
Upcycled Haikus
Origami
 
Giant games

art Journalling drop-in

carol thompson
10:30 - 12:30 (AGES 13+)
Whether you’re an experienced crafter, love drawing and doodling, or haven’t attempted anything arty since finger painting at kindy, mixed media journaling is a fun, playful and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by all. Drop in for 10 minutes or stay the whole morning and discover all sorts of creative ways to express yourself, de-stress and unleash your imagination.

Dungeons & Dragons - drop-in game time

2:00 - 4:00 (AGES 13+)
Experience all the fun of the world’s most popular storytelling role-play game! Stay and play the full game or pop in for a taster. All welcome – from  newbies to those who’ve been playing for years.

WELCOME TO COUNTRY & SMOKING CEREMONY

Community Stage: 10:00 - 10:15 (ALL AGES)
gary cooper
Gary Cooper leads a Welcome To Country and Smoking Ceremony in honour of the land and its ancestors. Families, artists and guests are invited to come together and share this moment, setting the tone for a day as we celebrate the power of stories and culture in building connections and strengthening communities.

local performers

Community Stage: 10:15 - 3:30 (ALL AGES)
Local performers take to the stage to entertain and delight the whole family.

10:15 - 10:45 - MT Dance
11:15 - 11:45 - Pablo Riquelme
12:15 - 12:45 - Kalgoorlie Dance and Cheer Academy
2:00 - 2:30 - Pablo Riquelme
3:00 - 3:30 - The Salt Lake Shantymen

DESIGN YOUR OWN TIE-DYE

Outdoor Entertainment Zone: 10:00 - 1:00 ( AGES 5+)
Kayescraft
Gary Cooper leads a Welcome To Country and Smoking Ceremony in honour of the land and its ancestors. Families, artists and guests are invited to come together and share this moment, setting the tone for a day as we celebrate the power of stories and culture in building connections and strengthening communities.

MAGIC WISHES AND FACE PAINTING

Outdoor Entertainment Zone: 10:00 - 4:00 (ALL AGES)
Angie the Fairy
Bring some sparkle to your day with Angie and her friends at their magical fairy tent for shimmering facepainting, a sprinkle of fairy dust, make-a-wish station and loads more fantastical fun.

MINI BOOMERANGS

Outdoor Entertainment Zone: 2:00 - 4:00 (AGES 5+)
Gavin Murray
Bring some sparkle to your day with Angie and her friends at their magical fairy tent for shimmering facepainting, a sprinkle of fairy dust, make-a-wish station and loads more fantastical fun.

BUBBLES! BUBBLES! BUBBLES!

Outdoor Entertainment Zone: 2:00 - 4:00 (ALL AGES)
party boss
Ignite your imagination and delight your senses with Party Boss's floaty fantastic cloud of bubbles.

FLOAT-O-BOOTH

Outdoor Entertainment Zone: 10:00 - 4:00 (ALL AGES)
party boss
Come and snap a souvenir from your Scribblers day at the Float-o-Booth.

MY MAGIC TUNNEL Pop-Up Store

Foyer: 10:00 - 4:00 (ALL AGES)

BOOK DOCTORS

Foyer: 10:00 - 4:00 (ALL AGES)
William Grundt Memorial Library
Not sure what to read next? Pop in to our walk-in book clinic where our trusty Book Doctors will write a personalised prescription for your next page-turning read!

PRIDE TREE

Foyer: 10:00 - 4:00 (ALL AGES)
Goldfields Pride
Join Goldfields Pride and make the PRIDE Tree grow. Get creative and share what 'pride' means to you. Whether it's learning something new at school, achieving a goal, or feeling empowered to be your true self, everyone's PRIDE is worth celebrating.

The St Ives Renewables Project exhibition

Foyer: 10:00 - 4:00 (ALL AGES)
Admire the artwork and ‘wind wishes’ from 200 students from schools across the Mid West and Goldfields regions that will be used to create a series of artworks which will be permanently displayed on seven wind turbines being constructed as part of the St Ives Renewable Energy Project near Kambalda.

BENDY'S SUESS-A-PALOOZA STOP AND PLAY POP-UPS

Various: 10:00 - 4:00 (ALL AGES)
bendy abbs
Explore Bendy Abb’s pop-up stations with scribbly challenges that will spark wonder and warm fuzzies for all.

BENDY'S GOLDEN SCRIBBLY-WIBBLY CHALLENGE

Various: 10:00 - 12:00 (ALL AGES)
bendy abbs
Explore Bendy Abb’s pop-up stations with scribbly challenges that will spark wonder and warm fuzzies for all.

Book signings

12:00 - 12:15
Brenton E McKenna
Sally Murphy

Book signings

2:15 - 2:35
Brenton E McKenna
Sally Murphy
Shane McCarthy
Zeno Sworder

Book signings

3:30 - 3:45
Zeno Sworder
Get your books signed or just pop over to meet your favourite stars.
*Please note programming is subject to change.

2025 Scribblers on the Road Creative Stars

Brenton E McKenna

Brenton E. McKenna, is a respected Yawuru artist. One of the world’s most renowned First Nations graphic novelists, his works inspire Indigenous voices in the world of graphic novels. He has also gained recognition for his popular weekly comic strip, Old Champ, in The West Australian.

Shane McCarthy

From Batman: Legends of the Dark, Star Wars, Deadpool Team-Up, to Transformers, internationally acclaimed writer for DC and Marvel Comics, Shane McCarthy, has left an indelible mark on the comic world.

Sally Murphy

With more than 50 children’s books to her name, local author Sally Murphy, OAM, is the proud recipient of the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award and the WA Premier’s Literary Award in the children’s book category.

Zeno Sworder

Zeno Sworder is an award-winning writer and illustrator, winning the prestigious Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Picture Book of the Year Award for his unique storytelling and stunning illustrations.

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Brenton E McKenna

Brenton E. McKenna, is a respected Yawuru artist. One of the world’s most renowned First Nations graphic novelists, his works inspire Indigenous voices in the world of graphic novels. He has also gained recognition for his popular weekly comic strip, Old Champ, in The West Australian.

Sally Murphy

With more than 50 children’s books to her name, local author Sally Murphy, OAM, is the proud recipient of the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award and the WA Premier’s Literary Award in the children’s book category.

Shane McCarthy

From Batman: Legends of the Dark, Star Wars, Deadpool Team-Up, to Transformers, internationally acclaimed writer for DC and Marvel Comics, Shane McCarthy, has left an indelible mark on the comic world.

Zeno Sworder

Zeno Sworder is an award-winning writer and illustrator, winning the prestigious Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Picture Book of the Year Award for his unique storytelling and stunning illustrations.

Meet our Local Creative Stars

BENDY ABBS

Bendy Abbs is a musician, entertainer, and events specialist who brings people together through music, emceeing, and creating unforgettable moments of joy.

CAROL THOMPSON

Carol Thompson is a Wongutha, Ngadju and Mirning artist whose work has been featured in exhibitions and projects across the Goldfields-Esperance region.

GARY COOPER

Gary Cooper, a proud member of the Wongutha people, is an actor, writer, cultural advisor and award-winning documentary director with four decades’ experience in film, television and theatre.

GAVIN MURRAY

Gavin "Cumba" Murray is a Wangkatja / Noongar / Yamatji artist, Wangkatja language teacher and Aboriginal Education program coordinator who has lived in the northern Goldfields his whole life.

HAYLEY WILLIS

Hayley Willis is a Goldfields-based occupational therapist, mother of two and creator of children’s books and toys specially designed to nurture development, positive bedtime routines and deeper connections between children and parents.

JACQUES WINGROVE

Jacques is a UK-born, Kalgoorlie-based multidisciplinary artist with a passion for world-building, character design, and creature creation. He designs 3D-printable assets to inspire others to build imaginative worlds.

KAYE LOUWEN

Kaye has always loved making things and has a particular passion for fashion and textile crafts. Kaye has mastered many techniques and loves teaching others how to create vibrant designs that add a burst of colour to their day.

KDA

KDA is Kalgoorlie’s longest running dance school, with classes for toddlers through to adults in a diverse range of styles. Come see some of their talented young dancers perform!

MT DANCE

MT Dance is a multi-genre dance company that has been nurturing the creativity and talents of young people in Kalgoorlie since 2019, many of whom will be entertaining families on our Community Stage with their energetic routines.

OWEN HINTON

Owen Hinton is a Kalgoorlie local, performer and community arts producer. A natural entertainer who sings, acts and loves the high stakes thrill of improv comedy, Owen is familiar face at the Goldfields Repertory Club.

PABLO RIQUELME

Pablo is a Kalgoorlie local known for his versatile talents as a guitarist. Blending popular music styles with his Spanish roots, Pablo hopes to bring smiles to young and old through his lively and joyful performances.

REGINA DONALDSON

Regina Donaldson is an established artist working in the Goldfields. Regina is the Custodian of several Creation Stories in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area from her grandmother and ancestors.

SARAH-JAYNE EELES

From media executive to creative writer, Sarah-Jane has written and independently published three novels and enjoys a rewarding parallel career as a creative producer at Euphorium.

TANYA TUCKER

Tanya Tucker is a proud Wangkatja woman, with family ties to many language groups across the Goldfields-Esperance region. As a teacher and author of the Ninga Nunthalee Wangkatja picture book series, Tanya’s mission is to preserve and honour Wangkatja language and culture.

THE SALT LAKE SHANTYMEN

A Kalgoorlie-based crew of salty chaps who pride themselves on being the most inland shanty singing group in the world! Quickly becoming renowned for their lively, entertaining performances rich in history and storytelling traditions.

Free Workshops for Adults

Partners

Thank you to Lotterywest, the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, the City of Kalgoorlie Boulder, Goldfields and Spinifex Trust for their vision and support in helping Scribblers ignite a passion for literature and creativity in young people across the State.
Government Partners
Creative Thinker
Donor
Government Partners
Creative Thinker
Donor

Applications are now open for community members who would like to be part of this exciting event.

We’re heading to the Pilbara for the second year to share an amazing day full of free entertainment, workshops, storytelling, art & craft, prizes and a community BBQ.
It’s a great day out for the whole family.  See you there!
We are looking for:  
- Organisations to host community art and craft stalls -
- Volunteers -
- Youth Buskers (aged 13-25) - $100 Performing fee + Busking Tips


For all opportunities, click the link below to apply and answer some short questions about yourself.
We’ll get in touch to let you know the outcome of your application.
Applications close 5PM Wednesday 21 May 2024.
Apply Now

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