SCHOOL PROGRAM
POWER AND VOICE: WHOSE STORY IS IT TO TELL?
Friday 20 March, 2026
9.00am-3.00pm
I
Performance Space, Mackellar Girls’ High School Audience: Years 9–10 students
Free to students and teachers
Host: Jack Toohey
GOALS
- Understand how storytelling gives power to
individuals and communities
- Examine ethical dimensions of truth, memory,
journalism, and representation
- Learn how to distinguish real vs fake narratives
- Use writing, either journalistic, creative, or reflective, as a way to speak up and be heard.
Schools who wish to participate in this program should contact the Manly Writers' Festival directly for bookings at production@manlywritersfestival.org.au or call us on 02 7229 4889.
The School Program is free, because we work hard as volunteers to make it that way.
PROGRAM
9.00-9.15am
Registration
9.15-9.30am
Welcome from host, Jack Toohey
9.30-10.00 am
Keynote: Heather Morris—Truth, Fiction and Memory
10.00-10.30am
Keynote: The Sydney Morning Herald—Truth, Fact and Evidence
10.30-10.50am
Morning Tea
10.50-12.00pm
Discursive Writing Workshop: What Do You Believe?
12.00-12.45pm
Author Panel: Whose Voice Is Heard?
Robbie Coburn and Amy Coomer
12.45-1.30pm
Lunch
1.30-2.30pm
Speaking Up Today—Interactive Discussion with Jack Toohey
2.30-3.00pm
Student Sharing and Wrap-Up