Love in Abundance: Queensland and Whitsunday leaders to share their love at inaugural event

ByFestival Convenor

The Whitsundays Writers Festival is excited to announce the inaugural Love Letter to Queensland event, set to take place on Thursday 5 September 2024, at the Coral Sea Resort ballroom in Airlie Beach.

This unique initiative aims to highlight the deep community spirit and affection for our beautiful state through heartfelt stories and expressions of love.

The Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition invited individuals to share their personal stories and tributes to Queensland, fostering a sense of unity and pride. The competition offers prizes for best submissions in the categories of Adult ($500), Under 18 Years ($250), and Under 12 Years ($200).

The Love Letter to Queensland special event will feature a stimulating lineup of notable speakers, each presenting their own love letters to Queensland, offering a diverse array of perspectives and experiences:

  • MARCO RENAI (2024 Queenslander of the Year, recognised for his impactful work with at-risk youth through the Men of Business program.
  • ELIZABETH HACKETT Executive Chair of the Australian Adventure Tourism Group, known for her significant contributions to the tourism industry and the Whitsunday Skyway project.
  • CHRIS SARRA CEO of the Queensland Office of First Nations Engagement and Innovation.
  • MELISSA ASHLEY award-winning Queensland author of historical fiction novels and celebrated academic.
  • ANDREW WILLCOX MP Federal Member for Dawson will announce and read the winning Love Letter to Queensland community writing competition entries.
  • KAREN JACOBSEN President of the Whitsunday Writers Festival, international speaker, concert artist and songwriter, author, and the voice behind over a billion GPS and smartphone devices.

Tickets are strictly limited. General tickets (standard $49/$39 concession) include light supper and two drink vouchers followed by a cash bar. General ticket holders will enjoy the event from the gallery, standing room only with limited seating available.

The inaugural Love Letter to Queensland event and writing competition is being coordinated by the 2024 Whitsundays Writers Festival and proudly supported by James Cook University’s Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing and the Whitsunday Regional Council through their Community Assistance Grant program.

WHAT: Love Letter to Queensland special event
WHEN: 6:30pm-9pm Thursday 5 September 2024
WHERE: Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach

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