Local Spotlight Archives

Vicki Stanton
Won the CBCA Frustrated Writers Mentorship 2009 with Glenda Millard.

Two Local Author's Win Gold Coast Writers Short Story Competition
In July 2009, Vicki Stanton and Anke Seib have taken out the top awards for their short stories entered in the Gold Coast Writers' Association 2009 Literary Competition with the theme of Magic. Vicki won the competition with her story entitled Charm whilst Anke came second and third with her entries Moonstruck and The Suitcase.

Stanwell Park Author's Latest Picture Book 
In May 2009 Sue Whiting's picture book, Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, was released by New Frontier Publishing. Illustrated by Sarah Davis it comes with a bonus CD narrated by Antonia Kidman. This is part of the Music Box Series by New Frontier Publishing.

Figtree Author's New steam punk fantasy World Shaker 
In May 2009, the Australian edition of Richard Harland's World Shaker was released by Allen & Unwin. It's already been sold to the US, even before publication in Australia. Simon & Schuster will be bringing it out there, probably early next year.

Bulli Author's Third book in the Samurai Kids Series 
On 1st April 2009, Shaolin Tiger, the third book in Sandy Fussell's Samurai Kids Series was released by Walker Books. The first two books in the series were released in the UK in Jan this year and will be released in the US at a later date.

Local Authors feature in CBCA Awards 
On 31 March, the CBCA 2009 awards were announced. Mo Johnson's Boofheads was selected as a Notable Book in the Older Readers category and Sandy Fussell's Polar Boy was shortlisted in the Younger Readers category.
Coledale Author's second book released
On 31 March Mo Johnson's second Young Adult novel, Something More, was released. It is the eleventh title in the popular Girlfriend Fiction series which showcases some of Australia's most talented YA authors.

Woonoona author Di Bates shortlisted for Premier's Literary Awards
In March 2009 the prestigious Premier's Literary Awards were announced and Di Bates'  Crossing the Line was shortlisted in the $30,000 Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature category.

Woonoona author Di Bates Latest Book
In February 2009 Di Bates released her latest book Aussie Kid Heroes
Illustrated by Marjory Gardiner it tells the remarkable true stories of some of Australia's youngest heroes.

Stanwell Park Author's Latest Release 
On March 1 Stanwell Park author Sue Whiting's junior novel Freaky was released. It is a title in the Walker Books' Lightning Strikes series, a fast-paced and exciting series especially designed for children who would rather be watching television or playing computer games.
Figtree author Richard Harland wins 2008 Aurealis Award 
January 2009 - Richard Harland's Wolf Kingdom series was awarded the 2008 Aurealis Award for "Children's fiction illustrated work/picture book". The Aurealis Awards are for speculative fiction works (fantasy, science fiction and horror). Read the Judges Report here.

Our President Wins Lady Cutler Award 
In November 2008 the prestigious Lady Cutler Award for service to children's literature in NSW was awarded to Di Bates. For more information click here.

Bulli Author's Second Book in the Samurai Kids Series 
The second book in Sandy Fussell's Samurai Kids Series was released by Walker Books. Look for Book 2: Owl Ninja. The book was launched at Corrimal Public Library with a Japanese tea ceremony.

Ulladulla Author's Second Book in the Erasmus James series
In October 2008 D C Green's second book in the Erasmus James series released by Barrel books - King of King's Paradise. the book was launched at Wollongong Public Library during Viva La Gong.

Coast Kids Launched 
Editor Marie Smith and Publisher Christine Keyes launched Coast Kids, a magazine for Illawarra parents and children, at the recent Thirroul Public School Fete! The next issue is due out in early February 2009. Copies are available at pre-schools, health centres, libraries and other family-friendly places.

Local Teacher-Librarian Wins Quality Teaching AwardAward 
Congratulations to Sharon McGuiness, Thirroul Public School Teacher-Librarian who is the recipient of a Quality Teaching Award this year! These Awards are funded by the NSW Minister for Education and Training and awarded through processes undertaken by the Australian College of Educators, NSW Branch. They recognise teachers who are outstanding in their chosen fields.

Coledale Author's First Young Adult Novel Hits the Shelves 
In September 2008 Mo Johnson's first young adult novel Boofheads was released by Walker Books. The book was launhced at Bloomin' Books in Caringbah.

US Release for Firefighters 
In April 2008 Sue Whiting's picture book Firefighters was released by Walker Books. Illustrated by Doona Rawlins it received a prestigious 5 1/2 star review in Australian Bookseller and Publisher magazine.

Award Winning Woonona Author's latest Young Adult Novel 
In August 2008 Bill Condon's latest Young Adult novel Give Me Truth was released. Bill has won the CBCA Honour Book in the Young Adult category twice. In 2006 with No Worries and in 2001 with Dogs.

Woonona Author's 100th Book Released 
In August 2008 Di Bate's 100th book was released - Crossing the Line - a Young Adult novel. Di is an award winning author of fiction for children and young adults, picture books and non-fiction. The book was launched at theWollongong University Uni Shop.

Figtree Author's Fantasy Series - Books 4 and 4 
In August 2008 two more books in Richard Harland's Wolf Kingdom junior fantasy series were released by Omnibus/Scholastic. Look for Book 3: Race To The Ruins and Book 4: The Heavy Crown.

Bulli Author's Second Book Released 
In August 2008 Sandy Fussell's second junior fiction book was released - Polar Boy. The book was launched at Waniora Public School as part of their Book Week celebrations.

Ulladulla Author's First Book in the Erasmus James series now Free to Download 
The first book in the Erasmus James series - Erasmus James and the Galactic Zapp Machine - is now available as a free download from Barrel Books.
 
Figtree Author's New Junior Fantasy Series - Books 1 and 2 
In June 2008 the first two books in Richard Harland's Wolf Kingdom junior fantasy series were released by Omnibus/Scholastic. Look for Book 1: Escape and Book 2: Under Siege. The books were launched at Kieraville Public School and footage appeared on WIN news.
Stanwell Park Author's Latest Picture Book 
In April 2008 Sue Whiting's picture book Firefighters was released by Walker Books. Illustrated by Doona Rawlins it received a prestigious 5 1/2 star review in Australian Bookseller and Publisher magazine.

Bulli Author's First Book Released 
In March 2008 the first book in Sandy Fussell's Samurai Kids Series was released by Walker Books. Look for Book 1: White Crane. The book was launched at Wollongong Public Library.