CKT Speakers

Deborah Abela trained as a teacher before becoming writer/producer of a national children’s TV show. Since then, she’s become an internationally published and awarded author of 30 books. Her latest novels are, The Book of Wondrous Possibilities, The Kindness Project and her picture book, No More Room in the Bed. Deb has been presenting in schools and festivals for over 20 years and loves getting kids excited about books, reading and writing.

Sarah Armstrong was an award-winning journalist at ABC Radio before writing three novels for adults (one of which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award). She now writes for readers aged 8+. Sarah is a highly regarded teacher and presenter; for two decades she’s taught writing to adults and kids, in schools and libraries, for writers’ festivals and at university.

Charlotte Barkla is a Brisbane-based writer who worked as a civil engineer and physics teacher before rediscovering her love for children’s literature. She now writes picture books, middle-grade fiction and feature articles.​

Ashleigh Barton is a bestselling children's author from Sydney, Australia. Her works include CBCA shortlisted title What Do You Call Your Grandma?, CBCA Notable titles What Do You Call Your Grandpa? and How Do You Say I Love You?, as well as middle grade series Solomon Macaroni and Freddie Spector.

Sonia Bestulic is an award nominated Author, with her debut Children’s picture book Reece Give Me Some Peace! being shortlisted for the 2019 Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards.

Jess Black is an award-winning author of over forty-six children's books. Jess has written the Pepper Creek Ponies series, Tales of Mr Walker series, Kitty is Not a Cat series, Little Paws series and the Keeper of the Crystals series. Jess has also written two picture books; Moon Dance and The Bold Australian Girl.

Emily Brewin is an award-winning Melbourne author and teacher. Her first novel, Hello, Goodbye, was published in 2017 and her second, Small Blessings, in 2019. Her first young adult novel, A Way Home, was published in 2024. It won The Gab Williams Prize 2024 and was shortlisted for The Readings Young Adult Prize 2024.

Victoria Carless writes works of fiction and for theatre. Her novel for young adults, The Dream Walker, was nominated for the Queensland Literary Awards and was a Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable book for older readers. Her first book for middle grade readers, Gus and The Starlight, was published in 2022, and was shortlisted for best children’s fiction in the Aurealis Awards. Lani and the Universe is her latest book, out in Jan 2024.

Felicity Castagna is a highly experienced teacher, speaker, writing mentor and teacher educator who has facilitated workshops everywhere from schools to community arts centres to correctional centres. She publishes essays and creative non-fiction and has been a speaker on multiple shows for ABC Radio and Television.

Bradley Christmas is a full-time writer – and moonlighting musician – who splits his time between Sydney and his beloved beach shack on the NSW South Coast. While building his writing career he worked as a social worker, English language teacher and children’s entertainer. His short fiction has appeared in a number of magazines and publications including The Big Issue and received several award nominations. Saltwater Boy is his first YA novel.