CKT Speakers

Deborah Abela trained as a teacher and completed a BA (Comm) before becoming writer/producer of a national children’s TV show. She left after 7 years and has since written 28 books for children, including the Max Remy Superspy series and her climate change trilogy, Grimsdon, New City and Final Storm.

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.

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.

Anna Ciddor is an award-winning author of almost 60 books covering topics as diverse as history, travel, fantasy, biography, and family history. Anna is an inspiring presenter and loves sharing her knowledge of research, planning, drafts and editing.

Kat Colmer is a Sydney-based author and teacher librarian who writes coming-of-age stories with humour and heart. As an author with a teaching background, Kat’s workshops and presentations ensure for an engaging experience covering everything from writing craft to creative inspiration.