Just wanted to give a big shout out to the students, teachers, librarian staff, parents and community of COONABARABRAN. I’ve just returned from a trip out there as part of the high school’s Feast of Words festival, which featured former student/journo/lawyer Michael Morrissey, script writer Patrick May, academic/literature expert Elizabeth Hale and YA author (and my excellent travel partner)  J.C. Burke. We were made to feel so welcome, and I had an absolute ball (thanks also to Kellie Nash for the invite, and the brilliant organising!).

The Coona community is a generous one. I came away inspired. And feeling very, very lucky to get to do this kind of thing.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

*I must also make mention of our professional nodders – excellent job, guys! Nod hard or go home.

**’Forever Dare’ are the words on the school’s crest. Isn’t that the best motto?