Last Friday, the brightest young literary talents from across North-East Victoria gathered for the Alex Race-Stelling Young Writers’ Day Festival, held in the library at Cathedral College Wangaratta. Students from Beechworth P-12 Secondary College, Cobram Anglican Grammar School and Wangaratta High School joined over 30 CCW students for a day of creativity, inspiration, and connection.

The day featured a series of dynamic writing workshops designed to spark ideas and help students begin crafting their own great works. The event was co-hosted by Senior English teachers Dr Margaret Hickey and Gareth Lloyd, but it was the keynote speaker - celebrated best-selling author Scot Gardner - who truly electrified the room. With his trademark humour, insight, and passion for storytelling, Scot captivated the audience, offering rare and powerful insights into the writing process, the value of screen-free creativity, and the art of turning ideas into publishable stories. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy as young writers and thinkers shared their ideas, stories, and aspirations.

Now in its fourth year, the festival is held annually in honour of Alex Race-Stelling, a former Cathedral College Wangaratta student and School Captain. Alex was an exceptional student, Dux of his year, Lierature student, poet, writer, philosopher, environmental advocate, and athlete whose spirit continues to inspire. The event, generously supported and co-facilitated by the Race-Stelling family, is a tribute to his legacy and a gift to the region’s writing community.

Alex would have loved this year’s event - it was exactly the kind of day he would have thrived in. A huge thank you goes to everyone who participated and to those who worked behind the scenes to make the event such a success. Special thanks to Amanda Pigram and Bernadette Quinn, whose efforts were instrumental in bringing the day to life.

It was a sensational celebration of creativity and connection. If you were lucky enough to attend - strike while the iron is hot. If not, feel inspired. Whether it’s a novel, a short story, or even a postcard- writers write. Join them!

- Mr Gareth Lloyd, Senior English Teacher