Young thinkers bite into reality
STARTING today, Cooroy is host to a fascinating program of literary movers and shakers.
The Reality Bites Non-Fiction Writers Festival organised by Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers' Centre has attracted a colourful range of Australia's leading authors in a wide selection of genres.
This year, organisers have reached further into the community, presenting some of Australia's best young thinkers to local school students.
"We are proud to announce we have incorporated a youth program into our larger festival program," NHWC Education Officer Annette Hughes said.
"With the support of Louise Franics HOD of Noosa District High English Department, we have initiated a youth writing award - the inaugural Mark Tredinnick True Story Award.
Ms Hughes was also delighted to report on this week's announcement that Award Patron, Mark Tredinnick, had won The 2012 Cardiff International Poetry Competition first prize of £5000.
The student winner will be announced at tonight's launch and the story will be published in Noosa News next Tuesday.
After speaking with the program's authors, Ms Hughes believes the future is in good hands with young women like Anna Rose whose passion and talent is directed to a brave new future for Australia.
"We are the generation that is most impacted by climate change," 29-year-old Ms Rose said. "But it is our generation that can make a solution."
Mr Rose certainly has the credentials to lead. She was a co-founder of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and gained the 2009 Environment Minister's joint Young Environmentalist of the Year.
This year Ms Rose's impressive national political profile resulted in the publication of her book, Madlands.
The book details a four week trip around Australia and the world with climate change sceptic and Federal politician Nick Minchin. It's been called A Journey To Change The Mind of a Climate Sceptic.
Part travel story, part scientific exploration, part tale of self-discovery, and part call to arms, the book aims to inform, entertain and ultimately to change the debate on climate change in Australia.
WHO IS ANNA?
Anna is a Fellow of the International Youth Foundation, sits on the board of the Foundation for Young Australians' Young Social Pioneers program, and holds an Australian Leadership Award from Australian-Davos connection.
Anna was recently named one of Sydney's 100 Most Influential People by the Sydney Morning Herald and is a 2010 Churchill Scholar.
