Acclaimed author inspires children’s creativity

To round off Pilbara Book Week, acclaimed Melbourne- based author Kirsty Murray travelled to Newman to help students find their creativity through writing.

From November 14-18, Ms Murray conducted multiple creative workshops in Newman and South Newmanprimary schools and encouraged children to seek out quality Australian books.

In its fifth year in the Pilbara, The Learning Centre, along with BHP Billiton, gives children in the Pilbara the opportunity to meet authors and illustrators from across Australia, said centre founder and director Lesley Reece.

“We know how much these class-sized workshops, tailored to each year level, inspire the children to read more widely and to believe that they can write creatively too,” she said. Ms Murray was approached as she is a passionate story teller and advocate for quality books for children and teenagers, said the centre, with 11 novels published, many of which have won and been short listed for awards.

Ms Reece praised Ms Murray’s writing workshops calling her “vivacious, informative and nurturing”.

“Our presence in these schools, where we are made so welcome, creates an exciting buzz,” she said.

Ms Reece said the centre team was grateful for the opportunity to introduce a diverse range of Australian authors and illustrators to Pilbara communities, and looked forward to returning in 2017.