Budding authors showcase their skills

This writers showcase unites remote schools and celebrates students’ creativity.

A smiling boy in a burgundy shirt points at a wall displaying various printed pages.

Eager writers from some of Victoria’s most remote schools came together recently to celebrate the timeless skill of writing. Students from schools in Far East Gippsland put pen to paper as part of a writers showcase – where 731 stories, poems, essays and letters composed by local children were on display. The result was a triumph of the written word – and a celebration of the talent that exists in our government schools.

Rob Boucher, principal of Swifts Creek P–12 School, said the showcase was about demonstrating the importance of writing and encouraging budding writers from small schools to connect with other like-minded students. ‘The event showed us what can be achieved if we continue to value writing,’ he said. ‘If you’re a student in a small school, and you’re a passionate writer, sometimes it’s hard to get the sense there are other kids like you out there – kids who love writing.’

Only 11 schools make up the Far East Network, despite covering a geographic area in excess of 16,000 square kilometres. With the smallest school in the network having only 37 students, it can be hard to connect with peers. ‘We wanted to unite our 11 schools with this showcase, and help parents as well as students feel less isolated,’ Rob continued. ‘What it really showed us is the massive outcomes you get when you work together.’

Those outcomes were particularly clear for Alexis, a Year 12 student at Cann River P-12 College, whose contribution to the showcase resulted in some very real action. ‘My piece of writing was about youth mental health, and it was a persuasive letter to our local member in Gippsland … and I actually got a response,’ she said.

Education Improvement Leader Trish Lynn said she has seen firsthand the delight the students show when talking about their work. ‘They are proud authors, and continually seek to improve, taking on feedback, redrafting and refining their work to make it even better,’ she said.

Deputy Secretary of Schools and Regional Services David Howes, who opened the event at the Lakes Entrance Mechanics Hall, said the students’ writing was both entertaining and moving – and ultimately inspirational. ‘If anyone wants a boost, come in and have a read of this writing to see the creativity, the expression, the intelligence that just shines through this work. A massive shout-out to the teachers too. You can just see the impact they’re having on the work that students are producing.’

Education & training

Updated 27 March 2026

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Budding authors showcase their skills

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