Events

The write stuff

Scribblers is a festival for lovers of the written word (and illustrations too) - and this year, there’s an embarassment of riches in terms of Australian literary talent.

WORDS | Gabi Mills

SCRIBBLERS FESTIVAL IS an annual festival of literature and arts for young people. With programming just for schools, a free weekend for the whole family, and mini-events throughout the year, Scribblers Festival invites young people and the young-at-heart to celebrate the magic of storytelling.

The Festival brings together authors, illustrators and other storytellers from Perth, across Australia, and around the world to empower and engage young readers through interactive sessions and workshops. In the lead up to the festival, over 15,000 feather-shaped bookmarks are scattered throughout public libraries across Western Australia, with five rare Golden Feathers waiting to be found by lucky young readers as part of the annual Golden Feather Hunt.

Scribblers encourages young writers to put their ideas on to paper for a chance to win a The Golden Pen Writing Award, and lets teens take over the mic to create podcasts that are broadcast around the world from our very own Conversation Caravan.  Scribblers Festival, Subiaco Arts Centre and Regal Theatre, Schools Program, 24 May to June 1, Family Program, 29 to 30 May. Visit scribblersfestival.com.au. Meet the writer ~ Cristy Burne

Children’s author and science writer Cristy Burne is passionate about empowering our next generation of creative, science-savvy citizen. She has worked as a science communicator for 20 years across seven countries and has performed in a science circus, worked as a garbage analyst, and was a reporter at CERN when they turned on the Large Hadron Collider.

Cristy works at the intersection of science, technology and creativity. Her latest books include Beneath the Trees, Aussie STEM Stars: Fiona Wood and Wednesday Weeks and the Tower of Shadows, co-written with Denis Knight.

GM: You’re a passionate advocate of the power of books (no batteries required) - how do you convince a kid who’s book-phobic to give them a go? CB: Getting a kid into reading is all about finding the right book. Let kids choose the stories they want to read. And don’t forget: sharing stories is one of the best ways to bond with your children. Read to your kids on the couch. Do the voices. Stop at the cliffhangers. Leave them begging to find out what happens next. Insert mockevil laughter whenever you can. GM: What are you doing at this year’s Scribblers Festival - and what are you looking forward to seeing/hearing during the event? CB: At this year’s festival I’m celebrating science and fantasy, creativity and wonder, adventure and comedy. I’ll be talking about my latest books, Beneath The Trees (ages 6+; based on my true-life rainforest adventure); Aussie STEM Stars – Fiona Wood (ages 12+; the especially-for-kids biography of burns surgeon and inventor of spray-on skin, Fiona Wood); and Wednesday Weeks and the Tower of Shadows (ages 8+; the first in a funny fantasy-meets-STEM series co-authored with Denis Knight). And I’ll be bringing my stuffed giant pink slug in an attempt to break the world record for Most Photos Taken With A Gastropod. GM: If you could invite some famous writers/scientists round to your book club, who would they be and why? CB: We’re so lucky here in Western Australia to be bulging at the seams with incredible writers and scientists, illustrators and inventors. I’m a member of the WA Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, which is like a giant book club, and every time we get together there are ideas and laughter bouncing off the walls. If I could hang out with anyone at all, I think I’d choose Marie Curie – in the early 1900s she won a Nobel Prize for Physics and another for Chemistry, making her the first woman to win a Nobel, and the only person ever to win two in different fields.

Reader giveaway: Thanks to our friends at Scribblers Festival, we’ve got $100-worth of books to giveaway to one lucky winner. To enter, visit seesubiaco.com.au - good luck!

Meet the Illustrator~ James Foley

James Foley makes picture books, middle grade novels and comics for kids. He’s the author/illustrator of, among many others, the S.Tinker Inc graphic novel series for middle primary: Brobot (2016), Dungzilla (2017), Gastronauts (2018) and Chickensaurus (2020). The series stars Sally Tinker, the world’s foremost inventor under the age of twelve, and Joe Tinker, full-time baby.

GM: Do you enjoy the collaborative process of working with an author - what are the pleasures and challenges? JF: The best thing about working with an author is that I don’t have to come up with the initial story, I can just focus on the illustrations. The worst thing is that I don’t get to come up with the initial story, I can only focus on the illustrations. GM: What do you enjoy about attending festivals like Scribblers? JF: The best thing about writers festivals like Scribblers is being able to connect with the audience. Authors and illustrators find themselves spending a lot of time on their own making books, so it’s wonderful to emerge from our studios, meet kids and families and share our love of stories. GM: If a kid is inspired to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you give? JF: The advice I would give any budding writers or illustrators is to read lots, and create lots, and make sure it’s fun for you. There’s no point in doing this job if you’re not having fun, and you’ll make better stories if you’re enjoying the process. GM: What are you working on at the moment? JF: I’ve just completed a new picture book called ‘Stellarphant’ - it’s about an elephant who wants to go to space. It’s out in November 2021 with Fremantle Press. My latest releases are a graphic novel called ‘Chickensaurus’ (it’s like Jurassic Park with chickens) and a picture book called ‘There’s Something Weird About Lena’ (it’s spooky, funny and perfect for older readers).

Subiaco Style

Winter style conjures images of layering up in warm woollens, cosy cashmere, soft jackets, colourful coats and matchy-matchy scarves, hats and gloves. Dianne Bortoletto chats to some stylish personalities involved in this winter’s See Subiaco Winter Style Series.

THE SECOND EDITION of the See Subiaco Winter Style Series from May 27 until June 6, features ten curated fashion and beauty events, including a launch party at Linneys, a VIP shopping day, PICNIC styling session, and a pre-loved winter fashion shopping event at Amia curated by STM Fashion Editor Elizabeth Clarke, who is also a series ambassador. There's also an evening with RATIONALE Skincare, a Pop-Up Collective sale at Dilly Dally, a beauty panel breakfast at the Vibe Hotel with local business owners from Circles of Hair and Glamour Nail Bar, and free styling sessions at a number of boutiques.

See Subiaco Winter Style Series ambassador, renowned stylist, and a 13-year Subiaco resident Marcia Ball says she is thrilled that many talented businesses in Subiaco and Shenton Park will be in the spotlight.

“You can find everything you need in Subi and Shenton Park, there’s actually a really great range of options,” Marcia says.

“I love the restaurants, the shopping, being able to walk everywhere, eating at Lulu Delizia and shopping at Emporia which has to be my favourite store ever.

“I’d say Amia has the best brands offered in all of WA and it’s a really cool, eco conscious option for discerning women to buy second hand and add a classic piece to their wardrobe, and we have Denise Satterley to thank for that.

“I’m studying French at the moment and we can borrow from their thinking about fashion with things like investment dressing, buying classic pieces that last, families that pass down heirlooms, timeless style. I might not agree with French politics, but their fashion is fabulous.

“I’m really passionate about sustainable fashion, being aware who made your clothes, organic fabrics and natural dyes which means less chemicals for environment and less chemicals against your skin.

“I’m also into clean, organic, toxic-free beauty, make up and personal care products and in fact, you can find a range of local products at the Subi Farmers Market on Saturdays. I love the Farmers Markets!

“You can find different jewellers with handmade pieces plus a lot of small businesses and creators from the area who have Australian and locally-made products, and that’s what I’m passionate about supporting.

“See Subiaco Style Series is a great initiative for Subiaco, a chance to celebrate and showcase talented local businesses and entrepreneurs. It’s a very fashion-forward, very chic event,” says Marcia.

Speaking of fashion-forward and chic, Marcia’s hot tip for this winter is the trench coat in beige.

“If beige isn’t your colour, add a bright red lip for a classic look,” says Marcia.  For more info on the Winter Style Series, visit seesubiaco.com.au.

with Natascha Lester, best-selling author

The See Subiaco Winter Style Series is a showcase of fashion, beauty and food experiences. A highlight is an intimate afternoon with New York Times best-selling author Natasha Lester at Cherubino City Cellar.

BY | Dianne Bortoletto

DB: When did your interest in fashion begin? NL: When I was living in London in the late nineties. I used to hang out in amazing vintage shops like Steinberg and Tolkien on the King’s Road in Chelsea, marvelling over all the fashionable treasures from the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Then I’d do the same at the Victoria & Albert museum. I started buying fashion history books from the shop there and have been a fashion lover ever since. DB: What does fashion mean to you? NL: Fashion can be as much of an art as painting, sculpture, or writing. But it’s an accessible artform, one we can wear every day, one that isn’t static and only sits on a wall. It can make us feel beautiful or comfortable or happy or nostalgic. A fabulous dress can give you courage on a day where you don’t feel as brave as you wish to; it can tell people something about who you are or disguise feelings you don’t wish them to see. DB: Your historical fiction books have ties to fashion, what do you love about fashion? NL: I love collecting vintage fashion. And I’d love to see us getting back to sustainable fashion, to consider clothes as something meant to last rather than something to throw away after one season. I think that’s why I enjoy fashion history so much - marvelling over how timeless a Dior New Look gown is, for instance. DB: What do you like about shopping, eating and drinking in Subiaco? NL: Subiaco seems to be really coming into its own again. I was at Cherubino City Cellar just last weekend to have a drink with a friend and what a wonderful place it is! Great vibe, excellent decor - very Subiaco!

in July. Frankie Fatale presents: FANTASIE - World Class Pole, Aerial, Burlesque, Dance and Striptease is an exclusive never-before-seen spectacle stage production.

This world-first unmissable event rewrites the rules of adult entertainment, setting a new standard for the industry in a fulllength theatrical strip show. Join legendary award-winning performer Frankie Fatale along with iconic characters, state-of-the-art visuals, bespoke costume design and immersive special effects.  Fantasie, July 7 to 9, Regal Theatre, Subiaco. Visit premier. ticketek.com.au

Frankie goes to the Regal

Subiaco’s grand old lady - the Regal Theatre - might want to hide its blushes when a brand new show bursts onto its venerable stage Coffee, stat!

The Subi Coffee Series is a godsend for all those who worship at the coffee bean temple. This year there are more local venues taking part than ever in August.

What to expect: Subi Coffee Series is back for round two. The 10-day coffee wonderland sees the return of the Espresso Martini masterclass, tasting experience and high coffee – plus some exciting new treats to get you caffeinated (think workshops, traditional coffees and a range of uniquely-flavoured espresso martinis going head-to-head as the best martini in Subiaco). Date: August 5 to 14 Venues involved (at the time of going to press): Blacklist Coffee Roasters (Coffee Tasting Experience and unique discount) Fenway Subiaco 1982 Food & Coffee Bark Bar (Unique Flavour Espresso Martini) The Village (Unique Flavour Espresso Martini) Subiaco Hotel Refuge Small Bar The Painted Teapot Subiartco Eli and Matt Patisserie Cherubino City Cellar Fee Fi Pho Fum Mimosa Café Melograno

 To find out more, visit seesubiaco.com.au