Braidwood Central School and St Bede’s students, joined Lions Club members, Mayor Tim Overall and author Jackie French at the Braidwood Library for the launch.

The festival’s patron, Ms French spoke to the children about the importance of knowing what you want to say, and what the best thing to say is.

The Lions Club decided to run the festival to give Braidwood’s students the chance to develop their writing skills, and to gain confidence through working with authors.

“It provides the kids the opportunity to develop their writing skills. Whatever they do in life, whether they’re a farmer or a pilot, they need to be on top of the reading and the writing sort of aspects of it,” Mr Ffrench said.

“It just helps build on their skills and to have the opportunity then to interact with people like Jackie and the other authors.”

The idea came about after club member Richard Jolley’s granddaughters entered in a similar competition in Sydney.

He thought it was so good, that Braidwood should also have one, and passed the idea on.

For months, the Lions Club has been working hard to organise the Festival.

From Kindie to year 12, every age group is catered for. 

Outstanding entries will be published in a book, while all entries will go online at braidwoodyoungwriters.com.