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CloseAward-winning Magabala author and illustrator, Gregg Dreise travelled to Western Australia for the first time in February 2016 as a guest author
of the Perth Writers Festival.
Held from 18-21 February, the Perth Writers Festival is part of the Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF), an annual event that celebrates the work of contemporary artists and thinkers from Australia and across the globe.
With didgeridoo and guitar in tow, Gregg entertained the crowd at the festival's 'Family Fun Day' with a musical storytelling performance inspired by the morality tales from his two Magabala books, Silly Birds and Kookoo Kookaburra. He also shared his artistic expertise in a special hands-on illustration workshop for adults and joined fellow Australian author/illustrators, Sally Rippin and James Foley on an innovation reading panel to discuss creative ways to engage both reluctant and avid readers as part of the 'Inspired Learning Program' held at The University of WA.
In another first, Gregg met Magabala CEO, Anna Moulton, who was very fortunate to watch his event at the family fun day and observe his impressive talent and aptitude for engaging and galvanizing children of all ages. “It was lovely to catch up with Anna Moulton,” Gregg said.
“I hope she enjoyed seeing my live storytelling performance of Kookoo Kookaburra.”
Asked about his experience of the festival, Gregg said he was thrilled to be involved. “The people of Perth, the festival organisers, [and] the other authors and illustrators were a pleasure to meet and work with,” he said.
Despite his busy schedule, Gregg and his wife, Rachael also found time to enjoy the sights of Perth and visit some of its most popular attractions.
"I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to WA," Gregg said. "I enjoyed the beautiful Kings Park in Perth and loved seeing the sunset over Fremantle Beach. I would love to get back to the beautiful WA soon."