STELLA SCHOOLS Story Sessions: Melbourne

Meet the storytellers shaping Australia’s literary future: an exclusive opportunity for highschoolers to meet the 2026 Stella Prize authors

Join Stella for a FREE one-day literary educational event, where secondary school students can hear directly from critically acclaimed women and non-binary authors as they discuss their books, writing processes, inspirations and careers.

These sessions offer a unique opportunity for students to deepen their literary understanding, explore future possibilities, and connect with the ideas at the forefront of contemporary Australian literature.

They will facilitate conversations that spark literacy: curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. Interactive Q&A sessions will encourage active participation in English by prompting students to ask questions, and deepen their understanding through rich discussion of themes, characters and the big ideas in the year’s most excellent Australian books.

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In 2026 we’re taking the Stella Prize across Australia, with prize night events in three major Australian cities to celebrate the year’s most powerful and compelling books nominated for the Stella Prize.

In conjunction with the Longlist announcement, we are hosting a Stella Schools: Story Session in Melbourne on Thursday 12 March 2026.

This event is FREE to attend, but bookings are essential.

Bookings must be made on behalf of students by a teacher. Students must be accompanies and supervised by their teacher, who will be asked to show school photo ID upon arrival.

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The event is suitable for highschoolers of all age groups, with a particular focus on years 9-10.

Each session includes three one-hour talks designed to mirror school timetables and class length. Talks include:

· Author in conversation with a moderator, and book readings

· Critical conversations about the themes, characters and stories in the year’s Stella-listed titles

· Insights into writing and related careers and pathways

· Open forums for students to ask questions and engage in discussion

· Book signings - books will be available for purchase before, and at the event

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EVENT SCHEDULE:

· 9.30am – doors open, registrations begin

· 10am – Talk 1: 2026 Stella listed author in conversation with Sophie Gee

· 11am – Morning tea break

· 11.30am – Talk 2: 2026 Stella listed author in conversation with Jaclyn Crupi

· 12.30pm – Lunch break

· 1pm – Talk 3: 2026 Stella listed author in conversation with Jaclyn Crupi

· 2pm – Event finishes, book signings available.