Tom Appleby, Convict Boy

Jackie French AM is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator, the 2014–2015 Australian Children's Laureate and the 2015 Senior Australian of the Year. In 2016 Jackie became a Member of the Order of Australia for her contribution to children's literature and her advocacy for youth literacy. She is regarded as one of Australia's most popular children's authors and writes across all genres – from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much-loved historical fiction for a variety of age groups. ‘A book can change a child's life. A book can change the world' was the primary philosophy behind Jackie's two-year term as Laureate.

William Zappa’s award-winning career spans over 50 years, during which he has worked extensively in theatre, television and film. His work includes many book recordings and readings for ABC Radio and Bolinda audio for whom he recorded many of the Ranger’s Apprentice novels by John Flanagan. His most recent work includes his nine hour adaptation of The Iliad for the 2019 Sydney Festival The Iliad – Out Loud.