...so children can make books
Children's
Writing Centre
... is the reason the entire operation we refer to as 'The Lighthouse Toowoomba' even exists!
It is a space dedicated to children where they can learn skills to enhance their literacy and literature, ensuring they can then navigate their future
through story.
We provide an inspiring space to set minds on fire, with an ongoing list of challenging workshops for all ages. The workshops are free, and run throughout the school term, some in collaboration, others are designed in-house. The programs help young authors understand how books are made, while strengthening literacy, confidence, and creative expression.
For example, Term 4 2026 looks like this:
Homework Club with Village Support
A supportive space for homework help and study skills (11–17 yrs, upper
primary & secondary). Mondays, 12 October – 30 November | 3:30–5:00pm | Free
Wonderful Ways with Words
Junk journaling, collaging and all things scrapbooking for teens (12–16 yrs).
Tuesdays, 13 October – 1 December | 3:30–5:00pm | Free
Changing the Narrative (podcasting) with Adapt Mentorship
Wednesdays 10:00am-12:00pm | by referral | Free
The Lighthouse Letter Club
An intergenerational pen pal program - letter-writing, calligraphy and collage
while connecting with older adults in aged care (12–16 yrs).
Wednesdays, 14 October – 02 December | 3:30–5:00pm | Free
Science and Sorcery Club with Tim Hunter
World building and character creation for sci-fi and fantasy fans (13–17 yrs).
Thursdays, 15 October – 3 December | 5:00–6:30pm | Free
The Writing Centre’s Child Writes program guides children from their first idea through drafting, editing and illustration to publication. The resulting books and anthologies showcase children’s original stories, poems and artwork in professionally produced publications that can be shared with families, schools and the wider community, giving children something lasting and tangible: the experience of seeing their own words in print and knowing their ideas, voices and stories are worthy of being read.
Preloved books make their way to us to process and rebundle for children to take home to start their own home library. This is part of our Twinkles program, sharing books, finding volunteers as readers, and giving books to new homes.
PUBLICATIONS 2022 - 2026
Wiimali
Wiimali was created by a team of children from Harlaxton State School in 2023. 1000 copies were printed with a donation from The FKG Group. It is distributed for free to children in Toowoomba. To learn more, click below to access a full media package by David Iliffe Southern QLD ABC Radio
Maverick
In 2024, the Year 6 students at St Saviours Primary School wrote and illustrated a response to the question - how can we show children sun safety is important. The 1000 copies of the hardcover children's picture book resulting from 50plus hours of workshops was distributed for free to schools in the region.
Overcoming the Monster
What does an anthology look like that explores the same plot line, but its story is told by children of different ages. Overcoming the Monster is an anthology of ten courageous young writers exploring the many forms monsters can take - from fantastical beasts to bullying, uncertainty and personal challenges. Supported by The Courier Mail Children’s Fund, the collection celebrates imagination, honesty and the bravery required not only to write, but to be read.
Colour My World
Colour My World is a wordless, multicultural colouring-in book created in 2024 through a Queensland Government-supported, CALD youth-led project. Children from across the region contributed drawings of things they loved and ideas that connected communities—based on the premise that “a picture says a thousand words in any language.” Their drawings were converted into black-line illustrations for the book.
The project included:
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142 children’s entries developed through nine workshops
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239 children and 307 participants overall
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Youth leadership from Morgan, Yarimas, Shahzanan, Millie and graphic designer Sarah
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A gallery exhibition and 75-person launch
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Illustrations enlarged onto The Write Gallery windows for visitors to colour
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Free distribution of 1,200 copies through multicultural families, schools and community organisations
