The Team
Storyfest is managed by a dedicated team of volunteers with a wealth of experience and bucket full of passion to ensure we deliver on our mission - harnessing the power of storytelling to inspire positive outcomes for our people, our local writers, businesses and our community.
StoryFest wouldn’t exist without the vision and hard work of founding members - including Monique Carson, Meredith Jaffé, Alison McLeod and Michelle Barraclough, who launched StoryFest in July 2018, and ran the inaugural festival in 2019. To them, we say a massive thank you.
Scroll down to learn more about our current team members!
DANNy JOHN
Danny has worked in the media and communications industries for more than four decades, 30 years of which as a journalist for the likes of The Guardian and Sydney Morning Herald and the last 14 in media relations in the financial services sector. Now calling Milton home, Danny fulfilled a long-held dream of moving to the South Coast in 2024 and much to his delight and surprise is able to indulge his literary loves and passion through the wonderful storytelling world that is StoryFest. Among those are plans for a second novel to follow a (so far unpublished) first book written a quarter of a century ago. A typical journo therefore.
President
AVRIL HENRy
Avril is a speaker, consultant, coach, facilitator, and author who has worked in the finance, technology, people and culture, change management and leadership sectors. She coaches senior leaders, ambassadors, elite sportswomen and CEOs, has authored two best selling business books, written two further books and co-authored three on leadership. She was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2024 Australia Day Honours list, for services to business consultancy, project management and advancement of women. Avril, who loves cooking up a storm in the kitchen, walking and a good book, moved to Mollymook in 2020 with her husband and two Spoodles. Working on Storyfest is a dream come true!
Vice President
MICHELLE CAIRNS
Michelle's career has spanned over 40 years, with the majority of her working life in roles as executive assistant and personal assistant to CEOs, managing directors and general managers. In previous roles she worked closely with the chair of a company board and liaised with board members on behalf of the CEO and assisting the CFO with secretariat duties. She has had a love of books since primary school, devouring many more than what was required to be read during each school term. Her interest in reading still continues these days as a member of a very lively and fun local book club.
Secretary
Kim Mcelhinney
Kim is a committee stalwart, having volunteered to continue with the Treasurer's role following the success of StoryFest 2025. After a wide and varied career in chartered accounting in Canberra - a working life that took her to accounting firms, small businesses and several roles in state and federal governments - Kim retired to Mollymook Beach. While in the national capital, Kim supported and was the treasurer of a number of not-for-profit organisations, an interest and dedication that led her to StoryFest. Since retiring, she has furthered her interest in Bridge at the Mollymook Bridge Club, of which - it is no surprise - she is the treasurer! Her nurturing nature has also seen her undertake a Certificate 111 in Horticulture.
Treasurer and Public Officer
SUE gIBBENS
Sue has always been a passionate reader and follower of all things literary. Following a career in telecommunications and vocational education, spanning roles in customer service, project management, business development, business planning and industry liaison, Sue retired and made a seachange/treechange to the South Coast in 2022. It was then that she discovered Storyfest and was delighted to have found such a vibrant community-oriented festival. After attending the 2023 and 2025 festivals, Sue volunteered to help make StoryFest 2027 happen. As well as a love of books, Sue can often be found walking her small dog Tilly at any one of the local dog friendly beaches.
Committee Member
ANNIE MILLS
After many years living in Sydney, Annie moved to the beautiful South Coast four years ago and has embraced the relaxed lifestyle where she explores the area by foot or kayak, enjoys the wonderful local food and wine, and loves making new friends. Her varied career encompasses managing quality, compliance and risk in the disability sector, university-based nursing research, a short stint running fitness centres and clinical nursing. She is committed to fostering environments that are both inclusive and accessible. A lifelong lover of stories and books, Annie volunteered at StoryFest 2023 and 2025, experiences which motivated her to be part of the committee for the 2027 festival.
Committee Member
ELISA PARRY
Elisa grew up on the South Coast and has recently returned to live in Milton with her husband and two-year-old. Having studied media and communications and creative writing, she has enjoyed a career creating content across a range of media outlets including radio networks, lifestyle, entertainment and music publications. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Elisa also has a keen interest in education and is passionate about StoryFest's school program and how it can build on its connection with the local community.
Committee Member