Northern Sydney

For further details contact Debra Tidball at debra.j.tidball@bigpond.com

From the original intention of connecting teacher-librarians and authors, Northern Sydney has grown and established itself as a wonderfully passionate and dedicated group bringing kids and books together.

With so many generous and talented creators of children’s books in the group, and the many great events run during the year, the group is a great way to catch up, share ideas and meet other like-minded authors, illustrators and enthusiasts of children’s books.

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Our Office Bearers

Our Committee Members

Jessica Brown, Kristin Darell, Sheena Garg, Jan Latta, Marian McGuinness, Belinda Murrell, Jean Saxby, Ruth-Mary Smith, Zena Shapter

Upcoming Events

VIVID VOICE with ZENA SHAPTER

In this hands-on writing workshop, Zena Shapter focuses on making your writing vivid, engaging, and full of meaning.

Ensure your readers get pulled into the world of your story, then don’t let them out!
Discover why describing an exciting scene sometimes isn’t enough to engage readers.
Practice tools to find your writing voice. Whether the world you’re creating is set on today’s Earth or tomorrow’s universe, Zena will share with you the secrets of writing prose that comes alive as you read it and transports you in time and place.

Want your writing to stand out from the rest? Want to develop or polish your writing voice? Zena will show you how to use everything you’ve got to make your writing unique and original.

DATE: Wednesday 23rd September 2026
TIME: 6-7pm
PLACE: online only
Booking details to follow.

Travelling Suitcase Project

Several years ago, the CBCA Northern Sydney committee started its ‘Travelling Suitcase’ project, which enabled schools in NSW to borrow suitcases filled with books, teaching notes, props, activities, posters and a host of other memorabilia from some of Australia’s leading authors including Belinda Murrell, Kate Forsyth, Jan Latta and Louise Park.

Unfortunately, during COVID, the suitcases were grounded and have not yet been back in circulation. However, in the intervening period, Gina, an amazing teacher librarian in Sydney has taken the idea and expanded it Australia-wide to become the author BACKPACK PROJECT. Find out more.

Previous Events