CECILE SHANAHAN

Cecile is Curator of the Creative Kids children and families' program at Bendigo Writers Festival, as part of her role in Education and Engagement at Bendigo Venues & Events. She has been involved in the Festival's organisation since 2015, and has been privileged to work with many great authors and illustrators in this time.  

Cecile is also a freelance editor specialising in children's and young adult literature. She worked as a teacher for almost 20 years and has volunteered on many committees related to literacy and communication. Cecile believes that access to quality literature is a key to effective literacy development and a right that should be afforded to all.   

michelle symes

Michelle is the Gastronomy Project Officer at City of Greater Bendigo. A marketing specialist by trade, Michelle has a background in Tourism and hospitality having worked for Lake House Daylesford, both on the pans and in the marketing team. Prior to working for the city, Michelle worked with Australia’s largest food relief agency, Foodbank Victoria. 

Food in all its forms is her greatest passion. When not reading food publications and cookbooks, she’s baking up a storm. 

Learn more about Bendigo City and Region of Gastronomy.