SCHWF Association Board 2026
President
Leanne Dodd combines creative leadership, business expertise and community commitment in her role. Her professional background spans financial and strategic management roles in IT, publishing, and film and television. As co-owner of two bookshops including Rosetta Books in Maleny, she is a dedicated supporter of authors and arts culture. Leanne holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a PhD in Creative Writing, lectured at Central Queensland University in writing and literature, has served on the Queensland Writers Centre and local community boards, and is an award-listed writer.
Secretary
Sharon Thrupp brings leadership, cultural insight and business expertise to her role, having operated an ethical, community-minded tourism business in India for many years. She has volunteered as an English teacher in Nepal and offers strong not-for-profit governance skills, supported by a Bachelor of Commerce (Public Policy & Law in Administration), a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration and Management, and a Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language. She is passionate about writing, community, cultural learning, and meaningful engagement.
Treasurer
John Newstead brings strong community focus, financial expertise, and a genuine passion for local engagement to his role. As the Local Branch Manager of Queensland Country Bank in Maleny—an organisation committed to investing in regional communities—John holds a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management, along with additional qualifications in insurance, accounting, and finance, giving him a solid foundation in strategic and responsible decision-making. John has previously served on a sporting club committee and values collaborative, community-driven leadership.
Board Members
Viki Blaik had a varied career in healthcare and office management. Since retirement, she has pursued her passion for writing and travel, publishing short stories with the Beerwah Writers Group and poetry in Prism magazine, and writing adult fiction. Volunteer community roles have included President of the Peachester Garden Club, Glasshousing 55, a project to support homeless women over 55, and she is an active member of the Peachester Rural Fire Brigade.
Kathryn Yorkston is a long-term resident of Maleny and brings a lifelong passion for storytelling and community. A recently retired English teacher, Kath spent more than forty years inspiring high school students across the Sunshine Coast and Queensland, sharing her belief in the power of stories to transport and transform. Her career has given her extensive experience in organising people and events, along with a steady, collaborative leadership style.
Bill Crozier is a British-born doctor and author, dividing his time between Maleny and Brisbane. Author of Beyond the Snow Leopard (Black Ink, 2024), a non-fiction exploration of Himalayan landscapes inspired by twentieth-century writers, he has appeared on author panels nationally and internationally. He is eager to contribute to the growth and development of the hinterland’s vibrant literary community.
Gabriel Curmi is a young Aboriginal Australian and a passionate advocate for books and learning. Currently studying a Bachelor of Law, he has long nurtured a love of literature, with a personal collection spanning classics and diverse genres. Gabriel, a local who is actively engaged in the Maleny community, has gained hands-on experience in the book industry through nearly two years as a casual bookseller at Rosetta Books.
Jane Hyde has experience in teaching, bookstores, libraries and policy and planning within the NSW Government. After graduating from Arts at UQ, her debut novel was published and released as a film. She later completed a grad dip and joined a non-profit. For 15 years she facilitated a Sydney readers’ group and has loved leading conversations with authors at the first two Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festivals.
Roxanne Rawlins is a qualified journalist who has built a dynamic career as a ghostwriter, author, workshop facilitator, mentor and “old-school” print journalist, writing for newspapers, magazines and e-zines nationwide. A finalist and winner of multiple awards—including the 2023 Sunshine Coast Business Awards Creative Industries Award—Roxanne is dedicated to helping writers find clarity and confidence and helping to elevate the festival’s profile.