Oral Storytelling
Storytelling is the oldest oral art. Many years ago, when the only form of communication was by word of mouth, stories were the only means of gaining information and spreading news. Stories taught us who we were, where we came from, and how we should relate to each other.
Storytelling encompasses a vast heritage of lore, myths, epic tales, folk tales, travellers tales; tales of the creation of the world, tales of its destruction; sagas of gods and men; all the great traditional legends from around the world. It includes personal stories and yarns. These stories are not learned by rote or read from books but retold by the tellers, making each interpretation unique. Storytelling is more than just performance or entertainment; storytelling can also educate, heal, lead to better practice in business, and inspire and change lives.
Who we are
Australian Storytellers is brand name of the Australian Storytelling Guild (NSW) Inc, an open organisation which welcomes anyone with an interest in oral storytelling, whether teller, listener, beginner or professional.
Since 1994 we have been active in bringing like minded people together to enjoy, discuss and practice the art of storytelling. The organisation was founded in March 1994 and incorporated on 4 July 1996 with these objectives:
to promote the craft and skills of storytelling
to offer opportunities for members
to offer workshops and coaching in all areas of storytelling
to provide a venue where local and visiting storytellers can share skills
to provide storytelling resources for members
to offer a pathway to accreditation for members.
Officers & Contacts
PUBlic officer
Liz Locksley
+61 439 690207
Liz@thrivestory.life
committee members
Christine Greenough
- Accreditation Officer
Judy Mitchell
- Hospitality Co-ordinator
Susan Ida Boucaud
- Newsletter
Zanette Burr
- Regional areas liaison
President/Conference Convenor
Christine Carlton
+61 415 430 485
storyaus@gmail.com
Vice President
Leanne Logan
+61 487 600 119
storytellingatyourservice@gmail.com
SECRETARY
Devi Palanisamy
devi.palanisamy@gmail.com
Treasurer/membership
Michael Patterson
+61 432 678 114
enquiry@bamboozleandcompany.com.au
Australian Storytelling Guild, NSW: Patrons
Kate Forsyth 2012- Present
Kate Forsyth wrote her first novel aged seven & has now sold more than a million books worldwide. Kate understands the power of storytelling and became an accredited storyteller with the Australian Storytelling Guild, NSW in 2014.
Kate continues to delight audiences and readers with her delightful storytelling skills, whether it be an oral retelling of a fairy tale or another best selling novel.
Helen Reddy 2007-2020
Helen was an Australian-American singer, songwriter, author, actress, and activist. During the 1970s, Reddy enjoyed international success, especially in the United States, where she placed 15 singles on the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. 1974, at the inaugural American Music Awards, she won the award for Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist.
Her gift for storytelling was showcased in her song lyrics as well as at the many Guild storytelling events that she attended and shared stories.
Helen will be best remembered for her iconic song “I Am Woman Hear Me Roar” which has been the anthem for the Women’s Movement around the globe.
Bryce Courtney 1994-2012
Bryce Courtney was a South African-Australian advertising director and novelist. He is one of Australia's best-selling authors, notable for his book The Power of One. His ability to spin a yarn whether written or oral is legendary.
In every interview or article he did, Bryce would stress that above all, he was a storyteller. Though Bryce could not physically attend our functions, he was always interested in our progress and was willing to talk with us.
Bryce was Patron of the Guild until his death in 2012. He will be remembered as a great storyteller and a man with a big heart.
The Australian Lyrebird
The lyrebird is the official emblem of the Australian Storytelling Guild, NSW. The lyrebird is distinctly Australian and was chosen because of its many voices. Lyrebirds can mimic the calls of other birds in the bush as well as mimicking any sounds in its environment such as, chainsaws, cameras, mobil phones, and car alarms. The male lyrebird also has a gorgeous tail which resembles a lyre, such as an ancient bard might have played.
Below is a wonderful story Edith’s Lyrebird, told by Jackie Kerin.