HEATHER GALLAGHER
Presentations
Heather is available for school visits and writing workshops, to talk to your community group or present at your conference.
​
For testimonials see here.
​
For rates, please contact Heather here.
Schools
-
Good Shepherd writer-in-residence at Sunshine Harvester Primary School 2025
-
Ardoch writer-in-residence in disadvantaged primary schools 2018 - 2024.
-
Author Book Week visit, Northern Bay College, 2023
-
Story-time and writing prompt for Grade Ones, Ocean Grove Primary, 2021
-
Author visit for Book Week with Geelong East Primary, 2019
-
Co-author visit with Kaye Baillie, Ocean Grove Primary and Fyans Park Primary schools, 2018​
Conferences
​
-
Inaugural Sketch & Scribe children's writers festival, 2025 - panelist - Alternative pathways to publication
-
Geelong Regional Library Corporation's Local Word Festival 2024+ 2025 - Workshop Picture Book Writing 101.
-
Geelong Regional Library Corporation's Local Word Festival 2023 - Panel Chair Creating Fantastic Picture Books for Kids - listen here. (Repeated in February, 2025)
-
Geelong Regional Library Corporation's Local Word Festival 2022 - Panelist Writing for Resilience in Adults and Children - listen here.
-
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) quarterly meeting - How to get publicity for your book, 2018
-
Presented at Omega Writer’s Conference – How to write about tough issues in children’s literature, 2014 & How to get publicity for your book, 2015
Community
-
Guest speaker for Ocean Grove Rotary club and Ocean Grove View Club, 2018
-
Guest speaker for charity Cottage by the Sea annual lunch, 2018
-
Interviewed on Bay FM about Happy Pants for PND Awareness Week, 2016
-
Presented at launch of Mental Health Week in Geelong, 2016
-
Interviewed on stage at Ballarat Wellbeing Festival, 2016
-
SBS Radio interview, 2014
-
Geelong Regional Library Corporation Open Mind lecture on post-natal depression, 2014
-
Ocean Grove Library, How to get published as a children's author, 2013
Testimonials
Heather was a natural with the students, very engaging and inspiring. They enjoyed learning about her journey to becoming a writer, from a child their age to a writer of children’s books.
Lisieux Cathilic Primary School
Heather has been an essential author of the Writer in Residence program at both Ardoch and Good Shepherd. Her eagerness and dedication to working with children in disadvantaged communities are truly inspiring.
Since 2018, Heather has travelled across Victoria to deliver four-week writing workshops at selected schools. She has successfully conducted over 20 programs, helping more than 500 students across Melbourne to write and explore their creative minds.
I am extremely appreciative of Heather's continuous support for the initiative, as she tirelessly works to provide opportunities to disadvantaged communities and inspire the next generation of writers.
Carmen Duong, Programs Coordinator Good Shepherd
Heather Gallagher gave a deeply practical talk on a Sketch and Scribe Festival panel, sharing her successful journey to publication through independent publishing houses and children's magazines. Her advice on article pitching and connecting with young readers was invaluable for every aspiring writer. A truly focused, engaging, and highly informative session—this panel was a festival highlight.
Stef Gemmill - Program Director, Sketch and Scribe Festival, 2025
Heather’s input was invaluable. Heather was thorough in her preparations and worked diligently to promote the event to her networks. Thank you Heather, it was wonderful to work with you.
Geelong Regional Library Corporation Local Word Festival events team
Thank you again, the kids loved your book and the opportunity to ask you questions.
Ocean Grove Primary School
Heather, thank you so much for your contribution to today's event. You were amazing getting across your message with honesty and humour. It was perfect and you should feel very proud.