The tiny town of Ballan is 80 ks west of Melbourne - a straight run on the M8. For several years now Ballan has celebrated National Literacy and Numeracy Day by creating a town of stories.On both sides of the main street, in front of the shops and in the park, storytellers mix it up with local traders and others who are willing to don a costume, read a story or in the case of the Vic storytellers, spin a yarn like the oral storytellers of old.
Three Vic tellers were spotted on the Trail, Anne E Stewart, Graham Davey and Jackie Kerin but not all were caught on camera.
We did however capture Graham looking impressive in shimmering blue velvet.
At the end of the morning, mingling on the lawns in the smoke of the sausage sizzle, was a bizarre collection of characters. It was a bit like being caught in a fractured fairy tale!
The locals pitched in with their support. Amanda from Peaceful Retreat Nails and Beauty, had prepared a basket of books, looked stunning in pink tulle and read until she froze. With the support of the local Op Shop she was able to give away some beautiful picture books to the delight of the young story browsers.
Here she is standing next to Jackie's Kamishibai.
The Literacy Trail is funded by a State Government program called Best Start. Moorabool Shire is one of many Best Start partners.
