Shane McCarthy is a freelance writer whose work has been published internationally by the likes of DC Comics, Marvel Comics and more. Shane began his career in 2004 by writing DETECTIVE COMICS (starring Batman) making him the first Australian to write Batman for DC Comics since the character’s creation in 1939. Since then he has written for BATMAN LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT, more DETECTIVE COMICS, STAR WARS, DEADPOOL TEAM UP and TRANSFORMERS: ALL HAIL MEGATRON to name a few. During all of this Shane was also fortunate enough to have an international dance career spanning two decades as a dancer, performer, teacher and choreographer. Amongst other things Shane is currently working on an exciting graphic novel series for younger readers due out in the not too distant future! Shane presently resides in Perth, Western Australia with his wife and two gorgeous cats!

Hajnalka Molloy is a nationally certified Highly Accomplished Teacher and one of Australia’s leading voices in school library advocacy, with over 25 years of experience working across primary and secondary education in South Australia. Her work combines deep classroom expertise with strategic leadership at state and national levels to strengthen the visibility, value, and impact of school libraries in improving literacy, information literacy, wellbeing, and equity. As President of the School Library Association of South Australia (SLASA), Hajnalka has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing advocacy strategies that influence policy, inform decision-makers, and build public understanding of the importance of dual-qualified Teacher Librarians. She has led initiatives such as the School Libraries in South Australia Census with the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). Nationally, Hajnalka has spent more than a decade contributing to the Students Need School Libraries campaign, advocating for the essential role of qualified library staff in every Australian school, and is one of the founding members of the Australian Coalition of School Libraries, when it began as FAIR: School Libraries in 2015. Known for her evidence-informed, practical, and collaborative approach, Her work continues to inspire and equip others to champion the message that every student deserves access to a thriving, well-staffed school library.