A note from Cath Keenan, our Executive Director and Co-founder

01 Sep 2026

Dear friends and supporters of Story Factory, 

After much reflection, and with a deep sense of gratitude, I have made the difficult decision to step down next year as Executive Director of Story Factory. 

While I am stepping away from the executive role, I’m not leaving Story Factory. I remain deeply committed to our work and will continue to serve on Story Factory’s Board.

This is a considered transition. Story Factory is stronger than ever, and this is the right time for a new leader to imagine and write the next chapter in Story Factory’s growth. We expect someone to start in the role during the first quarter of 2027. I will stay on as Executive Director until then and ensure a thorough handover. 

It is hard to express how proud I am of what the Story Factory team and community have achieved over nearly 15 years. Every day, I have been lucky enough to witness the profound transformation that occurs when a young person understands the power of their own stories. By far the greatest satisfaction of my role has been watching this happen, over and over again. The most important thing I have learnt during my tenure is that stories really do change lives.

Story Factory has always been a collective effort. From the very beginning, when Tim McGregor and I were setting it up, we were continually amazed by how many people stepped in to help: to support in a workshop or donate money or jackhammer out a ramp. The second most important thing I have learnt is that so many people are willing to give and there is immense power in this.

That collective effort has helped Story Factory grow from an idea into an organisation that reaches more than 1,000 young people every week. We have three dedicated hubs, and work each year with dozens of schools and communities across NSW and, in our digital programs, across the country.

None of this would have been possible without the strong and authentic relationships we enjoy with these schools, organisations and communities across Sydney and Australia. Thank you for your trust and collaboration. I am particularly grateful to our many First Nations partners who have taught me the true meaning of generosity and resilience. Working with you all has been an honour. 

Central to our impact are our volunteers, who have always been at the heart of our work. Today we have more than 400 people who give their time to young people week in and week out, and still regularly tell us they get more out of it than the students. I am grateful to each and every one of you.

Whether you make regular monthly donations or are one of our major philanthropic, corporate or government partners: thank you for believing in young people and the power of words, and for trusting us. You make our work possible, and I look forward to continuing to work with you as a board member.

Throughout my tenure, my greatest supports have been our incredible Board, led by Ali Green, and our extraordinary staff. Your expertise, passion, and collaborative spirit have challenged me and made me better. Your strength gives me the confidence to step away. I know Story Factory is in great hands.

Throughout this transition and beyond, Story Factory’s vision and purpose will remain the same. 

This is an exciting time at Story Factory. We recently opened our new centre in Mt Druitt, which is already flourishing, and there are many opportunities ahead. I am eager to see where a new Executive Director, working alongside our incredible team, takes Story Factory next. I am confident this new chapter will be one of even deeper impact and growth. 

I look forward to working with you all throughout this transition to ensure it is as smooth as possible. I am here to answer any questions you have.

Thank you again to everyone who has contributed to the first 15 years of Story Factory. One of the greatest privileges and joys of my life has been doing this work alongside you.

Finally, my deepest thanks go to the thousands of young people I have worked with directly or indirectly. Your strength and creativity continue to inspire me, and everyone at Story Factory. I can’t wait to see where it leads us.

Warmest wishes,

Cath

Cath and Kyla, a Story Factory alumna student. Photo by Natasha Capstick.

Celebrations at the launch of Year of Poetry and Year of the Novella 2025. Photo by Natasha Capstick.