Writing WA

Some opportunities around WA! See something you like? Click the link in bio or scan the QR code for more information.

Writing WA is delighted to share on behalf of PICA - Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, their writers-in-residence collaboration with ARTERY Magazine during this year’s 2026 Hatched: National Graduate Show.

Four early-career writers will be selected to undertake a month-long residency in a shared studio at PICA to develop new work to be published in issue #5 of ARTERY Magazine. Selected residents will be invited to respond to works from this year’s Hatched exhibition.

Follow this link for more information: https://pica.org.au/writers-in-residence-with-artery-magazine/

On the successful foundations of ‘Revive: a place for every story, a story for every place’, the Australian Commonwealth Government is developing a new National Cultural Policy. This new policy aims to address gaps, respond to emerging priorities and provide clear frameworks to support a sustainable cultural future.

Together with Books Create Australia, Writing WA urges you to have your say on what this policy means to you and the future of books, writing and reading. Books Create Australia has developed accessible resources that you can utilise to support this policy. Submissions close at 11.59 pm WST on 24 May 2026.

Useful resources, including policy advice and template wording: https://www.writingwa.org/news/the-national-cultural-policy/

Books Create Australia - advice on making a submission and supporting a National Plan for books and Reading.

Australia Reads - advice for those particularly interested in reading, literacy and reading participation.

Australian Society of Authors - advice for those particularly interested in authors, writing incomes and creators’ rights.

We encourage you to read the powerful Magabala Books statement about The University of Queensland Press cancelling the publication of a children’s picture book.

The Peppermint Grove Retreat offers WA emerging and established creators of Children’s and Young Adult books an opportunity to escape their daily lives to focus on creating.

The 2026 Winter Retreat will run between 13 and 27 JUNE. Applicants can choose to stay for 1 or 2 weeks. To apply, complete the application form and email it to [email protected] by 22 May 2026.

Follow the link to fill out the application form: https://www.writingwa.org/news/applications-for-the-peppermint-grove-retreat-are-now-open/

Writing WA is very sad to share the news that poet, Peter Jeffery OAM, passed away last Tuesday. Peter was well known within the Western Australian poetry community, particularly with his long-standing contribution to poetry. A founding member of the poetry scene in WA, Peter was aptly awarded an OAM for his services to literature and poetry. Our condolences to his family, friends, and the poetry community.

Vale Peter

Photo credit: Fremantle Herald 2020.

Resignation of Writing WA CEO, and an announcement of a Service Level Agreement with The Literature Centre.

We wish to advise that Peta Wootton has made the difficult decision to step down as CEO of Writing WA, effective 12 June 2026, following a change of circumstances. In the past 12 months, Peta has led Writing WA through an important transition period. She has helped reaffirm the organisation’s relationships in the writing sector so that it can fulfil its core responsibilities as a peak body, including coordinating advocacy efforts within WA and nationally to influence public policy and fostering collaborations that strengthen the WA writing community. The Board thanks Peta for her remarkable dedication and leadership. Please join us in wishing Peta all the best in her future endeavours.

Writing WA is in the process of applying to renew its multi-year funding arrangements with the WA Government’s Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport. The Board has decided that this is not the appropriate time to be recruiting a new CEO. Instead, we are delighted to announce that Writing WA has negotiated a Service Level Agreement with The Literature Centre, in which the CEO and staff of The Literature Centre will provide support for Writing WA in the absence of our CEO. This Service Level Agreement is, of course, greatly assisted by our shared workspace in the State Library of WA, and we thank The Literature Centre for its collaborative approach. Once we have certainty about ongoing funding, the Writing WA Board will be able to move forward with leadership arrangements that are in the best interests of the organisation and the WA writing sector.

Regards,

Per Henningsgaard
Board Chair, on behalf of the Board of Management, Writing WA

Have a story you want to share or finalising a piece over the long weekend? Raine Square's short story dispenser is open until the 15th of April! 📚✏

With Themes of Mothers Day, First Nations and Winter the opportunity is open to all.

Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of storytelling at the Author Events hosted by the City of Joondalup - Government! Discover new voices, engage with your favourite authors, and celebrate the magic of literature. Don't miss out!

Nominations are now open for Australia’s first National Poet Laureate, and we would love to see West Australian poets nominated!

Nominees must have at least 3 professionally published poetry books. Further guidelines can be found here: https://creative.gov.au/investments-opportunities/national-poet-laureate?mc_cid=25d49d7d75&mc_eid=577f85e6e4

If there is a poet whose voice you believe should be recognised on a national stage, we encourage you to put their name forward. If you need a letter of support for a nomination, Writing WA would like to help.