First Nations Writers WA

With support from Spinifex Foundation and Herbert Smith Freehills, and launching in 2023, First Nations Writers WA is a program offering writing career support and publishing opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writers living in Western Australia.

Based in Boorloo/Perth on Whadjuk Noongar boodjar, the program aims to create more accessible and enjoyable opportunities for First Nations mob in WA to share their stories, how they want to, with sustainable career development outcomes.

Facilitated by Noongar authors Casey Mulder and Luisa Mitchell, First Nations Writers WA provides participants with:

• Free monthly Write Night events at Centre for Stories (Accessible via Zoom for regional participants);
• One-off writing workshops with published guest authors throughout the year in different styles and forms;
• Individual editing feedback;
• Networking opportunities with publishers, editors and fellow writers;
• Publishing opportunities online and in print in upcoming anthologies;
• Website and social media profiling;
• Opportunities to speak at festivals and events;
• And access to Centre for Stories events, networks, peer support and staff support.

Since launching in early 2023, our program has grown to 28 members. We have successfully run writing workshops with authors Ambelin Kwaymullina, Mabel Gibson, Cass Lynch, Kathryn Gledhill-Tucker, Isobel Bevis and more. We have assisted numerous emerging writers to publishing their work in Portside Review, and held one networking event featuring authors such as Kim Scott and Cindy Solonec.

In 2024 we are launching the Short But Deadly Flash Prize with Portside Review, publishing 10 short pieces of fiction or memoir by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writers. This prize was judged by Magabala Books CEO Lilly Brown and authors John Morrissey and Mabel Gibson.

To participate in this program, participants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and be based in or have strong connections to nations within Western Australia. There is no formal application process but if you are interested in learning more, please reach out to luisa@centreforstories.com or register to one of our regular Write Nights events to meet the crew.

Made possible with generous funding from the Spinifex Foundation and Herbert Smith Freehills.

Sign up to the next meeting here.