Thanks to the support of the Grace Marion Wilson Trust, the Victorian Writers’ Centre is pleased to announce the second year of its writing competition.
Closing date: 14 June 2010
The competition is open to Victorian residents, with entries sought in two categories: short story and creative non-fiction.
Entries will be independently judged by established writers (tba).
Prizes in each category are 1st $750, 2nd $250, plus three additional shortlist prizes of a one-year VWC membership. Winning entries will also be published in a special edition of Victorian Writer (anticipated October–November 2010).
Works should be 2000–3000 words. Entry is free but an official entry form is required. Winners in our previous competition (1st and 2nd prize) are not eligible to re-enter.
The regional winners were announced on 11 March. For the South East Asia and Pacific region, the winner for Best Book is The Adventures of Vela by Albert Wendt (Samoa), and the winner for Best First Book is Siddon Rock by Glenda Guest (Australia). These books now go through to the final stage with the other six regional winners from Africa, the Caribbean and Canada, and South Asia and Europe.
The overall winners will be announced on 12 April.
Chair of the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, Justice Nicholas Hasluck, said “Taking just four of the eight books, we have a searing indictment from Nigeria of societies that reward corruption; an exhilarating tale from Samoa chronicling the life of a goddess of war; from a British, Delhi-based writer, an innovative novel of a blind 100-year old Bulgarian; and the story of a refugee family struggling to make their way in rural Canada. I am honoured to be involved in bringing the cultural insights of these stories to a truly international audience and enriching the fabric of the literary world.”
After eight years as CEO/Director of the Victorian Writers’ Centre, Joel Becker will be leaving at the end of April to join the Australian Booksellers Association as its CEO.
“I leave the VWC with a sense of pride about how the organisation has developed during the last eight years,” he says.
“I have seen the VWC through a dramatic series of changes and growth, moving from the rustic surrounds of a pre-renovated Meat Market to the CBD, first in the Nicholas Building, and now as part of the Wheeler Centre: Books Writing and Ideas.
“There are significant challenges lying ahead for the sector, but I am confident that I am leaving the VWC at a stage and time when a new CEO/Director will build upon past achievements and take the VWC even further.”
For the full letter from Joel, see his last ‘Dear Members’ column in the May–June issue of Victorian Writer.
The Victorian Writers’ Centre is seeking a new Director/CEO. Reporting to a Committee of Management, you will be responsible for working with the Committee and staff to develop and implement the creative and strategic direction for the organisation, employment and management of staff, ensuring its ongoing financial sustainability, liaising with the membership, government and philanthropic funding bodies and other key stakeholders. This position requires a senior arts manager with great communication skills and a strong knowledge of the sector. Situated in the new Wheeler Centre, the VWC is a key organisation within the literary hub of Melbourne, a UNESCO City of Literature.
For specific application details download the letter from the Chairperson.
Download the position description.
Closing Date for Applications: Thursday 6 May, 2010
For further information: info@vwc.org.au
Download the 2008 VWC Annual Report.
Download the 2009 VWC Annual Report.
The VWC has received funding from Arts Victoria and the Australia Council to support regional writing activities in 2010. Funding is available for organisational members of the VWC to support a range of writing activities, such as workshops, readings, seminars and festivals.
The centre is named after Melbourne-based Lonely Planet founders Tony and Maureen Wheeler.
Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said that the Wheeler's story is a "spectacular publishing success story ... unquestionably, a story of books, writing and ideas." She added, "I can think of no more appropriate name for this exciting new institution."
The official opening of The Wheeler Centre will be in February 2010. The first Wheeler Centre event will be a Gala Night of Storytelling on the anniversary of the Federal Government's apology to the Stolen Generations. To be held on 13 February at the Melbourne Town Hall, the evening provides a night of celebration and reflection with guests including Chloe Hooper, Paul Kelly, Cate Kennedy, John Safran, Tara June Winch and Alexis Wright.
From Monday 9 November, manuscript assessments may take longer than our usual 4–6 weeks, due to running into the holiday period over Christmas and New Year.
We will keep you updated about our closing dates over this period.
