New South Wales Writers' Centre

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The New South Wales Writers' Centre was established as an incorporated association in May 1991 to promote writing-based culture and the rights and interests of writers. 30% of the Centre's income is derived from grants provided by the Australia Council, the New South Wales Ministry for the Arts and other sources. The balance comes from membership fees, income from workshops, seminars and other literary functions, from the sale of publications and from the hire of the building.

The Centre is managed by Executive Director, Irina Dunn and staff who are responsible to a Management Committee elected every two years by the members of the Centre. There are about 3,500 members.

The Centre offers literary resources and professional information to established and aspiring writers of all kinds. It provides a spacious venue for events such as book launches, readings, literary evenings and lectures as well as meeting spaces for writers' groups and literary organisations.

The Centre presents opportunities for professional development by holding seminars, courses and workshops in all genres and aspects of writing. It has a growing library of resource material for members to peruse, including an extensive collection of Australian literary magazines.

Aims & Objectives

1. To promote writing-based culture and the rights and interests of writers.

2. To act as an information and liaison centre for writers, literary agents, publishers, writing organisations and educational institutions throughout New South Wales in pursuit of these aims.

3. To manage a centre for the promotion of writing in New South Wales by hosting readings, book launches, workshops, seminars and other related activities and to also collaborate with organisations to present activities by way of association.

4. To seek the co-operation of other writers' centres and organisations, both interstate and abroad, so as to facilitate the exchange of literary culture and activity.

5. To provide information about writing and writers to the public through the dissemination of information about services which may be provided by writers, and through the publication of a regular newsletter providing information about the centre.

6. To provide meeting spaces for writers' groups and literary organisations.

7. To provide a resource centre for writers offering a library of resource materials, as well as access to work space, training opportunities, equipment, publishing expertise and advice on professional development.

8. To encourage the promotion of books and literary magazines produced in New South Wales.

9. To engage in any business transaction or activity capable of being conducted so as to directly or indirectly benefit the centre.

10. To do all things necessary to ensure the continuing operation of the centre.

The NSW Writers' Centre occupies a restored Georgian mansion set in the grounds of Rozelle Hospital (Callan Park). The building provides a magnificent heritage venue, with wheelchair access, for formal and informal functions. The Office is open from Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm.

http://www.nswwriterscentre.org.au/