ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The JNC acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, the Gadigal and Bidjigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge that these lands always were and always will be Aboriginal lands. We celebrate First Nations Peoples’ connection to the land and recognise the importance of Indigenous voices and culture. We would like to advise that there may be images or videos on this website of people who have since passed.

Book Launch

Secrets revealed!

On 6 June 2019, Junction Neighbourhood Centre staff were delighted to attend a book launch. Secrets, a short story collection by the Maroubra Creative Writers Group, was officially launched by Randwick City Councillor Philipa Veitch.  The event was held at the Lionel Bowen Library in Maroubra, and well attended by writers and other community members.

For these six local writers, this was the culmination of a Junction Neighbourhood Centre initiative, funded by Randwick Council’s Cultural and Community Grants Scheme.  Laughter and tears were shared at this moving event; the collection was a triumph for the amateur writers, who flourished under Lewis’s expert guidance. She described the stories as “filled with drama, danger, racy dialogue, the absurd.”

 

On the same page

This is the 5th publication produced by creative writers with The JNC’s assistance.  The creative writing group was started by community member Gayatri Bhatt in 2012, at The JNC’s former Randwick centre. The group now operates at The JNC’s Maroubra centre.

This year’s publication was created under a new format. To determine what the local writers wanted to explore in their writing, and how they wanted to do so, The JNC facilitated a consultation process.  Lewis provided guidance, and a structured program was developed in response to the writers’ request. From October 2018 the writers embraced the program enthusiastically. They met weekly over six months, growing in confidence.

 

The Maroubra Creative Writers said:

“I loved the course, great friendly environment, creative group, amazing stories, great experience, interesting and I love the new challenge.”

“Helped me with my writing. Everyone was very friendly and supportive. Having weekly sessions helped spur me on.”

“I loved using my brain every week and the company was great. Berwyn is a great teacher.”

 

Dedication

Secrets is dedicated to Peter McDonough, a former member of the Maroubra Creative Writers Group. We were delighted to welcome his nephew, Matt McDonough, to the book launch.

 

Congratulations to the writers, and thank you to Randwick City Council for your support.

 

Josh Tierney, Neighbourhood Engagement Team Leader, Junction Neighbourhood Centre

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