Writing WA

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!