Thursday, 5 December 2024
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has called for a funding injection for the New England Writers’ Centre who face an uncertain future.
The NEWC has a 31-year history. It provides authors, illustrators and writers a place to go to be nurtured and grow their skills.
But they are now facing closure after three separate applications for funding were rejected by Create NSW.
The NEWC has one application pending and Mr Moylan has urged the NSW Government to step up and giving the long-serving institution the funding it needs to continue servicing the region.
“The New England Writers’ Centre is an important part of the art scene in the Northern Tablelands,” Mr Moylan said.
“For more than three decades they have helped writers, illustrators and authors build their careers and connect with other like-minded people from across the region.
“They aren’t asking for a lot of funding to continue their invaluable work.
“It is estimated they would only need around $20,000 in funding to secure their future.
“I have requested the NSW Government to reverse their decision on the funding for the Writers’ Centre.”
New England Writers’ Centre chair Sophie Masson said they are not-for-profit and no funding means the organisation will cease to exist.
“If this was to go, it would mean writers across the region would not have the opportunities they have now,” she said.
It would make things more inaccessible for them because they would have to travel to Sydney or elsewhere. A lot of the city courses are very, very dear.
“We have authors visiting schools, children get introduced to the love of reading, the love of stories. Some of them go on to become writers themselves.
“It is a very, very important role.”
MEDIA: Electorate Office 6772 5552
Photo caption: New England Writers’ Centre Sophie Masson chair and Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan