ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 6pm Thursday 7 April 2022

Emma Batchelor | Endorse by Jennifer Bird 

For most of my life, my creative practice has been based in contemporary dance. However, for the past five years it has shifted into writing: moving from short form, non-fiction pieces through short fiction to longer narrative form. My first novel, Now that I see you, a piece of autofiction published by Allen & Unwin in May 2021 was the winner of the Australian/Vogel literary award. Through my current practice I seek to explore complex ideas in an accessible way, to work collaboratively and in conversation with other artists, and to give shape to both my interiority as well as the world around me. I have a professional background in the not for profit sector with experience in financial management, community engagement and operations. As chair I will draw on both my professional and creative experience to support the organisation as it enters its next phase. I will represent the ACT Writer’s values and will model inclusivity, sound governance, and ambitious practice.

Kirsty McIver | Endorse by Russell Wilson 

From the moment we pick up a pen and mark the page with words or type a paragraph: we are writers. Writing is so much more than being a novelist. The term ‘writer’ has a hierarchy. Novel, play, TV script at the top and daily musings, diary writing, or annual report drafting is seen as a lesser art form. I would like to change this. There are literally thousands of public servants in the ACT that write all day. It may not be award-winning prose, but it is serious writing. My experience as a journalist, aid communicator, media advisor and writing consultant will bring a different perspective, I hope, to the term ’writer’.

I also sit on the following boards:

Board Member: 

• NCAT – Guardianship Tribunal 2020- present

• NSW Carers’ Advisory Council 2017 – present (5-year tenure)

• Winifred West Schools (Frensham) 2019 - present (5-year tenure)

Samantha Faulkner | Endorse by Lisa Fuller 

I am a writer and member of ACT Writers Centre for many years. I am a peer reviewer for Australia Council for the Arts and ACT Arts. I am interested in one of the General Board Director positions and bring my knowledge, expertise and skills with me. My vision for the ACT Writers Centre is that it actively supports its members to fulfil their full potential as writers and contribute to the Arts ecology on Ngunnawal Country. I will achieve this vision through advocating for our members interests, connecting and collaborating with one another, and developing, creating and celebrating our work.

I hold the current board positions: 

• Treasurer, Us Mob Writing Group

• Treasurer, First Nations Australia Writers Network

• Member, ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Network

• Member, ACT Government Ministers Creative Council

Katarina Pearson | Endorse by Chris Hammer

Having worked and being involved with the literary community in the ACT for over 30 years, I feel my understanding of the industry is a strong point - making me eligible for the renewal of my position on the board of the ACT Writers Centre. 

With an insight into various aspects of the Literary industry & continually changing circumstances brought on by the challenges of the last few years, I feel my contribution to the board of the ACT Writers Centre would be of benefit to the organisation. My objective is assisting the further development of the Centre and its visions, offering guidance and continues support for all strategic concerns and contributing to the overall professionalism that the ACTWC offers to all its members and the literary community by valuing the Art of writing for all those involved in a proficient, understanding and inclusive manner. 

I thank the ACTWC for giving me the opportunity to be involved as a member of the board for the previous 2 years and the consideration of future involvement. 

Deborah Stevens | Endorse by Irma Gold

After spending over 30 working in the Aust book trade I have a range of knowledge, contacts and experience to assist the administration of ACTW.

I developed a commitment to bring authors, booksellers and readers together and in retirement continue to pursue this passion. 

I’m an advocate for Australian writing and publishing across a huge range of genres but it’s Canberra region writers who I particularly want to see supported and amplified. The writing world is constantly evolving and I embrace change. I'm excited with new directions and can also bring to ACTW relevant background and history.

Alex Sloan AM | Endorse by Karen Viggers

I would like to renominate for the board of the ACT Writers.

I have been Deputy Chair of the board for the past two years, working directly with Meg Wilson Chief Executive Officer of ACT Writers and Sophie Mannix recent past chair of the Board.

I am a journalist with over 30 years’ experience, including 27 years as a broadcaster for the ABC.  This work includes interviews and reviews of fiction and non-fiction of both Australian and non-Australian books.

I am a regular interviewer for the ANU Meet The Author series and have been part of this for over a decade. I am also a member of selection panel for The Australia’s Institute Writer In Residence program which receives hundreds of entries from established and emerging writers.

I have also been a regular interviewer at The Canberra Writers’ Festival. I have a track record of supporting and promoting local Canberra writers and feel it’s an essential part of our community and cultural life. 

I am the Deputy Chair for the Australia Institute and a Director at the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. 

Voting procedure

Voting will occur online. The Secretary will call for votes, and a link will be provided with information about each nominee. Please select one candidate as your first preference, then another as second preference, and so forth. These votes will be tallied, and a record will be kept.

ZOOM
How to access the online ACT Writers Centre AGM

All current ACT Writers members who confirm attendance will receive an email before the day of the AGM containing details on how to log in to the Zoom meeting on 4 April. If you have not received this by 5 April please ensure your membership is current and check your email spam filters. If you are unable to find the details please contact operations@actwriters.org before COB on 5 April.

AGM Meeting Agenda

1. Welcome and apologies

2. Minutes of the 2020 AGM
   2021 Reports
   -       Directors Report
   -       Chair’s Report
   -       Treasurer’s Report

3. Appointment of auditor for 2022

4. Election of new board members

5. Any other business

Attending and voting at the AGM

Please email your RSVP to ceo@actwriters.org with the subject line Attending AGM by Monday 5 April 5pm.

Members will be asked to vote for the 5 Board Director positions that will be declared vacant at the AGM. Additionally, office-bearing positions for nomination will include: 

• Chair

• Deputy Chair

• Treasurer

• General Board Directors x 2

Connect with other writers in our community and have your say on who runs the leading organisation for writing-based culture in the ACT. We hope to see you there!

If you are a current member of ACT Writers and have not received your Zoom Meeting ID and Password please CONTACT us as soon as possible with your return contact details and we will be in touch to confirm membership and provide you with access details. If you need to renew membership or wish to join you can sign up HERE and we’ll send you the 2022 AGM confirmation email. 

We strongly encourage you to familiarise yourself with Zoom prior to AGM.