MARION Celebrates New Patrons
MARION Welcomes New Patrons Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello OAM and Craig Cormick OAM
Last week, MARION celebrated the appointment of Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello OAM and Craig Cormick OAM as Patrons at a special gathering of members and friends at Smith's Alternative.
Martiniello and Cormick become only the third and fourth people to hold the role in MARION's history, following former Patrons Rosemary Dobson AO and Marion Halligan AM. Their appointment recognises not only distinguished creative careers, but decades of contribution to writers, storytelling and literary communities.
Many of the stories shared throughout the evening were not about books or awards. They were about friendship, mentorship and the communities that sustain writers over a lifetime.
Jennifer was introduced by Marissa McDowell on behalf of Us Mob Writing Group, acknowledging her longstanding contribution to First Nations writers and literary communities. Craig was introduced through a heartfelt message from former ACT Writers Centre founding Director Anne-Maree Britton, who was unable to attend in person.
In her message, Anne-Maree recalled meeting Craig in 1994 while standing in line to become members of the newly formed ACT Writers Centre. What began as a chance encounter between two aspiring writers became a friendship spanning more than three decades. As the organisation grew, so too did their connection, through workshops, festivals, leadership roles, family milestones and countless conversations about writing and life. Reflecting on Craig's appointment as Patron, Anne-Maree described it as a "wonderful full-circle moment" in his relationship with Canberra's writing community.
The evening also included reflections from Deb Stevens, former Board member, Life Member of MARION and longtime friend of former Patron Marion Halligan. Deb shared a message from Marion's daughter-in-law, Jenny Sawer, on behalf of the Halligan family, expressing their delight at Jennifer and Craig's appointment and noting that "Marion would be so thrilled". Coming from Marion Halligan's family, the message was a touching acknowledgement of Jennifer and Craig's appointment and the significance of the Patron role within MARION's history.
Guests also enjoyed readings from Lizz Murphy and Judith Nangala Crispin, both long-time friends and colleagues of the new Patrons. Their contributions added another layer of personal reflection to the evening and highlighted the many creative and personal connections that have developed through Canberra's literary community over the years.
Speaking on the evening, Jennifer reflected on her own long association with the ACT Writers Centre and MARION, and the important role the organisation has played in supporting writers in the Canberra region. She spoke warmly about friendships formed through the writing community, recalling first meeting Craig in the early years of the Centre and reflecting on enduring connections with fellow writers, including Lizz Murphy. Jennifer also expressed her enthusiasm for continuing to support the organisation in her new role as Patron.
Craig reflected on his own long involvement with the Centre, from its earliest days through to the present. He spoke about what he sees as three broad stages in a writer's life: learning and emerging, becoming established, and eventually reaching a point where it is possible to give back to the community that helped shape you. He spoke of his pride in having reached that third stage and in being able to support other writers and contribute to the literary community that has been such an important part of his own journey.
To conclude his remarks, Craig read Charles Bukowski's poem “So You Want to Be a Writer?”, a reflection on the persistence and commitment required to sustain a creative life.
Although unable to attend in person, MARION CEO and Artistic Director Katy Mutton shared a written message that was read to guests on the evening. In it, she reflected on the appointments and noted that while both Jennifer and Craig's achievements speak for themselves, it is their generosity and commitment to others that make them such fitting Patrons.
"Both have spent decades encouraging others, making space for emerging voices, sharing what they know, and helping people recognise something of themselves through stories," she wrote.
Drawing on her own family's recent experience, she also reflected on the importance of community during difficult times and the care, generosity and connection that literary communities can offer. The sentiment resonated strongly with many of the themes that emerged throughout the evening.
As Patrons, Jennifer and Craig will serve as advocates for MARION and its community, helping support writers and champion the role of storytelling in community life.
Across the introductions, readings and reflections, a common thread emerged: the appointment of Jennifer and Craig was not simply recognition of what they have achieved as writers, but of the many ways they have supported others, built connections and contributed to a literary community that continues to thrive because of people like them.
Listen to Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello and Craig Cormick discuss their appointment as MARION Patrons with Kim Huynh on ABC Radio Canberra
All photography by Photox Photography, with thanks.
