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We can’t do this alone.
But together we CAN make change happen.

  • WestWords Daffodil Cottage Residency

    We are thrilled to announce a brand-new initiative — the WestWords Daffodil Cottage Artist Residencies, situated in Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains. First-round applications open now.

  • WestWords Academy

    Applications are now open for places in the 2021 WestWords Academy! Closes 5th March.

  • Painted rainbow flyer with image of ripped paper, on the ripped paper is written LGBTQIA+ Writers' Group, Starts Wenesday 17th February 2021, Meets Fortnightly @ 6:30pm=8pm, Location: Parramatta Library, Parramatta, Zoom link available, For more info contact: admin@westwords.com.au

    LGBTQIA+ Writers’ Group

    WestWords’ LGBTQIA+ writers’ group Parramatta starts 17 February at 6:30 PM

  • After School Creative Writing

    Enrolments Now Open for 2021. Still on Zoom! A chance for your kids to learn from the professionals! A Creative Kids Eligible program!

  • Eating Our Words @ Parralanes

    For Parralanes 2020 WestWords was commissioned to present a series of stories and poems about food. Enjoy three courses of delectable words from Aishah Ali, James Roy, Christina Donoghue and projection artist and animator Junee Lee

  • We won in WSABE 2020!

    WestWords has won the Commonwealth Bank Excellence in Arts & Culture award!

  • Announcing the 2020 Western Sydney Emerging Writers’ Fellowships

    We are excited to announce the 2020 WestWords Copyright Agency Western Sydney Emerging Writer Fellows are…

  • Tasty As!

    For five sessions over three weeks award-winning writer James Roy worked with the Year 6 students at Bidwill Public School in the Mt Druitt area to assist them telling their stories – because kids love stories. We all do!

  • smile ‘cross the oceans

    Celebrating the culmination of the first year of our African Australian Literature Development Program comes an anthology of their stories, insights and experiences.

  • Vice Regal Patronage for WestWords

    WestWords is thrilled to announce the joint Vice Regal Patronage by The Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC, Governor of New South Wales and Mr Dennis Wilson.

  • WestLit Libraries

    WestLit Libraries is a partnership between WestWords and Western Sydney Zone libraries. WHAT’S ON   Dec 2020 – Feb 2021

  • Poets’ Corner

    Poets Corner for February features Paul Heatherington. Tune in live on You Tube.

  • Finding the Edge Pieces

    From the crackling edge of Sydney’s north-west edge this publication proudly represents the dedication and creativity of The Ponds High School Creative Writers Guild.

  • lights on

    The inaugural publication from WestWords LGBTQIA+ writers’ group.

  • 2020 Mayoral Creative Writing Prize

    2020 Mayoral Creative Writing Prize The Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize 2020 was open to adults and children who live in Blacktown city. Entrants wrote a short story or poem responding to the theme of The Whole World at Home. The total prize pool was $1,600. In 2020 we received a total of 363 entries across all the […]

  • Blake Poetry Prize Winner Announcement!

    This year the Prize attracted over 480 entries from across Australia and internationally from countries including Phillipines, The Netherlands, China and the Republic of Congo. Congratulations to the eight shortlisted poets!

  • BOOKTOBER

    Booktober an overwhelming success in raising funds to help disadvantaged kids, thanks to you.

  • Where Happiness Hides

    WestWords is proud to have been apart of Dirt Lane Press’ COVID-19 response to publish Where Happiness Hides online in approx. 35 languages.

  • Inspired In_Syd Stories

    At the beginning of this year, Inner Sydney High School opened its doors to a group of excited year seven students ready to begin their adventure into high school. The founding of the IN_SYD Writers Club was an important of the development of the school. Read their work here!

  • wai chim sitting cross legged wearing shorts and a t-shirt

    WestWords YouTube Channel

    A new reading from Wai Chim from her book ‘The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling’

  • The WestWords Podcast

    Keep up to date with WestWords fortnightly news, interviews and featurettes with The WestWords Podcast.

  • Mini Master Class

    Bite-sized conversations with professional writers, poets and editors, focusing on different aspects of story and writing.

  • One Week in December

    For one week in December Cherrybrook Technical High School’s entire Year 10 cohort of some 470 students had chance to work with twelve exceptional writers. This is what they wrote.

  • Creative Kids Program

    WestWords is now a registered provider for the Creative Kids program! Claim your $100 Creative Kids voucher and enrol your kids in a new activity today!

  • Illustration of people on a lounge by Elizabeth Stewart

    A Priceless Opportunity for Illustrators

    And the winner of the WestWords Pinerolo Illustrator in Residence is…

  • 2020 Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize

    Entries have now closed. Winners will be announced at the presentation ceremony on Thursday 3 December 2020 at 6 pm to 7 pm.

  • WW-WSU Writer in Residence Program

    Congratulations to Rawah and Kavita!

  • Writing and Illustrating workshops for kids

    Join Martin Chatterton, Jodie McLeod and Eloise Short (Leonard the Lyrebird) and Erin Gough (The Flywheel, Amelia Westlake Was Never Here) for pre-recorded (and completely free) 1hr workshops, available on the WestWords YouTube channel.

  • A Thousand Words Exhibition

    Ten emerging Western Sydney writers and artists respond to some of most compelling photographic images from the rich collections of Sydney Living Museums and the State Archives in this new exhibition.

  • African Australian Literature Development Program

    The African Australian Literature Development Program is a new initiative to support, develop, share and celebrate the richness of the stories of African Australians within the multi-cultural context of Western Sydney.

  • WestWords Writing Consultations

    From what you submit to us we will select the best person for you from our bank of experienced authors, illustrators and editors to give you the guidance you need. A Creative Kids Eligible program!

  • Birds of a Feather

    On exhibition digitally at Campbelltown Library in December and ‘live’ in Hawkesbury library in February

WestWords Daffodil Cottage Residency

February 19, 2021 Written by Chris

We are thrilled to announce a brand-new initiative — the WestWords Daffodil Cottage Artist Residencies, situated in Katoomba, in the Blue Mountains. First-round applications open now.

Continue reading "WestWords Daffodil Cottage Residency"

WestWords Academy

February 12, 2021February 12, 2021 Written by Michael Campbell

Applications are now open for places in the 2021 WestWords Academy! Closes 5th March.

Continue reading "WestWords Academy"

Painted rainbow flyer with image of ripped paper, on the ripped paper is written LGBTQIA+ Writers' Group, Starts Wenesday 17th February 2021, Meets Fortnightly @ 6:30pm=8pm, Location: Parramatta Library, Parramatta, Zoom link available, For more info contact: admin@westwords.com.au

LGBTQIA+ Writers’ Group

February 28, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

WestWords’ LGBTQIA+ writers’ group Parramatta starts 17 February at 6:30 PM

Continue reading "LGBTQIA+ Writers’ Group"

After School Creative Writing

April 10, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Enrolments Now Open for 2021. Still on Zoom! A chance for your kids to learn from the professionals! A Creative Kids Eligible program!

Continue reading "After School Creative Writing"

Female Orphan School Writer-in-Residence

February 5, 2021February 12, 2021 Written by Michael Campbell

We are proud to announce Laura Greaves as the inaugural Writer-in-Residence at the Female Orphan School.

Continue reading "Female Orphan School Writer-in-Residence"

Eating Our Words @ Parralanes

December 8, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Michael Campbell

For Parralanes 2020 WestWords was commissioned to present a series of stories and poems about food. Enjoy three courses of delectable words from Aishah Ali, James Roy, Christina Donoghue and projection artist and animator Junee Lee

Continue reading "Eating Our Words @ Parralanes"

We won in WSABE 2020!

October 14, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

WestWords has won the Commonwealth Bank Excellence in Arts & Culture award!

Continue reading "We won in WSABE 2020!"

Announcing the 2020 Western Sydney Emerging Writers’ Fellowships

December 7, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

We are excited to announce the 2020 WestWords Copyright Agency Western Sydney Emerging Writer Fellows are…

Continue reading "Announcing the 2020 Western Sydney Emerging Writers’ Fellowships"

Tasty As!

December 14, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Jeremy

For five sessions over three weeks award-winning writer James Roy worked with the Year 6 students at Bidwill Public School in the Mt Druitt area to assist them telling their stories – because kids love stories. We all do!

Continue reading "Tasty As!"

smile ‘cross the oceans

December 14, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Jeremy

Celebrating the culmination of the first year of our African Australian Literature Development Program comes an anthology of their stories, insights and experiences.

Continue reading "smile ‘cross the oceans"

Vice Regal Patronage for WestWords

August 12, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Michael Campbell

WestWords is thrilled to announce the joint Vice Regal Patronage by The Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC, Governor of New South Wales and Mr Dennis Wilson.

Continue reading "Vice Regal Patronage for WestWords"

WestLit Libraries

February 17, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

WestLit Libraries is a partnership between WestWords and Western Sydney Zone libraries. WHAT’S ON   Dec 2020 – Feb 2021

Continue reading "WestLit Libraries"

Poets’ Corner

April 9, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Poets Corner for February features Paul Heatherington. Tune in live on You Tube.

Continue reading "Poets’ Corner"

Finding the Edge Pieces

November 30, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Jeremy

From the crackling edge of Sydney’s north-west edge this publication proudly represents the dedication and creativity of The Ponds High School Creative Writers Guild.

Continue reading "Finding the Edge Pieces"

lights on

December 14, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Jeremy

The inaugural publication from WestWords LGBTQIA+ writers’ group.

Continue reading "lights on"

2020 Mayoral Creative Writing Prize

December 3, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Jeremy

2020 Mayoral Creative Writing Prize The Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize 2020 was open to adults and children who live in Blacktown city. Entrants wrote a short story or poem responding to the theme of The Whole World at Home. The total prize pool was $1,600. In 2020 we received a total of 363 entries across all the […]

Continue reading "2020 Mayoral Creative Writing Prize"

Pencil drawing of the exterior of the main house at Varuna by artist and fellow Libby Hyett

Reflecting on the 2020 WestWords-Varuna Fellowships

June 12, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Reflections from WestWords-Varuna Fellows 2020

Continue reading "Reflecting on the 2020 WestWords-Varuna Fellowships"

Blake Poetry Prize Winner Announcement!

September 22, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

This year the Prize attracted over 480 entries from across Australia and internationally from countries including Phillipines, The Netherlands, China and the Republic of Congo. Congratulations to the eight shortlisted poets!

Continue reading "Blake Poetry Prize Winner Announcement!"

BOOKTOBER

October 10, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Booktober an overwhelming success in raising funds to help disadvantaged kids, thanks to you.

Continue reading "BOOKTOBER"

Where Happiness Hides

May 21, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

WestWords is proud to have been apart of Dirt Lane Press’ COVID-19 response to publish Where Happiness Hides online in approx. 35 languages.

Continue reading "Where Happiness Hides"

Inspired In_Syd Stories

September 14, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Jeremy

At the beginning of this year, Inner Sydney High School opened its doors to a group of excited year seven students ready to begin their adventure into high school. The founding of the IN_SYD Writers Club was an important of the development of the school. Read their work here!

Continue reading "Inspired In_Syd Stories"

wai chim sitting cross legged wearing shorts and a t-shirt

WestWords YouTube Channel

April 14, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

A new reading from Wai Chim from her book ‘The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling’

Continue reading "WestWords YouTube Channel"

The WestWords Podcast

February 5, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Keep up to date with WestWords fortnightly news, interviews and featurettes with The WestWords Podcast.

Continue reading "The WestWords Podcast"

Mini Master Class

March 31, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Bite-sized conversations with professional writers, poets and editors, focusing on different aspects of story and writing.

Continue reading "Mini Master Class"

One Week in December

July 27, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Michael Campbell

For one week in December Cherrybrook Technical High School’s entire Year 10 cohort of some 470 students had chance to work with twelve exceptional writers. This is what they wrote.

Continue reading "One Week in December"

Creative Kids Program

August 29, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

WestWords is now a registered provider for the Creative Kids program! Claim your $100 Creative Kids voucher and enrol your kids in a new activity today!

Continue reading "Creative Kids Program"

Illustration of people on a lounge by Elizabeth Stewart

A Priceless Opportunity for Illustrators

June 12, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

And the winner of the WestWords Pinerolo Illustrator in Residence is…

Continue reading "A Priceless Opportunity for Illustrators"

2020 Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize

June 16, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Entries have now closed. Winners will be announced at the presentation ceremony on Thursday 3 December 2020 at 6 pm to 7 pm.

Continue reading "2020 Blacktown Mayoral Creative Writing Prize"

WW-WSU Writer in Residence Program

March 13, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Congratulations to Rawah and Kavita!

Continue reading "WW-WSU Writer in Residence Program"

Writing and Illustrating workshops for kids

April 8, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Join Martin Chatterton, Jodie McLeod and Eloise Short (Leonard the Lyrebird) and Erin Gough (The Flywheel, Amelia Westlake Was Never Here) for pre-recorded (and completely free) 1hr workshops, available on the WestWords YouTube channel.

Continue reading "Writing and Illustrating workshops for kids"

COV-art: WestWords Fundraising Auction

May 29, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Michael Campbell

Our online fundraising auction of beautiful illustrated works to continue to build our children and young people’s literacy skills and provide a pathway of literary opportunity raised $10,590! Thank you to everyone who participated.

Continue reading "COV-art: WestWords Fundraising Auction"

A Thousand Words Exhibition

May 11, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Ten emerging Western Sydney writers and artists respond to some of most compelling photographic images from the rich collections of Sydney Living Museums and the State Archives in this new exhibition.

Continue reading "A Thousand Words Exhibition"

African Australian Literature Development Program

April 6, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Michael Campbell

The African Australian Literature Development Program is a new initiative to support, develop, share and celebrate the richness of the stories of African Australians within the multi-cultural context of Western Sydney.

Continue reading "African Australian Literature Development Program"

WestWords Writing Consultations

April 1, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

From what you submit to us we will select the best person for you from our bank of experienced authors, illustrators and editors to give you the guidance you need. A Creative Kids Eligible program!

Continue reading "WestWords Writing Consultations"

Blake Poetry Prize 2020

November 25, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Entries have now closed for the Blake Poetry Prize. Judging is now underway!

Continue reading "Blake Poetry Prize 2020"

What Matters?

April 7, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

What Matters? writing competition is now closed. Watch this space for winners and runner ups.

Continue reading "What Matters?"

Birds of a Feather

February 17, 2020February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

On exhibition digitally at Campbelltown Library in December and ‘live’ in Hawkesbury library in February

Continue reading "Birds of a Feather"

An Ordinary Day

December 16, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Jeremy

During Term 4, Stage 2 students and their teachers from St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith worked with writer Jodie McLeod and illustrator Eloise Short.

Continue reading "An Ordinary Day"

33 South, 150 East

December 13, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Jeremy

Over the course of three Fridays, in some of the most intense heat Katoomba has ever seen, the students of Katoomba High School worked with the fabulous Catherine Jinks, to create stories of place – places of the heart; of sadness, love, hope and joy.

Continue reading "33 South, 150 East"

Northreads Vol. 2

December 9, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Jeremy

Northreads Vol 2 is another anthology of short writings from Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School.

Continue reading "Northreads Vol. 2"

Think It Up – Write It Down

November 26, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Jeremy

During Term 3, WestWords undertook a residency with Year 4 students and their teachers from St Francis of Assisi Primary School in Glendenning. Undertaking the weekly workshops was the wonderful  Amelia McInerney.

Continue reading "Think It Up – Write It Down"

WestWords-Varuna Residency

July 1, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Congratulations to the 2019 WestWords-Varuna Emerging Wriers in Residence!

Continue reading "WestWords-Varuna Residency"

2019 Mayoral Creative Writing Prize

June 11, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by luke

Congratulations to all winners and runners up of the 2019 competition. Click here to read all the successful submissions.

Continue reading "2019 Mayoral Creative Writing Prize"

Word of Mouth

August 28, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Jeremy

Word of Mouth is the culmination of a series of writing workshops where participants from refugee backgrounds developed their stories.

Continue reading "Word of Mouth"

2019 WestWords-Pinerolo Illustrator in Residence

July 17, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

Congratulations to Christina Huynh, 2019 WestWords-Pinerolo Illustrator in Residence!

Continue reading "2019 WestWords-Pinerolo Illustrator in Residence"

Beast. Belly. Beast.

March 11, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Jeremy

Peter Maple’s BEAST.BELLY.BEAST delves inside the minds of two ex-servicemen suffering the repercussions of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Continue reading "Beast. Belly. Beast."

Postcard stories

March 20, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

In 2018 WestWords was approached by CAPAH: Citizens Action Penrith Affordable Housing to work with them so that they can write their stories…

Continue reading "Postcard stories"

Alive 90.5 FM

February 28, 2019February 12, 2021 Written by Chris

WestWords will be on Alive FM 6pm-8pm, Wednesdays fortnightly with Aparna Vats.

Continue reading "Alive 90.5 FM"

Western Sydney Writers’ Rooms

October 17, 2017February 12, 2021 Written by Michael Campbell

WestWords offers writing spaces at accessible prices at our Parramatta WestWords Centre for Writing.

Continue reading "Western Sydney Writers’ Rooms"

WestWords

Sharing the wealth of words

Help WestWords Today

Help us change lives across Western Sydney through literature development.

WestWords would like to thank:

Robyn Ewing, Arthur Philip High School Alumni of 1962 and Friday's Child (The Friday Group) for their generous donations.
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    WestWords
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    WestWords is a new arts organisation for Greater Western Sydney, emerging from the Western Sydney Young People’s Literature Development Project (also known as WestWords since 2010). Building on the achievements over the seven years of WestWords as a project-based organisation, WestWords Ltd will continue core activities with community and school groups focusing on the delivery of residencies, fellowships and workshops for young people, targeting the diversity of cultural groups that comprise Western Sydney. Furthermore, we affirm the power of literacy (written, oral and visual), self-expression and creativity to change lives and the experience of communities and seek to create and sustain an environment where the stories of the communities of western Sydney and the places they come from are celebrated. WestWords is proudly supported by ArtsNSW, Copyright Agency Limited, Crown Resorts
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