Leeton author Sarah Tiffen is a writer in residence at the Historic Hydro Motor Inn

That is no longer something Leeton writer and poet Sarah Tiffen has to dream about, she's living it.

Ms Tiffen has taken up the post of a writer-in-residence at the Hydro over the last month or so, with the support of a Leeton Shire Council Community Strengthening Grant and building owner Anthony Boots.

During the residency Ms Tiffen is completing a number of creative works, including her fifth volume of poetry, establishing a brand new local writers' workshop, and building the foundations for the writers' residency program to be a permanent fixture into the future.

This is all part of the broader vision for Leeton as a growing arts and cultural hub.

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"Growing up in Leeton, there were always so many opportunities to be part of cultural activities - the eisteddfod, the Musical and Dramatic Society, the Town Band, the Scottish Pipe Band, wonderful dance schools, our art society, all our schools so active with choirs and drama and music," Ms Tiffen said.

"It helped shape my career as a writer, including writing speeches for some notorious politicians over the years.

"With so many exciting new arts and cultural projects currently underway in our town ... it seemed the right time for a writers' residency project.

"The Hydro is the perfect venue."

Like all activities at the moment, COVID-19 has had an impact, with Ms Tiffen needing to think on her feet as a result.

"Part-way in, COVID-19 changed everything," she said.

"But we realised the project could continue, and the writers' workshop idea could be adapted to the changing circumstances.

"Especially when times are tough, participating in arts and cultural activities can be a huge boost for mental health, and there's no doubt we are now living through one of the toughest times the world has faced for a long time.

"So, it's one small comfort that our new writers' workshop is up and running, through email, and that people are finding it's helping them deal with the upside-down world we're in, and giving them an outlet to tell their stories."

Ms Tiffen encourages anyone who is curious about writing or has a passion for the written word to join the group.

She said there's no expectations.

"You just respond to set writing tasks in your own time and receive mentoring and feedback," Ms Tiffen said.

"When things go back to normal it's planned the workshops will be run in person at the Hydro, over coffee or even champagne.

"Leeton has shown its true colours during this crisis.

"There are so many people in our town doing so much for others - from frontline health workers to community groups, schools and teachers, council, farmers, the business chamber, everyone.

"We're very lucky, I can't think of a better place to be right now, and it's a real privilege to have this chance to make a very small contribution to the effort with this project.

"I want to make sure it grows in the coming months and years to bring wider community benefits once the crisis is over."

If you have questions about the project or you are interested in joining the workshop, email sarah.tiffen93@gmail.com.

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