Riverina Writing House launched in Leeton

Last Saturday night the collective held a gala opening night for Leeton's new publishing house and centre for writers and writing - the Riverina Writing House.

Located next door to the Hungry Fox cafe in Kurrajong Avenue, the Riverina Writing House's launch had a lively crowd attend, enjoying music by Mostly Blues.

There was also tours of the new writing house on the night as participants basked in the balmy summer evening air at outside tables.

Sarah Tiffen is the creator of the new venture, saying a highlight of the night was the launch of two brand new original works of poetry by Leeton Writers Collective members, Ben Smith and Christie Talbot.

"Ben's Words for the Vision Impaired, and Christie's Caloro-Riverina Landscapes are the very first books from the Riverina Writing House stable and were received with great fanfare and warmth in front of a room full of dignitaries, family and friends," Ms Tiffen said.

"The poets shared poems from their books and friends and students made speeches in their honour.

"Congratulations to these two writers who are now written into history as foundation poets of the writing house. Thank you to mayor Emeritus Paul Maytom who also spoke."

Ms Tiffen said the night was also a watershed moment for the Leeton Writers Collective, nearly one year to the day since it launched its first collection of writings in December 2020. "Now with our own premises and, a publishing house to make books by local writers, there's a lot of activity on the horizon," she said.

"The centre will be used for writers' meetings, workshops, events, readings, discussion groups, a quiet and inspiring place to sit and reflect and write, and a space to build collaborative projects with other arts and cultural groups, like our art and history societies.

"We are excited also to announce we have secured our first foundation patron, with Vango Mining confirming last week they share our vision and wish to support our journey and work with us into the future.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"We look forward to building our relationship with our Hungry Fox neighbours, with various writing, food and music events planned in the new year, as we turn Kurrajong Avenue into a food and cultural precinct.

"Keep an eye out for a program of events and workshops in coming weeks."

The Leeton Young People's Writers Group will also be up and running soon.

"We are hoping to have a big night of readings and music in the writing centre before Christmas," Ms Tiffen said.

For more information contact Ms Tiffen on 0404 348 277 or via email at sarah@riverinawritinghouse.com.au.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: