Geelong Writers relies entirely on the hard work of volunteers. To extend support to writers, encourage new members, and develop more programs and workshops we really need your help.

Please note that volunteers need to be members of Geelong Writers or must be willing to become a member.

 

COMMITTEE OFFICE BEARERS, ORDINARY MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS

COMMITTEE 2025-26

The following members were elected for 2025-2026:

President: Guenter Sahr
Secretary: Adam Stone
Treasurer: David Ball
Members: Claudia Collins, Jean Pearce, Sue Gourlay, Serena Parker, Martin Smith

Cameron O’Brien volunteered to assist with the Secretary’s duties/functions

The numbers elected to this committee represents an unprecedented result and augurs well for a thriving year ahead, especially with the addition of the committed volunteers to assist with a range of projects, events and special interest writing groups.

ROLES

PRESIDENT – Guenter Sahr

Responsible for Committee of Management’s direction and co-ordination of activities. Duties include chairing meetings, representing Geelong Writers at public events and as the official spokesperson when required, and overseeing the development of policies and plans to achieve our goals.

SECRETARY – Adam Stone

Responsibilities include correspondence, CAV reporting, meeting minutes & agendas, memberships.

TREASURER – David Ball

Responsibilities include receiving all monies and paying accounts, maintaining financial records, preparing an annual budget, leading fundraising initiatives and grant applications.

PUBLICATIONS – Martin Smith

Responsible for cover design, layout and pre-print production. Publications include Eclectic Words (General Anthology), AnoMaly Street (poetry), competition shortlists and chapbooks.

MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS – Martin Smith

Responsibilities include website, social media and monthly newsletter.

COMPETITION COORDINATORS – See editors below for each competition

Responsibilities include managing and documenting entries, coordinating pre-judging and judging, communicating with entrants, organising prizes.

EVENTS TEAM – Vacant (several vacancies)

Responsibilities include planning social events, workshops and presentations, liaising with facilitators and managing bookings.

NaXOs (ANOMALY STREET in 2025)

2025: Peter Brown, Deborah Lucas, Guenter Sahr, Phoebe Hancox
2026: Jean Pearce and Sue Gourlay

GENERAL ANTHOLOGY

2025: Adam Stone, Mel King, Kerstin Lindros, Claudia Collins
2026: Editor (TBA), Selection & Sub-editing Team (several vacancies)

GEELONG WRITERS FINEST 500 COMPETITION*

2025: Guenter Sahr, Kerstin Lindros, Mel King, Judy Rankin (Judge)
2026: Editor (TBA), Pre-judging Panel (several vacancies), Judge: (TBA)

GEELONG WRITERS FUNNIEST 500 COMPETITION*

2026: Colin Urquhart, Hilary Guest, Sharon Smith, Martin Smith (Judge)

GEELONG WRITERS PRIZE*

2025: Guenter Sahr, Kerstin Lindros, Judy Rankin, Claudia Collins, Dr Liz Monument (Judge) (https://www.lizmonument.com/)
2026: Editor (TBA), Pre-judging Panel (several vacancies), Judge: (TBA)

GEELONG SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL

2025: Paul Bucci (Coordinator)
2026: Paul Bucci (Coordinator)

*Every year we welcome expressions of interest from members who wish to be involved in assessing or judging, and who will not be submitting an entry to one or other of these competitions.

We are also seeking:

  • Marketing assistance in specific areas (e.g. schools, businesses, organisations)
  • Proofreading and editorial assistance (induction training provided)
  • Workshop facilitators—Opportunity for collaboration between content developers and delivery (support provided)
  • Submission writing assistance for grant applications.

If you have other skills or ideas that you can offer, or if you feel you can offer support in an ongoing way or with one-off assistance, please contact us at:

volunteering@geelongwriters.org.au

Please put ‘Volunteer’ in the subject line.*

We are open to suggestions and welcome your support.