Hunter Writers Centre Inc. is a not-for-profit, incorporated organisation
devoted to engaging, educating and employing aspiring and established writers of the Hunter region of New South Wales.
Our Board
Megan Buxton
President
Megan taught secondary English for thirty years in the Hunter and worked as a tutor in the School of Education at the University of Newcastle. She values the Hunter Writers Centre's strong contribution to the cultural life of the Hunter region.
Dael Allison
Secretary
Dael has a Masters Degree in Creative Arts from UTS and is currently undertaking a Doctorate in Creative Writing at the University of Newcastle. Her research focus is on literature of the Newcastle region. Dael has three volumes of poetry published and works as an editor.
Julie Loveridge
Treasurer
Julie is an experienced leader in operations and logistics with strong project management and IT skills. She has a Bachelor of Mathematics/Computer Science, and a Masters of Business Administration. Julie is an avid reader and musician with a strong interest in all forms of creative arts.
Michelle Howland
Vice President
Michelle is a teacher with over thirty years of experience in the public and private sectors. She has worked in Australia and abroad in a variety of educational capacities. She comes with a combination of team leadership, mentoring experience and excellent interpersonal skills. Michelle also volunteers with the Smith Family and is an avid reader.
Adrienne Lindsay
Adrienne studied art history and creative writing at McGill University and the University of Sydney, respectively. She is a published writer of academic essays and feature articles. She has worked as a Contributing Editor for a literary journal and her strong research and strategic planning skills have contributed to several of Australia’s largest philanthropic donations.
Jennifer Sharp
Jennifer has a Master of Education and has worked as a literacy coach in Australia and New Zealand. She has worked as a proof reader and is the founder and CEO of Daisy Lane Publishing. She has authored two children’s picture books and a romance novelette. Jennifer has strong leadership and interpersonal skills, thriving on watching children and adults grow through mentoring.
1 vacancy on board – do you wish to join? email info@hunterwriterscentre.org
Our Staff
Karen Crofts
Director
Karen holds a Masters degree in Creative Writing from the University of Newcastle. She facilitates writing courses and offers 1:1 mentoring. She is passionate about connecting the Arts with important social issues of the Hunter: homelessness, disability, grief and loss.
Cara Nightingale
Members' Co-ordinator and Project Officer
Cara comes from a marketing background. She holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in marketing and management from the University of Newcastle. She is also an avid photographer. Send Cara any suggestions or questions about your membership.
Nigel George
HWC Publishing and Business Writing Coach
Nigel George is an entrepreneur, author and educator. Nigel has a Masters degree in Management and a Graduate Degree in Business Administration, specialising in marketing and eCommerce, both from the University of Newcastle. He specialises in business communication and helping authors master the publishing and marketing side of their writing.
Christine Bramble
History Festival Co-ordinator
Christine has been a teacher of History, a museum education officer and a cultural planner. Christine is our grants writer and History Festival Co-ordinator in partnership with Lake Macquarie Libraries.
David Graham
Youth Projects Officer
David is a poet and performer. He has recently been published in 'Artemis' and 'The Line Newcastle' and in the '2016 Newcastle Short Story Award'. He has performed poetry in Canberra, Sydney, Maitland and is the founder of Word Hurl Anti-Slam a regular poetry event in Newcastle. He is a past co-director of the National Young Writers' Festival.
Justine Potter
Strategic Advisor
Justine has over twenty years experience in the arts and cultural sector in Australia and abroad and has contributed to the business development and advocacy initiatives of institutions such as Tate in London and the Art Gallery of NSW.
Helen Blackney and Sue Polson
Volunteers
Helen (L) prepares our workshops, operates our bookshop and researches writerly articles for our members. Her background is in banking and customer service.
Sue (R) assists with administration at HWC. She holds an Associate Diploma of Business (Microcomputer Systems) with Distinction. She has worked in the banking and the TAFE system. Sue values the benefits that writing can bring and says writing is 'good for the soul'.
Hunter Writers Centre adopts the Aboriginal Arts and Cultural Protocols and the NSW Aboriginal Arts and Cultural Strategy
Hunter Writers Centre is proudly supported by
