A fledgling writers group has some big ideas for putting its small town on the arts map.
The Noorat Writers Group began about a year ago and has been holding monthly casual catch-ups to share ideas.
The group is now planning to host its first event, starting off small with plans for a bigger writers festival down the track. One of the group’s founding members, Frances Bryant, said for centuries Mount Noorat had been an Aboriginal gathering place where stories would have been shared.
“We’re building on that tradition of storytelling and sharing,” she said.
The Noorat district has also had its fair share of literary talent in the modern age, including Alan Marshall, author of I Can Jump Puddles.
The event, at the Mount Noorat Hotel on July 28, will include talks from local authors Meridith McKinnon and Anne Gleeson, who will speak about their own creative process and share words of advice. There will also be the chance to ask questions.
Ms Bryant said there were bigger plans for the future.
“It’s very exciting for us. There’s been a lot of interest in it,” she said.
“It’s a first event and we’re hoping to do more and hoping to build on it next year.”
Ms Bryant said the group had a diverse membership, with new writers welcome. “We’ve got a couple of bloggers, it’s a variety of people, not just creative writers,” she said.
The event will be held at the Mount Noorat Hotel on Saturday, July 28 from 2pm-5pm. Visit www.stickytickets.com.au/70769 for tickets.
