NT

So who will sing mothers song this song

is ancient as the land itself.

Maureen O’Keefe, Walpiri poet

When it comes to gaining an understanding of the eclectic culture of poetry and poets in the Northern Territory, The Northern Territory Writers’ Centre (NTWC) is the place to begin. The centre supports the writing culture of both Darwin and Alice Springs, in creative and innovative ways, whilst also initiating projects across the rest of the Northern Territory. They run a festival each year to promote, stimulate and showcase established and upcoming writers, bringing together some of the best in the local and national literary scene: alternating between the Eye of the Storm Festival in Alice Springs and WordStorm in Darwin. Visiting writers and locals alike enjoy an intense long weekend of consciousness shifting conversation and extraordinary creativity.

Writers groups connected with the Northern Territory Writers’ Centre are:

POW – Palmerston’s Own Writers. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Member for Brennan’s Community Room, Palmerston Shopping Centre at 5.30pm. For more information contact Sandra Parker on T: 0427 451949 or E: sandra@parkershouse.net

You Write Mate? Malak Writers’ Group. Come along for a night of fun, creativity and getting words down on paper. Monthly meetings. Find us on Facebook

KROW – Katherine Region of Writers. Meetings are held at the Katherine Public Library Tea Room, 10am to 12noon every second Saturday of the month. For further details, please contact krowmembers@gmail.com

Darwin: Poetry and Coffee Mornings. Meet some fellow poetry lovers to share your favourite works, or some work of your own. It’s held the third Thursday of every month at Eat at Martins, 6 Caryota Court, Coconut Grove, 10am – 11am. Just turn up and enjoy a coffee or lassi in poetic company!

Visit The Northern Territory Writers’ Centre for more information on how to get involved with any of these writing groups.

The NTWC has also runs residencies for esteemed writers to broaden their work and deepen their practise. Beginning in 2014 in conjunction with the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, The Residency is available to NTWC Members only. The chosen writer is sponsored by the Writers’ Centre, and is involved in a reciprocal exchange for the support, including giving workshops and public readings.

Darwin is also host to the The Darwin Poetry Cup, which requires each registered poet to perform original material in 60 seconds. The Darwin Poetry Cup celebrated their 20th birthday in 2014.

If you believe we’ve missed something important in your state or territory, feel free to let us know at communications@australianpoetry.org.