Toolkits: Poetry

A mentoring partnership between Express Media and Australian Poetry

Express Media and Australian Poetry present Toolkits: Poetry, an online course for writers aged under 30 to develop their knowledge of the forms, functions, histories and uses of poetry, combining theoretical approaches, practical exercises, and one-on-one mentorship to guide young writers through the development of new work.

Over a 12-week intensive, participants explore the histories, language and the changing face of poetry, and are challenged to engage with the art form in unique and different ways.

Toolkits is first and foremost a practical initiative and young writers are encouraged to write, workshop and edit their writing throughout the course.


Toolkits: Poetry is facilitated by Melody Paloma, critic, poet and author of In Some Ways Dingo (Rabbit). Melody facilitates the programs online sessions and workshops, providing one-on-one mentorship and individualised feedback to each young writer.

Participants also have the chance to learn from some of Australia’s best poets, past guest artists featuring in Toolkits: Live have included Omar Musa, Benjamin Laird, Bella Li and Evelyn Araluen. 

Toolkits was a really great opportunity and I feel really happy to have been able to partake in the very first class ever of Toolkits. I hope it continues to go a long way and helps new and emerging writers blossom.” – Toolkits: Poetry participant, 2016

“Toolkits was a fantastic way to connect with and learn from poets around Australia. The program really widened and challenged my reading, and inspired me to go back to uni to study poetics (preferably forever). I’ve just started my MFA at QUT. But my fave outcome has been the lasting friendships made through the workshops. You haven’t seen the last of the 2016 Toolkittens!” – Toolkits: Poetry participant, 2016

Applications to Toolkits are open to all young writers, including high school students, regardless of level of written experience. Young people living in outer-metropolitan, regional and remote areas of Australia are encouraged to apply. Applications to Toolkits: Poetry are free for subscribers, but please note that you must take out a joint subscription to Australian Poetry and Express media in order to apply. If you’re not already a member, you can sign up for our Australian Poetry & Express Media joint subscription for $30 here

Express Media and Australian Poetry are committed to access, so if you would like to sign up and are experiencing financial hardship, please contact us via info@expressmedia.org.au to be awarded one of our sponsored memberships. The only other things you’ll need are motivation and internet connection, so don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to refine your craft and be mentored by some of Australia’s best literary talent.

Applications are now closed, but stay tuned for 2018 application dates early next year. In the meantime, make sure you check out recordings from Toolkits: Live.