When it was founded in 1928, the Fellowship of Australian Writers (FAW) counted legends such as Henry Lawson, Dame Mary Gilmore, Miles Franklin and many others among its members.
Now, 91 years later, a legend from Campbelltown, Trevar Langlands, is flying the flag high for FAW.
Langlands, who presents an arts show every Wednesday morning on the Macarthur community radio station [100.3FM], has just been elected NSW State president of FAW.
This will be his 21st year in the position, a remarkable achievement, even if it does include a lapse of one year.
“I am proud to follow in the footsteps of such illustrious Australians and hope I do their early efforts justice,’’ he says.
“I love the talented people I meet and I try to visit various branches when I can,’’ says Mr Langlands of his role as FAW president.
“I also do many book launches which gives me contact with a number of our members launching their first book.
“I also use quite a lot of members work on the radio show,’’ he said.
FAW was started to help put some of the spotlight on Australian at a time most of the emphasis was on American and British authors.
The FAW operates Australia wide, with each state having their own committee, however NSW is the head office and original site of the organisation.
“We have about 500-600 members in NSW alone, many of them well published authors, and many aspiring authors,’’ says Mr Langlands.
“We offer free ISBN numbers for members’ books and a manuscript assessment service.
“Membership is open to anyone with a love for writing.
“Our Magazine Writers Voice is published quarterly and carries news and photographs of our branches, as well as competitions you can enter, workshops and details of all our branches in NSW.
“We also run writing competitions each year including The Hilarie Lindsay Young Writers Poetry competition for school children and The Walter Stone award for life writing carrying prizemoney of $500.
“The Jean Stone award for poetry offers $1,500 in prizemoney,’’ he said.
FAW have been selected by the NSW Government Department of Ageing to produce their last two books of Senior Stories, a book of stories contributed by writers having a NSW Seniors Card.
“This year we have 600 entries, with 100 to be selected for inclusion in the book,’’ says Mr Langlands.
The book is launched at NSW Parliament House Macquarie Street Sydney.
“Our aim is to foster the growth of Australian writing and expand the Fellowship across the state,’’ he says.
“Regular meetings are held, workshops and tutorials. Visitors are most welcome to attend meetings and sample before they become a financial member.
To find out more visit FAW online at www.fawnsw.org.au
