Society of Women Writers (Australia) (1980 - 2000)

The Society of Women Writers (Australia), was formed in 1980 with the five existing state Societies (in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania) becoming branches of this new national organisation. The Society’s main aim was to draw together women writers (including poets, journalists, playwrights, fiction and non-fiction writers) to support each other in their writing endeavours. It is also aimed to maintain the status of the writing profession, promote a knowledge of literature, and strengthen ties between Australian and visiting writers.

Australia’s first Society of Women Writers had been founded in New South Wales in 1925. During the 1960's and 1970's branches were established in all Australian states. The new national body was intended to coordinate activities across the country. It organised numerous seminars, conferences and writing competitions. In 2000 the Society was disbanded, and its branches reformed as independent, incorporated societies (the New South Wales branch having already done this in 1987).

During its existence, each state for two years in turn had the responsibility of managing federal business. By 1999, it became clear that volunteers were no longer available to carry out this considerable task. It was agreed that the federal body be wound up, and that each branch would become an independent incorporated association, with similar aims and rules.

An enormous number of books have been published under the auspices of the Society and its state bodies. Only a few of these have been listed in this database.

Affiliated

• Society of Women Writers (Australia), Canberra Magazine Branch (1984 - 1987)

  [1984 - 1987]

• Society of Women Writers New South Wales Inc (1925 - )

  [1980 - 1987]

• Society of Women Writers South Australia Inc. (1976 - )

  [1980 - 2000]

• Society of Women Writers Tasmania Inc. (1980 - )

  [1980 - 2000]

• Society of Women Writers Victoria Inc. (1970 - )

  [1980 - 2000]

• Society of Women Writers Western Australia Inc. (1977 - )

  [1980 - 2000]

• Society of Women Writers, Queensland Inc.

  [1980 - 2000]

President

• Gillan, Joy Lindrum

  [1986 - 1988]

Conference Proceedings

• Minutes of the ... biennial conference of the Society of Women Writers (Australia), The Society, Sydney, 1978-1988. [ Details... ]

Newsletters

• Woman Writer/Society of Women Writers (Aust.), The Society, Sydney, 1975-200. [ Details... ]

Reports

• Annual report / the Society of Women Writers (Australia), The Society, Sydney, 1925-. [ Details... ]
• Federal president's report / Society of Women Writers, The Society, Sydney, 1974-. [ Details... ]