WRITERS’ EXPERIENCE

STUDENTS from high schools around the Townsville diocese embraced a Young Writers’ Workshop presented by professionals in the lead- up to this year’s NAIDOC Week.

Run by the Townsville Catholic Education Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Unit, students were nominated to participate in the two- day workshop held at Townsville’s Mercure Inn.

The workshop was hosted by special guests Dr Anita Heiss and Joe Williams.

Dr Heiss is a prolific author and Wiradjuri Warrior and facilitated the young women’s workshop on the topic: ‘ How do we honour the women that have come before us and ourselves through our writing?”

Former NRL player, author and musician Williams facilitated the young men’s workshop on “the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in our communities”.

The selected students attended an informal dinner and yarning circle to meet with the guest authors, then participated in a day of exploration and writing, hosted by the workshop’s special guests and Townsville Catholic Education Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Unit staff.

Townsville Catholic Education indigenous education adviser Carmen Franks- Weier said he was very excited to present the workshop.

“This was a great opportunity for our indigenous students all across the Townsville diocese,” he said.

“We had students come from all over, including Mount Isa.”

Mr Franks- Weier said the workshop was developed as part of the 2018 NAIDOC Week theme “because of her we can”, which had a strong focus on the importance of women in the community.