About Us

The Northern Rivers Writers' Centre provides resources, information and literary activities for writers and readers. The Centre offers a year-round program of workshops, seminars and events as well as the annual Byron Bay Writers' Festival, held in Byron Bay on the first weekend of August each year.

As a regional Writers' Centre we are responsible for promoting Australian literature and enhancing the skills of writers and readers in the NSW Northern Rivers and beyond. The region we cover stretches from Taree to Tweed Heads and west to Kyogle, however many of our Members live far beyond this region and enjoy being part of the virtual community of writers. The Writers' Centre is a non-profit, incorporated organisation receiving core funding from Arts NSW.

We are Member-based with a membership of more than 700 individuals and organisations. Membership is open to readers, writers and supporters with Members able to access information about writing, writing groups, publishing, workshops and industry-related events through our auspices. A regular Member magazine is produced every two months and is posted to Members keeping them informed of our activities and relevant information, including a calendar of literary events, competitions and industry opportunities.  For information on membership, please click here.

A major project for the Northern Rivers Writers' Centre is the annual Byron Bay Writers' Festival. This is now a major literary event in Australia with a seven day program and an audience of 45,000 including more than 2000 school students.

The Centre is an active and vital arts organisation within the community. It endeavours to assess and address the needs of its Members and the wider community and in so doing provides a much needed resource in skill development, artistic opportunity and awareness of the Australian and regional literary scene.