Writers Victoria, an essential part of Australia’s network of writers’ centres, has lost its funding, putting the organization’s future in jeopardy. This move could leave Victoria without a state government-funded organization for writers, despite Melbourne’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature.

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Creative Victoria has approved emergency funding for the first six months of 2026, but this amount is insufficient to meet the contractual obligations to authors, staff salaries, and rental leases, according to Writers Victoria chair Janice Gobey. In response, she has initiated a petition to the Victorian Parliament to restore funding, which has already gained around 2,000 signatures.

The importance of Writers Victoria and similar centres was articulated by Jennifer Mills, chair of the Australian Society of Authors and a Miles Franklin shortlisted author, who said they are fundamental to the literary ecosystem. Novelist Toni Jordan described Writers Victoria as “instrumental” in her achievement of a Miles Franklin longlisted debut novel, stating that the centre’s workshops helped shape her writing and connect her with her publisher.

Writers Victoria has received approximately A$150,000 annually since 2022, but the 37-year-old organization is now seeking alternative funding opportunities and partnerships. CEO Jill Brown mentioned that the organization has struggled to recover since 2020, citing the long-term effects of Melbourne's lockdowns and rising living costs as factors leading to a decline in membership—from 2,990 in 2019 to 1,833 in 2024.

In 2020, Writing NSW faced a similar funding crisis but was later restored to multi-year funding for 2026-2028, though at a decreased rate of A$100,000 annually. Meanwhile, Tasmania’s TasWriters has reported no organizational funding from the government for several years and now relies solely on volunteers.

Writers’ centres provide creative writing courses, workshops, manuscript assessments, mentorships, and advocacy for writers. They also often serve a broader purpose, including engaging with the public through events and workshops. For instance, Writers SA is actively involved in organizing a guerrilla literary festival in response to the cancellation of this year’s Adelaide Writers’ Week.

State and territory writers’ centres formed 40 years ago in response to a demand for more support for local writers. The National Writers’ Centre Network connects them while allowing each to retain unique approaches. Sophie Groom, CEO of Writing NSW, emphasized that ongoing investment in these centres is crucial for nurturing emerging writers and ensuring the future of Australian literature.

Despite financial challenges, some centres are finding new paths to sustainability. Arts Queensland recently announced an increase in funding for the Queensland Writers Centre, which has seen growing membership by adapting services like live streaming for remote participants.

However, the challenges writers’ centres face reflect broader shifts in Australian reading culture. With increasing reliance on screen-based activities and online resources, the traditional model of communal writing support is under pressure. Brown noted that the current situation emphasizes the need for a place where writers can connect, share, and find solidarity in their literary pursuits.