inSITU: Darebin's Creative Writing Program

The word 'inSITU' is written in black text and is centered in the middle of a lime-green circle.

We're excited to launch inSITU - our new creative writing program, full of exciting offerings for writers in Darebin to connect, build community and grow their literary practice.

Whether you're tinkering away on your iPhone Notes app or have a published novel under your belt, our new program includes opportunities for people at all stages of their writing journey.

After extensive commnity consultation, we're bringing back Write Club, running a brand-new Workshop Series and re-imagining our print publication, dSCRIBE with a fresh new look and theme. We hope that you'll make the most of Write Club and the free workshops to work on making your submissions for dSCRIBE the best they can be.

Plus, we're inviting you to celebrate with us at our inSITU: Launch Event on Tuesday 16 April. Hear creative responses to the 2024 inSITU theme 'Desire Lines' from writers Susie Anderson, Ursula Robinson-Shaw and Panda Wong.

Delicious snacks will be provided by mynamechef, and there'll be a welcom from dSCRIBE 17 editor, Madison Pawle to celebrate submissions opening and answer any questions you might have about the publication or the 2024 Mayor's Writing Award. We'd love you join us! Register here.

Explore the inSITU program here:

  • inSITU: Launch Event
  • inSITU: Write Club
  • inSITU: Workshop Series
  • inSITU: dSCRIBE

Make sure you follow us on Instagram @darebin_arts and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date!


About our community consultation

Since our writing program wrapped in 2023, we've conducted some research and consulted with our community, speaking to local writers from all walks of life. We ran a focus group with writers in Darebin and industry professionals, asking them how Council could best support the literary community and sector. We got some incredible feedback that has informed the shape of the new program.

The illustration by Maddison Kitching was created during that conversation:

Darebin Writing Programs Focus Group_900x506px.jpg


'Contemplating my transition, and you, in the bathroom at a party' by Alice Lumsden
Darebin Mayor's Writing Award Winner (Youth aged 15-17 category)
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'Kingfishers at Merri Creek' by Meadow Rodriguez
Darebin Mayor's Writing Award Winner (Youth 12-14 category)
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'Sometimes Mountain, Sometimes Sea' by Madison Pawle
Darebin Mayors Writing Award 2023 Winner (Adult category)
Watch on YouTube

'The Landlord' by William Stanforth
Darebin Mayor's Writing Award 2023 Highly Commended (Adult category)
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'We Sing Anyway' by Nick Ling
Darebin Mayor's Writing Award 2023 Highly Commended (Adult category)
Watch on YouTube