Wingecarribee Women Writers
Wingecarribee Women Writers
News & events
a successful poets walk
On Saturday October 5, we launched The Poets Walk featuring Grace Perry in the gardens of Harpers Mansion in Berrima. We are delighted to report that a wonderful day was had enjoying Grace's poetry and the scenic gardens at Harpers mansion.
Grace Perry published several volumes of poetry during her lifetime. Many contain beautiful descriptions of the flowers, plants, animals, birds and the natural environment in and around Berrima.
The Walk took form as a series of plaques depicting poetry extracts aligning with the different plants, flowers, trees and areas of the garden. We also shared live poetry readings and were delighted that relatives of Grace Perry were able to join us on the day.
We were able to rekindle interest in the work of Grace Perry and encourage visitors to stroll through the gardens to read and reflect on her work in a beautiful setting. The Walk will continue throughout the October weekends. We hope to see you there!
The Poets Walk
The Wingecarribee Women Writers are thrilled to announce our upcoming project for 2024.
The Poets Walk at Harpers Mansion, featuring the works of Grace Perry 1927-1987. This event will take place in October 2024, with more details coming soon.
"In the middle of the Second World War, Australian critics raved about a schoolgirl poet’s ‘pure lyrical note’. One reviewer forecast a career as outstanding in poetry as Melba’s had been in music. ‘A genius,’ said another. As an adult, she became a medical doctor, published a further eight books of poetry, took part in theatrical readings, organised literary festivals, founded a highly regarded small press and edited a magazine."
Charlotte is unveiled
On Saturday, December 9th 2023 we celebrated the unveiling of our beloved Charlotte Atkinson Statue. In the heritage village of Berrima.
The bronze statue of Australia’s first published children’s author was accepted on behalf of the Southern Highlands community by Council Administrator Viv May.
Around 300 community members attended the event at Marketplace Park. The Charlotte state was unveiled by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of New South Wales.
“We are thrilled that residents and visitors will now be able to share in the story of a remarkable piece of our local history by enjoying this beautiful statue of a true pioneering spirit and inspiration to women everywhere.”
Lynn Watson, Committee Chair.
The Charlotte Project attracted the interest of local women from all walks of life who joined in the journey to bring this project to life.
The Wingecarribee Women Writers are sincerely grateful for all who contributed to making the Charlotte statue a reality.
Unveiling Of Charlotte
YOU ARE INVITED!
A statue of Charlotte Atkinson, who is Australia’s First Children’s Author, Trailblazer in the fight for women’s legal rights and champion for the education of girls. Is to be unveiled by her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC Governor of New South Wales
10.30 am
9 December 2023
Berrima Market Place Park
Join us for tea and cake afterwards
11.30 am
A children's show about Charlotte Atkinson
will be performed by Piccolo Ponies
Created by local sculptor Julie Haseler Reilly, this statue was made possible by the generosity of the Southern Highlands community.
SCHOOL SHOWS
Charlotte's Story is being told at local primary schools in the Southern Highlands in an effort to share her story with the younger members of our community.
Erin Reedie is a committee member and owner of the children's entertainment company, Piccolo Ponies. She has devised a 45 min one-woman (and one-pony show). Re-telling the story of Australia's first children's author in a fun, imaginative and inspiring manner.
This show is aligned with the current NSW curriculum.
Plans have been fast-tracked to erect three new statues of prominent Sydney women in the CBD.
Sydney City Council last night voted to expedite delivery of the statues, after concerns the city's monuments are mostly dedicated to men.
Julie spoke about her work on the Charlotte Project and the female gaze used to create her art.
NINE NEWS
A joyful day was spent unveiling the plaques of Charlotte Atkinson, Louisa Atkinson, Jane Emily Atkinson and James Atkinson. The local community and descendants of Charlotte gathered at All Saints Church in Sutton Forrest to unveil the plaques and enjoy an afternoon tea celebrating that Charlotte and her family are no longer lying in unmarked graves.
Charlotte Atkinson was the very first children’s book writer in Australia and the first woman in Australia to win a court battle for legal custody of her children. She was a pioneer for women’s rights and education. Her daughter Louisa went on to be a writer herself.
Thank you to all who contributed to this appeal. The Wingecarribbee Women Writers appreciates your support.
unveiling of the plaques.
Southern Highlands Arts Trail
The progress of the Charlotte Atkinson statue was showcased in this year's Southern Highlands Arts Trail. The Arts Trail showcases Southern Highlands' creativity. Where locals can visit the artists at their own studios, and see where they create their work.
Julie has only a few more days of refinement and then the statue will be sent off to the foundry for the next stage in its creation.
Southern Highlands Writer's Festival
A successful event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Stella Prize, The launch of The Charlotte Appeal and the 100th anniversary of the Country Women’s Association of NSW. Participants enjoyed hearing the words of award-winning panellists including Professor Clare Wright, Dr Kate Forsyth, Belinda Murrell, Paula McLean, Jaclyn Booton and Tracey Spicer. Set at Fairground Follies (Bowral's famous antique mechanical museum) we concluded with a celebratory party with canapés and a glass of bubbles. A wonderful event that successfully introduced Charlotte Atkinson to the local community.
