Melbourne’s relationship with writing has deep roots, stemming back to First Nations storytelling as a means to preserve history, lineage, culture and knowledges. Since then, many writers have challenged, considered or reflected upon life here, leading to a rich history of writers. 

In the state that boasts the most readers, it makes sense that this city is home to many accomplished and internationally recognised writers such as Helen Garner, Tony Birch, Jennifer Down, Maxine Beneba Clarke, Alice Pung, Kerry Greenwood, Christos Tsiolkas, Brian Castro and many, many others.

There are many organisations that support our thriving writing and publishing industry. One of these is Writers Victoria, the state’s largest organisation for supporting writers. Australian Publishers Association (APA) and Small Press Network (SPN) are committed to ensuring that publishing thrives, bringing writers to readers all over Victoria and beyond. 

Melbourne’s talented pool of writers is celebrated and acknowledged by many literary awards that span genre, form and style. Inaugurated in 1985 to mark the centenary of the births of Vance and Nettie Palmer (a formidable literary duo who deeply influenced Australian literature), the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards‘ suite includes the Victorian Prize for Literature. This prize is worth $100,000 and is the single most valuable literary award in this country.