About GCWA

The Gold Coast Writers’ Association was first established by the founders, Ray and Mary MacLaren in 1990, when it was called ‘Writers at the Fair’. Over the years the association has provided a centre of information, instruction and advice on all matters in the craft of writing.

Monthly meetings are held to encourage and support writers and feature a speaker from the industry addressing issues including writing for pleasure, writing technique, publishing and marketing. 

If you have always wanted to write but don’t know where to start or, if you are an experienced writer wishing to mix with like-minded people, join us at our next monthly meeting. Visitors and guests are always welcome.

Workshops and events are held regularly throughout the year and members share their ideas at informal support group sessions covering most genres.

Each year the association runs a national writing competition attracting entries from writers of all ages throughout Australia.

Andrew McDermott Achievement Award Shield

At the Annual General Meeting, held in September each year, the Andrew McDermott Achievement Award Shield is presented to the member who is considered to have contributed most to the organisation during that year. The shield is displayed at the meetings of the Association.

Recipients to date are:

Maria O'Donnell
Marion Martineer
Donna Mroz Turcic

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Andy McDermott presenting the shield to Donna Mroz Turcic

Life Members

From time to time GCWA elects long term members who have provided outstanding service to the Association as Life Members. Life Members of the Association to date are:

Andrew McDermott	Terry Spring
Nonie Sinclair