The Society of Women Writers Victoria, Inc. has about 120 members around Victoria, who are practising women writers.  The main aim of SWWV is to draw together women engaged in the writing profession and to strengthen ties between women writers in Australia and overseas. SWWV seeks to do this by the regular conduct of: workshops, poetry and prose readings, seminars, conferences, book launches and literary competitions.

Our Postal Workshops have one editor and six to ten members: who send in their writing monthly. These members read each others work and note down positive comments. The comments along with some corrections are returned to the members. Groups range from 'emerging' to 'published' writers. Of the six present groups one will suit you - 'advanced or beginner - poetry, screenwriting, short story, novel, article.

On the last Friday of the month, members meet at Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, between 10.30am and 2.00pm for a general meeting, followed by lunch and a variety of activities - book launch, seminar/speaker or workshop.  Within the society there is a wealth of experience and competence in writing and publishing to be shared.

The SWWV was established in 1970.  There were also sister societies in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania.  NSW is the oldest society established in 1925.  By 1980 a federal body, The Society of Women Writers, Australia, was formed with state societies becoming branches. Each state, for two years in turn, had the responsibility of managing federal business.  By 1999, it became clear that volunteers were no longer available to carry out this considerable task.  It was agreed that the federal body be wound up, and that each branch would become an incorporated association, with similar aims and rules.  NSW had already done this in 1988.  

The main award of SWWA has been retained for the present.  This is the biennial Alice Award. 

 SWWV  contacts and inquiries :

 website:  http://home.vicnet.net.au/~swwvic

 President:  Rebecca Maxwell:  beckybrl@vicnet.net.au

 Immediate Past President:  Janet Howie:  jmhowie@bigpond.com

 Secretary:  Judy Bartosy, 73 Church Road, Carrum Vic. 3197.  Phone (03) 9772 2389 email: fjbartosy@tadaust.org.au