Students in La Trobe University’s ‘Writers in Action’ subject will engage with the festival as writers, critics, journalists, publicists, researchers and bloggers – all while completing an accredited university subject. This year the subject has attracted a record 35 students from 5 of La Trobe’s campuses. There are 19 taking part from the local Mildura Campus, 12 from the Melbourne Campus, 3 from Bendigo and 1 from Shepparton. The subject runs from 13 July – 17 July.
Two students have had such positive experiences from the subject, they have elected to complete it again as a reading subject. Hannah Jenkins is from Melbourne and is studying a Bachelor of Arts (Creative and Professional Writing). Hannah says the subject exceeded her expectations last year.
‘I grew up in Cobram/Barooga in rural Victoria. I think Mildura has definitely cottoned on to the value of arts. The community enthusiasm and commitment is an irrepressible thread that weaves through all facets of the township – you can feet it.’ Hannah says.
Jude Parsons, also a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Professional and Creative Writing) student completed the Writers in Action subject at the Bendigo Writers Festival last year.
‘I loved the exposure to so many writers over the course of the festival last year. Writers festivals provide audiences with a real smorgasbord of literary food. Mildura is a smaller festival, so I am expecting it to feel less frenetic and to have a more intimate atmosphere between speakers and audience. I am looking forward to being able to attend every session, and to enjoy a more leisurely pace than the larger festivals allow,’ Jude says.
Senior lecturer at La Trobe University, Dr Sue Gillett, says the subject offers a unique learning environment that facilitates genuine practical outcomes.
“We have had many students benefit enormously from completing this subject,” she said.
“Because they network with experienced authors, media personalities and other major players in the writing world, it opens up a plethora of opportunities for them,” Ms Gillett said.
Media enquiries
Ashlee Ryan, Community Engagement Coordinator
T 03 5051 4069 E a.ryan2@latrobe.edu.au
