Writers on the Reef 2026 residents announced

James Cook University’s Roderick Centre for Australian Literature (RCAL) has announced the recipients of its Writers on the Reef residency.

The 4 successful writers are:

• Andrea Rowe
• Dimitra Harvey
• Laura Jean McKay
• Sonia Shah.

The residency will be held from 7 to 13 September at waterfront Villa Kembali in Horseshoe Bay on Yunbenun/Magnetic Island.

RCAL head Victoria Kuttainen said the 2026 judging panel “found this a particularly competitive cohort to judge, including a mix of career stages, genres and projects, and an exceptional level of talent”.

“What stood out was how unique this residency is, and how it draws out distinctive projects that speak to the capacity of creative work to engage with global environmental challenges,” said Kuttainen.

The residency is open to Australian writers at all stages of their careers, and supports “projects exploring environmental and place-based themes, from conservation and sustainability to islands, oceans and community life, with a particular connection to Magnetic Island and its natural and cultural setting”.

Category: Local news