CREATIVE writer, poet and correspondent for News Of The Area, Jen Hetherington birthed the idea in 2023 to publish a community focused anthology of short stories through Stuarts Point and District Community Organisation (SPaDCO) and now a second anthology has been published.
Ms Hetherington saw a need for the arts to boost locals getting bogged down in depressing issues and give them a chance to shine.
“Fostering a sense of belonging to create a living memory in bookform, we are creating living history for generations to come,” Ms Hetherington told News Of The Area.
“Stories include comedy, tragedy and the sublime to the ridiculous as well as delightful stories from local kids,” she said.
Ms Hetherington, as volunteer, instigator, editor and publisher of both volumes, says there are more in the pipeline.
‘Tell Your Tale, An Anthology 2025 SPaDCO Short Story Awards’ follows on from the first anthology, ‘Getting to the Point’, which was a great success and a fund-raiser for subsequent anthologies.
Local Council members, including the Mayor, Cr Gary Lee, have been judges.
Many supporters have got on board the project, including Genevieve Lovell.
“The project gives writers the opportunity to display a hidden talent a person might be shy to demonstrate in a more open space,” Ms Lovell said.
“Poets are also given an opportunity to write and that seems to be a deep well. We are seeing poetry entries from some unlikely poets! It’s an opportunity for community to be surprised and delighted.”
There have been 16 contributors to each anthology so far. Most are local authors, or related to the area in some way.
Guarding the vision has been a challenge and, to contain it, writers are restricted to the Stuarts Point area including Eungai, Yarrahapinni, Grassy Head and Fisherman’s Reach.
“We welcome others in carrying this vision further,” Ms Hetherington said.
“Another challenge is to get permission for written histories to be recorded from the old folks who have really interesting stories to tell,” she said.
At the Sunday FunDay at Stuarts Foreshore Park on 23 August, between 9am and 2pm, copies will be on sale. The book is also available on Amazon in either printed or digital format.
By Sharon JANE
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