Copyright Agency First Nations Fellowships
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers are invited to apply for a week-long writers residency at Varuna in 2026, connecting with other First Nations writers, and benefiting from mentorship, and the sharing of skills and knowledge.
Applications close: 5pm (AEDT) 10 March 2026
Residency dates: 7 - 14 September 2026
Places: Six writers will be selected.
Who should apply: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers working in any genre, at any career stage.
FAQs: Please read the FAQs before you apply.
ABOUT THIS FELLOWSHIP
Six fellowships will be awarded to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writers for a one-week residency at Varuna the National Writers’ House, from 7 - 14 September 2026.
This fellowship program is open to First Nations writers of all genres, including fiction, narrative non-fiction, poetry, children's books, graphic novels, dramatic/screenwriting, writing for radio, translation, young adult, essays or short fiction. Submissions in language are welcomed.
The fellowship includes:
A one-week residency at Varuna, including all food and a prepared evening meal, with uninterrupted time to write in your own private studio, and the companionship of your fellow writers
Travel costs reimbursed between your home and Katoomba
A one-on-one conversation with a First Nations mentor, and group reading sessions, in a culturally safe space
For more information about staying at Varuna, visit our Residencies page.
Varuna would like to acknowledge the Copyright Agency and the ongoing support they have offered this program over the years.
HOW TO APPLY
Fellowships will be awarded based primarily on the merit of your writing. Selectors will also consider the potential role of your work in maintaining culture, such as educating the community regarding Indigenous issues, providing an authentic voice in Australian writing, maintaining language, or recording community stories.
You will need to complete an online application form with questions about your experience and practice. You will be asked to upload:
For most genres, between 5000 - 10,000 words from the beginning of your manuscript
For poetry, a selection of up to 10 poems
For plays and screenplays, a sample of 10 pages, or more if it doesn’t exceed 10,000 words
For graphic novels, a sample of 10 pages
For children’s picture books, up to 10 pages, or you may send us a full manuscript.
Fellowships are awarded by a First Nations selection panel each year.
TESTIMONIALS
“Every time those train doors open and I step out onto Gundungurra Country, I feel welcomed and home. Varuna has gifted me the privilege of focus, freedom, and genuine friendship with other writers. I am always so productive. The day I received the offer to publish my debut novel there were three other First Nations’ writers/artists in attendance. I flew downstairs and had the joy of sharing that moment with them, which was so fitting as so much of the novel was written there.”
“I wanted to mandaang guwu (thank you) for the amazing time I had at Varuna, having the privilege of connecting to such an amazing group of mob writers. I knew it would be something that would affect my heart and spirit. It did. It provided a beautiful safe space to connect to mob, to beautiful Dharug Land, to write, learn and stretch myself. ”
“Varuna was a life-changing experience. I left having made lifelong friendships and felt thoroughly nurtured as an emerging writer.”
UPCOMING COURSES, FELLOWSHIPS AND EVENTS
