The Next Chapter Residencies

Applications: ClosedProgram: Residencies
Written By Maeve Marsden

As partners in The Next Chapter program, Varuna offers the four writers a week-long residency, along with a year’s membership of the Varuna Alumni network. 

These residencies are awarded to recipients of The Wheeler Centre’s Next Chapter program, where four outstanding writers are provided with a year’s mentorship and $15,000 to develop their work.

This program aims to elevate the Australian stories that aren’t being published and to nurture a new generation of writers, from all sorts of backgrounds.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are via The Wheeler Centre’s Next Chapter program, which is focused on the stories that aren’t being told, the voices that aren’t being heard, and the ideas that need patience, care and work to introduce to the world.

Learn more

UPCOMING FELLOWSHIPS, COURSES AND EVENTS

For Writers
Whitlam Essay Residency
Whitlam Essay Residency

Applications close 10 Feb 2026

Six fellowships are available for two-week-long residencies at the Whitlam Prime Ministerial home, at 32 Albert Street Cabramatta, with a focus on essay writing. Applicants can be Western Sydney University students, staff or alumni, and/or Varuna alumni.

The Writer's Space Online Fellowship for Writers with Disability
The Writer's Space Online Fellowship for Writers with Disability

Applications close 10 Feb 2026

Six online fellowships will be offered to writers with disability and/or who are D/deaf, providing mentorship, professional development, and the opportunity for peer feedback.

From Poem to Manuscript with Felicity Plunkett
From Poem to Manuscript with Felicity Plunkett

Applications close 19 Feb 2026

Expand and nurture your practice as a poet in this 4-month program. We’ll create an encouraging and inspiring community, and support the development of original work, from single poems to sequences, and explore how to build a collection for publication.

Kickstart Your Writing Project with Ashley Hay
Kickstart Your Writing Project with Ashley Hay

Applications open in March

This six-session intensive masterclass offers the opportunity to get started on a new writing project or breathe life into a project you have abandoned or are struggling with.

Mastering Structure through Character Arcs
Mastering Structure through Character Arcs

Applications close 10 March 2026

Designed for writers of all levels, genres and narrative art forms, this 16-session masterclass with BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and author Anthony Mullins will show you how to craft an authentic and powerful narrative structure.

Manuscript Development Masterclass with Jane Messer
Manuscript Development Masterclass with Jane Messer

Applications close 9 April 2026

A deep-dive writer development program designed for writers with a manuscript substantially underway, or with a draft completed, this 5-month masterclass provides a unique opportunity to receive feedback on your manuscript and the guidance and support to take it to the next level.

Crafting Knockout Scenes
Crafting Knockout Scenes

Applications close 14 April 2026

Scenes are the building blocks of novels, plays, screenplays, short stories, and even works of creative non-fiction. This 8-week program with Brooke Robinson will sharpen your writing to create truly powerful scenes.

Write Your Novel with Sofie Laguna
Write Your Novel with Sofie Laguna

Applications close 7 May 2026

Work alongside Miles Franklin award winning novelist Sofie Laguna to breathe life into your novel, taking it out of the ‘too hard basket’ and shaping it into the story it deserves to be.

Maeve Marsden
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