"Gayelene Carbis brings to her teaching experience, skill and knowledge. She balances the formal demands of a class with an informal and good-humoured approach, always conducting proceedings fairly and equitably, and always guaranteeing a smooth and stimulating time. Her feedback is quick, well-judged, incisive and helpful, always promoting the best a piece of work can be, and always responding to its merits with insight. She encourages a participatory spirit from each member of the class, and never excludes anyone from voicing their views, being as she is sensitive to the individual predilections and style of each person involved. Inclusive and inspirational, Gayelene conducts herself with professionalism, generosity and diligence. It was both a privilege and an instructive pleasure to have her as our tutor. We were all in awe and appreciation of her extraordinary generosity and encouragement" – Lucy Wilks

 

"Gayelene provided each of us with a comprehensive view of our work that was presented for workshopping. Her professional suggestions provided valuable advice. Her classes are well organized and run like clockwork. Each person’s requests were taken into consideration. Gayelene gave her upmost attention to fulfilling these. Other material such as opportunities, handouts etc that Gayelene provided outside of class time were much appreciated" – Kim Smith

 

"While it was terrific to meet face to face, Gayelene continued to lead us on Zoom in a constructive and cooperative way. She ensured everyone got a fair go, kept to time and feedback was in keeping with the guidelines. Gayelene provided us with work and advised us of opportunities each week, over and above what I expected. Gayelene is a wonderful, professional and passionate leader and we were lucky to have her" – Breda Hertaeg

Gayelene Carbis is an award-winning writer of poetry, prose, plays and short film. Her second book of poetry, I Have Decided to Remain Vertical (Puncher and Wattmann) was recently awarded Finalist, International Best Book Awards 2024 (U.S.); and in 2023, Finalist, Best Book Awards, U.S., and Finalist, Poetry Book Awards 2023, U.K.

Gayelene’s poetry, short stories, memoir, plays and short films have won numerous awards and been published widely in Australia and overseas. Gayelene has taught Creative Writing for many years and she also works as a mentor and manuscript assessor. She is currently working on a collection of stories/auto-fiction/memoir and a new book of poetry.

Darelle Spencerley – Forthcoming publications: 
Poem in Brushstrokes Anthology (WA) Poem in Sparx Anthology 9
Special Mention – Poem in Ada Cambridge Poetry Award 2024 

Margaret Young – Short story “Home” in Pure Slush Anthology

Ana Constantinou – Poem Longlisted for Liquid Amber Poetry Prize 2024

Poem published in Ars Poetica -  “Autistic Big Girl Gifted”

Awarded NYC BIG BOOK AWARD 2024  – DISTINGUISHED FAVOURITE in the Category of Poetry, for my poetry book – I Have Decided to Remain Vertical

2024 DISTINGUISHED FAVORITES:  https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/2024df

Second book of poetry, I Have Decided to Remain Vertical (Puncher & Wattmann) awarded Finalist, International Best Book Award 2024 (U.S.). 

Second Prize, Liquid Amber Poetry Prize 2024. (Two poems longlisted)

Poems to be published in: The Poetry of Change: Liquid Amber Poetry Anthology 2024; andPoetry d’Amour Anthology 2024; and Antipodes 36.2.

Judge (current), Woorilla Poetry Prize – Youth Section; Judge, Ada Cambridge Poetry Prize 2024.

Poems published in ‘The Power of the Feminine I: Poems from the Feminine Perspective, Vol 1, and Vol 2, ThreshPress Midwest (U.S.), 2024. 

‘Nonno,’ short film, Story by Gayelene Carbis, Co-written by Zev Howley and Gayelene Carbis, Narrated by Gayelene Carbis; Directed by Zev Howley. Finalist, Humro Cinema Film Fest 2024, Nepal.

Featured Reader at: Poetic Express; Williamstown Literary Festival; Chamber Poets 100thAnniversary.