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Welcome to my website...
Phillip Island Festival of Stories
What a fantastic weekend! Congrats to the volunteer committee
and all of the other volunteers and contributors
Thanks to all speakers, interviewers, spruikers and MCs
And thanks to Bass Coast Shire Berninneit staff
for a seamless operation.
Ibis Writers was there with books to sale, including mine!
Bring on Phillip Island Festival of Stories 2027 to
see off next winter and welcome in spring !
My Home Page is a source of information
for Bass Coast writers and writing events, and forthcoming opportunities for writers.
Feel free to contact me via email: cdgrayden@gmail.com with any news or events you would like shared here!
Meanwhile, scroll down to see the latest offerings...
My new book!
On Location at Phillip Island
Three 20th century films pivotal to the Australian film industry
Are you a film buff like me? Do you have a particular interest in films pre-CGI?
Back in 2022 I decided to write a book about films made in part or in whole on Milawul Phillip Island...
Sometimes it takes a long time to start a writing project, and a very long time to finish it. But I finally found time and space to finish this book, which I'm keen now to distribute to the generous people who spent lots of time sharing their experiences and knowledge with me as I researched the films. I'll also be producing some to sell print on demand.
The three films I discovered most fit my thesis of the landscape as character were On the Beach (1959) - two days of filming at the Phillip Island race track - The Hands of Cormack Joyce (1972) and Summerfield (1977). While only a small book of about 40 pages, this book is jam-packed with interviews of people who were on location, facts about the films and how they tied in to the development of the Australian film industry, and my own analysis of the themes of each film.
Please contact me if you're interested in buying a copy. $15 per copy + postage.
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I have a number of free history books available for download on the websites of Phillip Island & District Historical Society and Phillip Island Conservation Society. See the Books and Sales page for details.
Also, over the last few years I have compiled over 30 cost-free, drug-free, DIY anxiety-lowering strategies. Of course this is not medical advice. It's strategies I and many of my associates have used - so they're tried and tested. Although I've not had time to turn this into a 'proper' book, I am happy to send you a free pdf copy if you think you or someone you know may benefit. You can contact me via email: cdgrayden@gmail.com
Coming up! AUGUST 26! Wild Words poetry night
in the Violet Room at Whalebone Hotel Wonthaggi, Victoria
"Wild Words Poetry and spoken word" returns, now at Whalebone Hotel Wonthaggi. Pass the word around and enjoy the unexpected. https://www.facebook.com/share/1KDDrfNPw9/
Our local independent bookstore stocks a wide range of books, including some with books with a local flavor, and by local authors!
Turn the Page Bookshop, 40a Thompson Avenue, Cowes
https://turnthepagebookshop.com.au/
5952 1444
https://www.facebook.com/turnthepagebookshop.cowes
A lovely place to drop in for a browse, right in the heart of the seaside end of Thompson Avenue.
Brendan, Kylie and staff warmly welcome your visit.
Below are some regular writing group opportunities
These are either through the Myli library service, or through local writing groups
Writing Circle – Wonthaggi Library In-Person
A welcoming space for writers of all kinds to connect, share their passion for writing, and feel inspired. Each session includes dedicated quiet time to focus on your own projects. Whether you’re just starting out or deeply seasoned, everyone is welcome.
Contact Details:
If you have any questions about this event, please get in touch with the Wonthaggi Library team on 5672 1875.
Registration is necessary. Free.
Next session:Wednesday July 1, 2026. To register go here:
Bass Coast Fast Fiction - Writers Group at Wonthaggi Library
A fun group to practice your short fiction writing skills.
Using prompt words and with a 45 minute deadline, see how creative you can be.
Please call Wonthaggi Library on 5672 1875 or contact Roger on 0418 583 090 if you have any questions about the event.
Children under 12 must be supervised by a parent or guardian while in the library.
Location: Wonthaggi Library - Myli - My Community Library, Murray Street Wonthaggi, VIC 3995.
Poet's Chat Group @ Wonthaggi Library -
3rd Saturday of each month, 10-30-11.30 a.m.
By Myli - My Community Library
Come in and get comfy. Read and discuss poetry - your own, or other's in the Poet's Corner together with other local poetry enthusiasts.
Location: Wonthaggi Library - Myli - My Community Library, Murray Street Wonthaggi, VIC 3995.
Writer Support Group @ Inverloch Library
A writers support group hosted on the last Friday of every month by Inverloch Library.
"Meet with like-minded authors and creatives to discuss your writing, any issues or blockages and gain support from other authors on the last Friday of every month at Inverloch Library. Note: this is not a writing group and no writing prompts are given, this is a group for support and discussion surrounding the topic."
Writers' support group Waterline Library
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The first Monday of every month from 10am - 12pm, Waterline Community Library welcomes you to join our writers support group!
The writers support group aims to foster connection and provide a space for writers to share their thoughts, their writing process and their passion, and to sit quietly for a productive morning of writing.
Skilled local photographer, poet, writer, teacher and counsellor Ajanta Judd will be present to offer support and gentle direction for those wishing to record their life story, or that of a loved one.
All authors, skill level and writing styles are welcome. No need to register - walk-ins welcome!
AND...designed to get your to really focus in on your writing project - twice per month and free at Phillip Island library, Berninneit, Cowes:
Phillip Island Library has allocated a regular time and space each month for writers to get energy from each other in a quiet space, while working on their
writing projects!
This regular silent practice may just be the impetus you need to really get stuck into writing your novel, or poetry anthology, blog posts, or even your dissertation.
Next session: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 10 a.m. - 12 midday
Every second Wednesday of each month, 10 a.m. until 12 midday. Inside Berninneit (cultural centre) 91-97 Thompson Avenue Cowes, VIC 3922
Myli says: "Come along to Phillip Island Library to join the The Island Silent Writers - a group dedicated to providing a space for all writers to be encouraged in your writing discipline. This will run every month on the second Wednesday at 10am -12pm
This is a space perfect for writers of any project or any stage of the writing journey. Bring your laptop, notebook or writing device and immerse yourself in a silent writing session surrounded by fellow writers.
There will be opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals for the first 15 minutes and then the next one hour and forty five minutes is for you to dedicate yourself to your writing practice, each writer working independently in company."
There is no need to book for this event but if you would like an email reminder please register for a ticket:
Local Community Writers Groups
The Bass Coast Writers was founded in 2003 to support local writers, foster literary creativity, and to promote learning through friendly discussion and ad hoc writing exercises during the weekly meetings.
At the weekly meetings members are presented with a theme or prompt which forms the basis of the writing to be shared at the following meeting. The writing can be a story, an essay, a poem, an anecdote, a memory, an article or any other form. The diversity of interpretations of the theme is always a pleasant surprise. Members’ writings can inform, draw smiles, laughter or tears, inspire, encourage and spark discussion. It is a fun group to which new members of all writing style and capabilities are welcome.
After the meetings, all members are invited to gather at a local café for a social get together.
Meetings are held on Thursdays from 1:15 pm to 3:15 pm, February to Mid-December, (excluding school holidays) at the Inverloch Community House, Inverloch Hub, 16 A’Beckett Street, Inverloch. For further details contact the Inverloch Community House on 5674 2444 or office-ichi@dcsi.net.au
Phone them if you would like to go along and participate:
Ibis Writers meet at the Education Room at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, Newhaven Phillip Island Millowl, starting at 1.00 p.m on first Tuesday of each month (not January).
Their meetings for 2026 dates, starting in February.
Sept 1, Oct 6, Nov 10 (2nd Tuesday due to Melbourne Cup Day on 1st Tuesday) & Dec 1.
Contact Robbo 0407 240 024
Ibis Writers meet on the first Tuesday of the month (apart from January) at 1pm at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum in Newhaven. Some enjoy lunch at the museum’s Nui Dat Café beforehand.
Places limited, book early.
Join the Myli community library service youth online writing group - a writing community for ages 10-17. Two Myli staff will be in attendance in the zoom. Run from Leongatha library branch.
"Get some inspiration. Share your stories, poems and other forms of writing. Talk about how to get 'unstuck' with writer's block and more. If you are a writer or want to try writing but aren't sure where to start, this group is for you. Monthly on Zoom. You can attend from home on your own device, or come along to Leongatha Library where staff can set you up on one of the library's devices."