Megan taught secondary English for thirty years in the Hunter and worked as a tutor in the School of Education at the University of Newcastle. She values the Hunter Writers Centre strong contribution to the cultural life of the Hunter region. Megan works as an editor and writer of crime fiction.
Dael Allison - Secretary Dael has a Masters Degree in Creative Arts from UTS and is currently undertaking a Doctorate in Creative Writing, University of Newcastle. Her research focus on the literature of the Newcastle region. A HWC member for many years Dael's career has included working in earth-building and the visual arts, teaching in secondary schools and TAFE and, more recently, humanitarian work in Indonesia and Kiribati, central Pacific. She has won awards for poetry, essay and an unpublished novel, has three volumes of poetry published and works as an editor.
Ardie Morris - Treasurer
Ardie is a Finance Executive with over 18 years’ experience in Accounting and Finance. He is currently employed at Hunter Water Corporation. He has a strong desire to contribute to community groups, such as Hunter Writers Centre, to foster creativity. He moved to Newcastle with his family after they fell in love with the city, beaches and surroundings. A busy father, he enjoys any opportunity to go surfing to recharge and connect with the ocean.
Julie Loveridge
Julie is an experienced leader of almost 30 years in operations and logistics, with strong project management and information technology skills. She has a Bachelor of Mathematics/Computer Science, and has also recently completed a Masters of Business Administration. During her career, she has worked for both private and public organisations, including presenting to and reporting to Boards. Julie’s objective in joining the Board of HWC is to use her work and personal experiences to assist growth, as well as bringing previous experience in numerous school and community-based organisations. Whilst not a writer, Julie is an avid reader and as a musician has a great interest in all forms of creative arts.
Michelle Howland Michelle is a teacher with over thirty years of experience in the public and private sectors. She has worked in Australia and abroad in a variety of educational capacities. She comes with a combination of team leadership, mentoring experience and excellent interpersonal skills. Michelle enjoys her work as a volunteer with the Smith Family in the Hunter region and appreciates the integrity of every contact she has made. She is an avid reader and admirer of those who write.
Staff of Hunter Writers Centre
Karen Crofts - Director
Karen holds a Masters degree in Creative Writing from the University of Newcastle. She facilitates writing courses and offers 1:1 mentoring. She is passionate about connecting the Arts with important social issues of the Hunter: homelessness, disability, grief and loss.
Cara Nightingale - Members' Co-ordinator & Project Officer Cara has extensive marketing experience. She holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in marketing and management from the University of Newcastle. She is also an avid photographer. Send Cara any suggestions or questions about your membership.
Christine Bramble Christine has been a teacher of History, a museum education officer and a cultural planner. Christine is our grants writer and History Festival Co-ordinator in partnership with Lake Macquarie Libraries.
Justine Potter - Strategic Advisor Justine has over twenty years experience in the arts and cultural sector in Australia and abroad and has contributed to the business development and advocacy initiatives of institutions such as Tate in London and the Art Gallery of NSW. She has been instrumental in building the capacity of small to medium arts organisations in Newcastle such as Tantrum Theatre, Octapod and Hunter Writers Centre.
Helen Blackney (L) and Sue Polson Helen prepares our workshops, operates our bookshop and researches writerly articles for our members. Her background is in banking and customer service.
Sue assists with administration at HWC. She holds an Associate Diploma of Business (Microcomputer Systems) with Distinction. She has worked in the banking and the TAFE system. Sue values the benefits that writing can bring and says writing is 'good for the soul'.