Five local writers will be featured alongside commissioned works to comprise a living anthology of the Dandenongs as part of the RidgeWalk creative program. Later this year the anthology will come to life as an immersive experience along the RidgeWalk track, allowing you to rediscover the Dandenongs through the writers’ words.

Congratulations to our selected writers:

• Marian Spires
• Cameron Semmens
• Leslie Almberg
• Katelin Farnsworth
• Jessica Pritchard

Congratulations also the following writers who were shortlisted:

• Fotoula Reynolds
• Russell Knoll
• Caroline Stills
• Veronica Baum
• Catherine Bateson
• Ian Rose
• Steve Riordan

The RidgeWalk team received a large number of high-quality short written and spoken word works about the Dandenongs following a call-out for public submissions late last year. The works spanned a wide range of genres and all demonstrated a deep connection to the area, speaking to the history, culture, ecology, and magic of this place.

The selection was conducted by a panel including community representatives and literary professionals, who anonymously reviewed the submissions.

For updates on other opportunities and to learn more about how you can experience the works of Writing Ridgewalk, follow the Ridgewalk project at https://shaping.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/ridgewalk.