top of page
_Aubergine_%20Cropped.png)
Orbost Writers Retreat
28th Feb - 1st Mar
A weekend for writers & storytellers to reflect & connect
Orbost Arts Centre, 8 Clarke St, Orbost VIC
Relaxing, cosy, joyful & grounding
Workshops & gentle sharing
LGBTQIA+ affirming space
Limited spots,
all welcome!
This event has been funded by the Gippsland Community Foundation.
The Weekend
SAT
2:30PM - 3:45PM
Welcome & the workshop Villanelles, Writing About Place with Michael Monty
What better starting point for writing about place, than the poetic form of the Villanelle. The word derives from the Italian language, and through time has meant pastoral, or ‘of the country’. We will explore this style of poetry by each writing our own Villanelle, and experiencing its personal nature.
Michael has been part of the LGBTIQ community of Naarm/ Melbourne since the 1980s. He is a dynamic, involved, and lively member of the community, where writing has always been a major interest, study, and passion. He is also known by his alter ego, “Winnie Royale – The Queen of Kings”.
SAT
4:00PM - 5:00PM
Queer Ritual with Eleanor Jackson
Poetry as queer ritual invites writers to cast spells of voice and community. Drawing on writers/performers as diverse as Alison Whittaker, Ivan Coyote, Cameron Parsons, Taylor Mac, and Omar Sakr, we explore affect, repetition, and performance to build collective queer belonging through spoken word, magic, and shared practice across bodies, breath and time together.
Eleanor Jackson is a Filipino-Australian poet, performer, arts producer
and community radio broadcaster. She authored Gravidity and Parity
and A Leaving, produces the Melbourne Poetry Map and leads Peril magazine. A dynamic voice in festivals and publishing, she champions diverse poetic practice and cultural equity across Australian arts communities.
SAT
5:30PM - 6:30PM
Looking Outwards with Bumpy Favell
We're creating characters and dialogue using a range of personalised and unique prompts. A fun workshop of character building that requires Zero self judgement!
Since the 90s, Bumpy has mashed up songwriting, poetry + producing and performing queer cabaret - including drag kings. They work as a freelance writer/editor and completed a Masters in Theatre (Writing), VCA, 2022. Bumpy lives in GunaiKurnai Country and is writing theatre scripts, DJing and writing for an environment organisation.
SAT
7:30PM - 9:00PM
Community Dinner & Showcase hosted by Scon Bott.
Settle in for a locally sourced dinner celebrating East Gippsland flavours, alongside our cosy evening showcase. Hosted by Scon Bott, this joyful salon features readings and storytelling from weekend presenters Michael Monty, Eleanor Jackson, Bumpy Favell, Nikki Viveca, and Mandy Siegel.
Sconny is your host for the weekend! Scon Bott, the illegitimate love child of Bon Scott, discovered at a very early age his talent for sharpie dancing, singing and spoken words n that. He's gone from performing at the Gympie ute muster to Gendermash readings with King Victoria drag kings.
SAT
9:30PM - 10:15PM
Writing in the Moonlight with Nikki Viveca
The moon is the guardian of the subconscious, the realm of dreams, fears and secrets. As writers when we tap into this world we create our most honest and evocative work. In this workshop we’ll explore using our subconscious to inform our writing in transformative and empowering ways.
Nikki Viveca is a prolific performer in spoken word, standup comedy, improv and theatre and performs across the country. She has written and performed several autobiographical shows (The Femme Commandments, Asexual Healing, The Lazy Show, Wasp Movie) as well as writing script for two poetic plays, Back Pocket and The Body Uncertain.
SUN
9:00AM - 10:00AM
Free Writing in a Soundbath
A quiet meditative morning session designed to soften the mind and open the page. Surrounded by nature, you’ll settle into a gentle soundscape and be invited to lose yourself in its charm, letting thoughts drift, images arrive, and your pen move without judgement. No prompts to “get right”, no pressure to share just an easy flow state where writing comes from listening, presence, and curiosity.
SUN
10:30AM - 12PM
Express Yourself with Mandy Siegel
Mandy Siegel is a performer, vocal coach and facilitator with 30+ years on stage. Through her workshop Express Yourself, she supports writers and authors to speak with clarity, confidence and authenticity. Her work blends voice, body awareness and nervous-system care, creating brave, playful spaces for self-expression and connection.
Mandy is a singer, performer, vocal coach, life coach and facilitator who helps people reclaim their voice. With roots in music, cabaret and drag performance, her work blends artistry, humour and nervous-system care. She also leads women’s singing circles and online programs, creating brave, joyful spaces for expression, connection and self-trust.
SUN
12:30PM - 2PM
Community Lunch & Open Mic hosted by Scon Bott.
.jpg)
Close the retreat with a community lunch showcasing local flavours, then gather for our open mic where everyone is welcome to share what they’ve created over the weekend - or anything they’d like! Before we part, add a page to our collective zine, capturing the weekend’s voices, moments and magic together.
The Details
_Aubergine_e.png)
Tickets
Tickets are choose-your-price: $30 / $50 / $70, with all tiers offering the same experience. Your ticket includes locally sourced dinner on Saturday, community lunch on Sunday, and access to every workshop, showcase and activity across the retreat. We encourage those facing financial struggles to contact us and we will happily offer free tickets with no questions asked. Places are limited - book early to secure your spot.
Accomodation
We have a limited number of subsidised 2-person and 4-person rooms at Orbost Motel that are avaiable for anyone attending the retreat. You’re welcome to stay anywhere throughout Orbost with campsites, motels and rental homes available - choose what suits you best.
If the drive is taxing, we recommend arriving Friday night and settling in before the retreat begins.
Accessibility
The Orbost Arts Centre is fully accessible, and we’ll have a dedicated quiet space available throughout the weekend. You’re welcome to come and go from workshops as needed, and to attend only the sessions that suit you. We don’t currently have an Auslan interpreter booked - if you require Auslan, please contact us and we’ll arrange this. Reach out anytime with access needs or questions.
Travel
Orbost is best reached by car, and public transport from Melbourne can be a little challenging. If you don’t drive, please get in touch - we’ll do our best to help connect you with a rideshare or carpool with other attendees where possible. We also recommend arriving Friday night if you can.
Meals
Dinner and our community lunch will be catered by the local Orbost community, with payments flowing back into the region. All dietary requirements will be catered for, and there’ll be plenty of food to keep you well fed. For Sunday breakfast, we encourage a visit to the local bakery. Reach out with any food questions or specific dietary needs.
Safety
Q-Lit will continuously monitor weather conditions in the Orbost region. If extreme rain or heat is forecast, or if there is any risk of fire in the area, we will cancel the retreat for safety. All ticket holders will be notified by email and receive a full refund. We’re also happy to refund anyone unable to attend due to fires or emergency conditions in their home region.
bottom of page