2026 Fresh Ink Prize Announcement
Description
Join us for the announcement of the winner of the 2026 Fresh Ink Emerging Writer Prize.
The Fresh Ink Emerging Writers Prize is an annual literary competition hosted by the Newcastle Writers Festival that supports regional and marginalised voices across New South Wales. Each of our five shortlisted writers will read an extract from their work, before the announcement of the winner.
This is a free event at Watt Space Gallery, but registration is essential. Refreshments will be served.
Meet the Judges
Sarah Armstrong is an award-winning journalist and the author of three acclaimed novels for adults, including the Miles Franklin-shortlisted Salt Rain. Sarah is on the board of the Byron Writers Festival and teaches creative writing to children and adults.
Raeden Richardson is the author of The Degenerates, which was nominated for the Miles Franklin Literary Award. Raeden’s writing has appeared in Griffith Review, The Sydney Morning Herald, Meanjin and New Australian Fiction.
Accessibility:
The gallery is wheelchair accessible
Disability parking is available on Auckland Street either sides of the King Street intersection.
Travel:
Limited unmetered street parking is available
The closest light rail stop is Civic - 3 min walk
The closest bus stop is University House, King St (Stop ID 230048) and is serviced by the 11, 13 and 23 buses - 1 min walk
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Plan your visit
Accessibility
Watt Space Gallery is fully wheelchair accessible, featuring ramp entry off Auckland Street and level exhibition spaces throughout. Entry and Spaces: Ramp access at the entrance off Auckland Street (Corner of King and Auckland Streets, Newcastle) with level flooring across all gallery exhibition areas. Bathrooms: An accessible unisex toilet facility is available on-site. Parking: Limited street parking is available along Auckland and King Streets, with accessible parking bays nearby on Auckland Street.
How to get there
Watt Space Gallery is located at 20 Auckland Street, Newcastle (inside Northumberland House on the corner of King and Auckland Streets, with the entrance on Auckland Street). Public Transport: The gallery is in the Newcastle CBD City Campus precinct and is a short walk from local light rail and bus stops. Driving & Parking: On-street parking around the gallery is very limited. You can look for 2-hour paid parking on nearby streets or use the daily paid parking at the Civic West Carpark.
Parking
Limited on-street parking is available directly on Auckland Street near Watt Space Gallery (located at 20 Auckland St, Newcastle). Nearby Paid Parking Options On-Street Metred Parking: Available around Auckland Street and surrounding CBD blocks ($5.70 per hour, typically with 1P or 2P limits; first 15 minutes free via the EasyPark app). NUSpace / Civic West Car Park: Located nearby at 291 King St, offering multi-level paid parking options a short walk from the gallery. Wright Lane Car Park: Located at 1 Wright Ln, providing alternative paid open-air parking within walking distance
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