Welcoming Our New Patrons: A Gathering of Members and Friends

Join us to celebrate our new patrons with members and friends.

We're delighted to invite our community to a special gathering to celebrate the appointment of our new Patrons, Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello OAM and Craig Cormick OAM. Both Martiniello and Cormick have made outstanding contributions to writing, the arts and cultural life, and have deep and longstanding connections to our community. We are honoured to welcome them as Patrons of MARION and look forward to marking this occasion together.

The evening will be an opportunity to come together, hear from our new Patrons and connect with fellow members and friends. We'll also reflect on MARION's journey, the community that has shaped it and the opportunities ahead. The gathering will be informal, conversational and celebratory.

Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello OAM is an award-winning poet, visual artist and educator whose work has enriched the cultural life of Canberra and beyond. The author of numerous poetry, fiction and nonfiction publications, including the acclaimed poetry collection Shapeshifting, she has spent decades contributing to Australia's literary and artistic communities. A founder of the ACT Indigenous Writers Group and a long-standing member of the ACT's Us Mob Writing Group, Jennifer has supported generations of writers through mentorship, advocacy and cultural leadership. She has also served on the AIATSIS Aboriginal Studies Press Advisory Committee and as a judge for the NSW and Queensland Premier's Literary Awards, including the David Unaipon Award for Indigenous Literature.

Craig Cormick OAM is an award-winning author, science communicator and cultural advocate whose connection with the organisation dates back to its founding. A founding member and former Chair of the ACT Writers Centre (now trading as MARION), Craig has helped shape and support Canberra’s literary community through his writing, mentorship, advocacy and leadership. His most recent book, Warra Warra Wai, co-authored with Darren Rix, won the 2025 NSW History Award and ACT Book of the Year and was shortlisted for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards. Through his books, research, public programs and science communication work, he has connected readers with ideas, history and storytelling for decades while championing the importance of literature in public life.

DATE: Tuesday 16th June

VENUE: Smith’s Alternative

TIME: 6pm

A $5 ticket fee applies to assist with venue coordination.

Please RSVP by Friday 12th June