Creative Writing

Classes available Thursdays & Fridays

Term 4: Thursday | 8 October - 10 December 2026 [10 weeks]

Term 4: Friday | 9 October - 11 December 2026 [10 weeks]

Time: 9.30am - 12.30pm

Cost: $240 per person

Where: 2 Sims Street, Sandringham VIC

Tutor: Gayelene Carbis

Build technique, find community, share your work. From first draft to publication. All levels welcome.

What you’ll gain:

• Refine your craft in memoir, fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction or drama

• Insights into publishing opportunities, competitions and awards

• Expert guidance and deep industry insight from an award-winning writer and educator with 25+ years teaching experience, Teaching Excellence nominee

• Guided peer workshopping at our core - learn to give/receive constructive feedback

• Build confidence for submissions, competitions and personal growth

Gayelene Carbis is an award-winning writer of poetry, prose, plays and short film. Her second book of poetry, I Have Decided to Remain Vertical (Puncher and Wattmann) was recently awarded Finalist, International Best Book Awards 2024 (U.S.); and in 2023, Finalist, Best Book Awards, U.S., and Finalist, Poetry Book Awards 2023, U.K.

Gayelene’s poetry, short stories, memoir, plays and short films have won numerous awards and been published widely in Australia and overseas. Gayelene has taught Creative Writing for many years and she also works as a mentor and manuscript assessor. She is currently working on a collection of stories/auto-fiction/memoir and a new book of poetry.

"Gayelene Carbis brings to her teaching experience, skill and knowledge. She balances the formal demands of a class with an informal and good-humoured approach, always conducting proceedings fairly and equitably, and always guaranteeing a smooth and stimulating time. Her feedback is quick, well-judged, incisive and helpful, always promoting the best a piece of work can be, and always responding to its merits with insight. She encourages a participatory spirit from each member of the class, and never excludes anyone from voicing their views, being as she is sensitive to the individual predilections and style of each person involved. Inclusive and inspirational, Gayelene conducts herself with professionalism, generosity and diligence. It was both a privilege and an instructive pleasure to have her as our tutor. We were all in awe and appreciation of her extraordinary generosity and encouragement" – Lucy Wilks

"Gayelene provided each of us with a comprehensive view of our work that was presented for workshopping. Her professional suggestions provided valuable advice. Her classes are well organized and run like clockwork. Each person’s requests were taken into consideration. Gayelene gave her upmost attention to fulfilling these. Other material such as opportunities, handouts etc that Gayelene provided outside of class time were much appreciated" – Kim Smith

"While it was terrific to meet face to face, Gayelene continued to lead us on Zoom in a constructive and cooperative way. She ensured everyone got a fair go, kept to time and feedback was in keeping with the guidelines. Gayelene provided us with work and advised us of opportunities each week, over and above what I expected. Gayelene is a wonderful, professional and passionate leader and we were lucky to have her" – Breda Hertaeg