Next Meeting

Saturday 17 August

GCWA 2020 Writers’ Fair

Members Breakout Session – Let’s discuss the 2020 GCWA Writers’ Fair.
A joyous celebration of the creative community on the Gold Coast: Honouring YESTERDAY; Inspired by TODAY; Excited for TOMORROW.

We want to know what our members would like to see.

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Dion Jensen – PTSD – How Creative Expression takes a soldier through PTSD and into a career

Author and international speaker and trainer, Dion Jensen is the Confidence Coach. However, it came from a journey of heartache as Dion learned how he could claim VICTORY over PTSD, by training those who have suffered trauma, in a SOLUTION based program, delivered in a language and manner that matches the background of The Warrior.

Now a two time published author, Dion’s book and concepts throughout have saved lives, including his own as he proved that PTSD was not a disorder.

Today we have an online interview to screen with Dion as he currently works in the South Pacific providing mental health and welfare solutions to foreign governments. We will find out how through writing Dion took on re-framing, externalising and challenging the status quo, providing an alternative perspective and solution. Dion talks about how exposing himself and writing this book was challenging, but also provided him peace; peace through serving and the impact it had on others.

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Andy Cullen – Writing to Heal

An Australian soldiers journey home through writing!

Andy is a veteran of 17 years service in the Australian Army. Retiring as a Major in 2012 having served 6 years as a soldier in the Royal Australian Infantry (RAINF) and later as an Officer in the Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) focusing much of his career in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). He was awarded the COMMENDATION FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE for operations in Afghanistan. Zoe grew up in the tranquil hills of Byron Bay living in a mud brick home built by her parents. She has a passion for life, family and travel and after university married into the Army, her own career taking a back seat to Andy’s life as a Military Officer.

Andy was diagnosed with PTSD following multiple deployments to Afghanistan. Zoe was forced into the position of sole parent of their four young children. Andy’s condition worsened while he battled with a loss of identity and purpose following his retirement from the Army. He eventually ended up in a mental hospital falling into a dark depression that very nearly cost him his life leaving Zoe to pick up the pieces of the broken family.

Together they fought their way through the many challenges living with PTSD brings. Resurrected gives a unique insight into the realities of war and its effects on marriage and family. Told from the perspectives of both veteran and wife.

Andy and Zoe are Ambassadors for Mates4Mates, proudly supporting Defence Force injured and their families. They now facilitate the REBOOT Combat Recovery Course in Australia, It’s a course that provides practical help for service members, first responders and their families, addressing the moral and spiritual wounds of combat for both the veteran and the family that were fighting a battle of a different kind at home

$5 from every book sold goes to veteran charity PTSD Resurrected Inc, supporting veterans and their families suffering from trauma as a result of service.

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Fradgley Hall, Park Avenue, Burleigh Heads – 12.00 – 2.45 p.m.

Fradgley Hall is located upstairs next to the Burleigh Heads Library.
There are two entrances: Park Avenue (next to Library entrance) – up the stairs, or at the back of the building, a pathway from Ocean Street – this is a ground level entrance.
Parking is available in the adjoining Council car park.

Regular Meeting Timetable

11.45a.m. – Doors open & Registration
12.00p.m – Start!
12.15p.m. – Writing Skills
12.45 p.m. – Workshop/Presentation
1.45 p.m. – Afternoon Tea
2.00 p.m. – Guest Presentation
2.30 p.m. – Wrap Up & Networking
2.45 p.m. – Close

$5.00 Members $10.00 Visitors

Includes Entry, Light refreshments, and Workshop