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The next GCWA Meeting is on Saturday, 17th January 2026,
at Burleigh Waters Community Centre
111 Christine Avenue,
Burleigh Waters.
Members and visitors welcome.
Meetings include exciting speakers and a hands-on workshop, so don't
forget to bring pen & paper, or your laptop.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete the entry process, so we
can start on time.
Entry prices are
Members: $9 online, $10 at the door
Visitors: $14 online, $15 at the door
(Online booking is preferred. However, EFTPOS and cash is accepted at the door.)
NEW START/FINISH TIMES
Check In
12:00 pm to 12:15 pm
Meeting
12:30 pm to 3:30 pm
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Meeting order of events
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12:00 Arrive and register
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12:30 News and brief announcements
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12:40 Speaker: Lauren Hackney - Writing Can Take You Anywhere
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13:45 Afternoon Tea & Networking Break
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14:15 Speaker: Lauren Hackney
-
15:15 Raffle
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15:30 Close
In the first session, Lauren Hackney will explore how creative paths can evolve in unexpected ways - from picture books to screenplays - and how mindset, adaptability, and connection are key to building a lasting creative career.
This will be followed by an interactive workshop where attendees will identify their own “next chapter” - mapping out how current writing goals might open unexpected doors.
Key focus points:
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Mindset: Reframing setbacks as redirections
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Writing: How storytelling skills translate across media
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Marketing: Building visibility and community through authentic connection
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At the heart of it all, Lauren's message is simple: Writing can take you anywhere.
Lauren Hackney is a Queensland-based author and screenwriter who began writing stories with her children in 2020 after her aviation career ended and her husband suffered a near-fatal heart attack. What began as a healing journey turned into a creative path, culminating in her internationally sold chapter book The Lolly Shop, which she has since adapted into an award-winning animated screenplay.
Lauren's storytelling blends heart, humour, and a touch of magic - often inspired by family, the bond they share, and resilience. She is also the host of a YouTube interview series spotlighting authors and creatives across the literary world.
Lauren's Awards & Recognition include:
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Semi-Finalist – New York Script Awards (2025)
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Honourable Mention – Story Monsters Book Awards
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Quarterfinalist - Stage 32 New Voices in Animation 2024 and 2025
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Multiple Coverfly Badges & Placements for The Lolly Shop screenplay
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Network ISA Fasttrack Fellowship Second Round 2025
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Network ISA Table Read Finalist 2025
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Featured in book signings, podcasts, and promotional campaigns across Australia, the USA, UK, and New Zealand
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Published and distributed internationally through IngramSpark
Would you like to be a guest speaker?
Do you have knowledge or experience to share with a welcoming, passionate community of writers?
The Gold Coast Writers' Association is always on the lookout for guest speakers and workshop presenters who can inspire, inform and encourage. Whether your expertise lies in writing, publishing, editing or a related field, we’d love to hear from you. All genres and topics are welcome.
Spots are limited throughout the year, so if you have something special to share, now is the time to let us know. Tell us why your topic would resonate with our members – and how you can help support their writing journey.
