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| The Happy Mondays: Betty O'Neill, Jodi Vial, Cath Johnstone and Josepha Dietrich |
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| Sunset from the Gunyah jetty |
Our mission at Gunyah was multi-dimensional. We wanted to have time and space for our individual writing projects, as well as coming together at the end of each day to share any breakthroughs or blocks we might have encountered. We had learned, through the nine-month Varuna course, that the support of other writers is incredibly valuable to the writing process. We also had knowledge of each other’s work – emotional, vulnerable, sometimes difficult, as is the nature of memoir writing. It gave us a great foundation and understanding on which to build.
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| Writing by the window |
We settled into our respective bedrooms and writing spaces, amazed at the serenity of the Gunyah site, and before long had something of a routine going. Most days we would cross paths at breakfast before going our separate ways, then inevitably meet up for lunch and a longer conversation about the weather, or the writing ‘weather’, and occasionally the sun would come out and allow us to bask on the deck for a while, serenaded by butcher birds and honeyeaters in the high gum trees. The water was a constant source of inspiration, with its multitude of colours and moods, and continual movement. Many walks were made to the property’s private jetty, but a highlight was experiencing the brilliant light of a full moon while standing over the water. Each night, we would come together for a shared meal to report on our day – the writing, the walks, the swims, the chance encounter with a friendly neighbour and their dog.
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| On the Gunyah jetty |
There were a few days of rain – very conducive to writing! – but that only made the sunshine more welcome when it did appear. Whatever the skies threw at us, the view from the windows of Gunyah was always magnificent. We made day trips to Karuah for supplies, and to Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens for beach walks, coffee, a seafood dinner, and the Saturday farmers’ market. It was always comforting to return to our home away from home.
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| Beach walk |
We all made great progress with our individual writing projects, and quickly developed a support network that valued and understood our respective writing process on any given day. We were able to allow one another time and space to write, while also being on hand for support and encouragement when needed. In return, the Gunyah Residency and the beautiful Gunyah property gave us time, space and encouragement too. On our final night, we sat in front of the fire and took turns sharing some of the work we had produced during our time at Gunyah, marvelling quietly at our good fortune. We are so grateful for the opportunity of the Gunyah residency and all it has provided, and hope that our individual and collective labour will soon bear fruit that would not have been possible without its support and sanctuary. Thank you for making this beautiful place available. ..."
Gunyah residency report, August 2025
The Happy Mondays - Josepha Dietrich, Cath Johnstone,
Betty O’Neill and Jodi Vial
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| Mangrove growing in the sand, near Gunyah |
