A community Festschrift, a collected volume of stories, memories and scholarly essays, along with poetry and other creative biographical forms, will be launched on 19 July 2026, the 100th Anniversary of the birth and in celebration of the life and work of:
Dr Vera Deacon OAM (1926-2021)
Vera was born & bred on the banks & the islands of the Hunter River Estuary
The volume (working title) – Remembering Vera Deacon – is curated & edited by Marilla North with Dr Joe Flood and published in collaboration with the University of Newcastle’s Hunter Living Histories.
Call for Contributions
The Festschrift will consist of entertaining short pieces about Vera Deacon which may take the form of first-person reminiscence, of short stories, journalism, essays and academic papers, literary appreciation, poetry, music & song and other life-story-telling genres, all with the purpose of celebrating Vera Deacon’s contribution to our progressive, egalitarian Australian cultural heritage. These include:
- Vera’s contribution to political activism through literature, education and direct action
- Vera’s life-long contribution to social justice in many arenas
- her pro-active contribution to working-class politics, feminism, class & gender equality
- her role in encouraging writing and other creative expression in the search for a better world.
Your one-page Expression of Intention to submit a contribution (title and genre) of up to 3000 words maximum must be received on Marilla’s email address: vadmar1@bigpond.com on or before Saturday 14 February 2026.   Short-listed entries will be confirmed by 28 February 2026.
Further enquiries please call Marilla on 0414 695 980 or Joe on 0444 500 266
Final edited contributions must be received by 6.00 pm 1 May 2026.
Important Dates:
- Expressions of intention to submit by: Saturday 14 February 2026.
- Short-listed entries confirmed by: 28 February 2026.Â
- Final edited contributions received by: 6.00 pm 1 May 2026.
Email to submit: vadmar1@bigpond.com
Queries: Contact Marilla North or Tel: 0414 695 980
Download the FLYER: REMEMBERING VERA DEACON
Dr Vera Deacon OAM – The Islanders Chats with Vera Deacon (2021)
Mrs Vera Deacon, OAM, University of Newcastle Benefactor, Awarded the Order of Australia Medal
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