Introduction
About the Elisabeth Maynard Writer-in-Residence Program
Now entering its third year, the Elisabeth Maynard Writer-in-Residence program has become a highly valued part of Frensham’s cultural life. The school, based in the beautiful NSW Southern Highlands just 1.5 hours from Sydney, will provide an emerging or established practitioner of the literary arts with the opportunity to work on an original text of significance, while shaping the next generation of young writers. Over 10 weeks, accommodation will be provided for the recipient, as they compose their literary work. At the same time, they will collaborate with Frensham staff to support students to cultivate their own appreciation of creative writing via a range of workshops, master classes and experiential learning opportunities.
The rolling hills and community spirit of the Southern Highlands have long been a source of inspiration for creatives. Frensham’s own literary alumni includes esteemed poet, Rosemary Dobson, playwright, Henrietta Drake-Brockman, investigative journalist, Kate McClymont, and 2015 Miles Franklin Award winning author, Sofie Laguna, among many others. The school is delighted to continue its rich tradition of service to Australian literature as it honours Elisabeth Maynard’s legacy. We warmly welcome applications from writers across the nation, and look forward to supporting the deserving artist as they in turn contribute to our School’s reputation for creative and academic excellence.
About Elisabeth Maynard
Elisabeth Maynard (Delamore, 1953) had a lifelong passion for literature. She was a voracious reader with a vivid imagination. Her cherished years at Frensham gave rise to many fond memories, including Pen and Ink Club, performances in the Holt, and quiet times reading in the gardens. Much of her inspiration in life stemmed from her time at Frensham. For her, it was a very special place where she made lifelong friends.
Her bond with the school endured across generations, with three daughters and three granddaughters following in her footsteps. Elisabeth dreamed of one day writing a novel, so it is fitting to establish this program in her honour—to encourage, inspire, and support young writers, and to give back to the school she loved.
About the program
Fostering creativity, connection and inspiration through writing.
The Elisabeth Maynard Writer-in-Residence program supports emerging or established writers to develop their work in the beautiful natural surroundings of Frensham. In turn, students and staff benefit from workshops, mentorship and insight into the creative process, gaining inspiration and a deeper connection to the literary landscape.
Program structure
Period: One school term per year, 10 weeks
When: Wednesday 28 April – Thursday 24 June 2027 (Term 2)
Residency Requirements:
- Four days per week on campus.
- Equivalent of 2 full-time days per week assisting students, for instance: workshops, in class, Pen & Ink (extra-curricular writing group), drop-in service (during drop-in service, resident writer would be able to work on their own project if nobody attends).
- Equivalent of 2 full-time days per week to work on their current project.
- Creative writing workshops may be facilitated by the writer during the ten-week residency.
Residency provisions
- $10,000 for 10 weeks ($1,000 per week) stipend. Total value inclusive of food and accomodation is approximately $15,000.
- Accomodation will be provided on campus by the school, or a guest cottage provided by a Patron, or a combination of both.
- A place to write and work on campus will be provided.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available at no cost from the Frensham Dining Room at specific times.
- Travel costs to and from the school are not covered by the residency.
How to apply
Applicants are required to submit:
- a writing sample of between 3,000–5,000 words and provide information about the project they are working on
- a 2–3 minute video of themselves discussing their writing, why they would benefit from this opportunity, or how their assistance might benefit students.
Submitted material must be the applicant’s own original work. Eligible material includes fiction of all genres, narrative nonfiction, poetry, plays, and film or television scripts. Instructional books and translations are not eligible.
Applicants must be over 18 years of age, an Australian citizen, and an emerging or established writer. Only one application may be submitted per person.
Please complete the application form below by Friday 09 October 2026.
For more information, please contact Victoria Hindmarch on
Apply now
Please submit your application by Friday 09 October 2026. For any questions or for more information, please contact Victoria Hindmarch on
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Liz Allan
2026 Writer-in-Residence
During her residency at Frensham, Liz worked closely with the English faculty and students, sharing her expertise as both a writer and educator while continuing work on her own creative practice. Silt, Liz’s second novel, is a story set on the River Thames that explores themes of class and privilege in London.
Reflecting on what drew her to the Writer-in-Residence opportunity, Liz says Frensham felt like a natural fit. “It was like a perfect match, honestly,” she says. “I’m a very passionate feminist and empowering young women to tell their stories really matters to me. An all-girls school was the ideal fit. I also love the natural environment here. I enjoy going on hikes and listening to the birds. I had high expectations, but Frensham has surpassed them. It is such a beautiful and friendly community.”
Amy Lovat
2025 Writer-in-Residence
On a crisp winter morning, Frensham’s Writer-in-Residence Amy Lovat stood before the school community to reflect on what it means to believe in your own potential, even when the spotlight fades.
Amy, who has spent the term living at Sturt and working alongside students, opened her Morning Prayers with warmth and humility. “If we haven’t met yet, I’m Amy, and I’ve spent this term sitting over there at Sturt hunched over my laptop trying to write another book… and coming over here to talk to you about books and writing—which, to be honest, is much more fun than writing the words themselves.”
As the School’s first-ever Writer-in-Residence, Amy has supported Frensham’s Year 12 Extension 2 English students on their major works and shared her own creative practice through workshops and conversations. But her message at Morning Prayers moved beyond technique. She shared a personal story about writing, rejection and the courage it takes to back yourself.
Amy has been so inspired by her time at Frensham, and the warmth and dedication of the students, that she has enrolled in a Master of Teaching.