Organised through the University of Newcastle’s Wollotuka Institute, the Magic Spears Indigenous Writers Workshop brought together a group of 12 aspiring writers looking to diversify their skills.

School of Aboriginal Studies lecturer and workshop co-ordinator, Greg Blyton, said the three day course was about helping indigenous writers.

“The aim of the workshop is to develop skills for indigenous people to conduct research into employment, education, health and welfare issues and the University of Newcastle is supporting the program and individuals from its Wollatuka Institute.”

Mr Blyton said aside from providing skills for the people who attended the workshop it is hoped the information will have a greater impact.

“It’s about attacking the broader issues of indigenous literacy as well and for kids out there to see their role models having a go at it,” he said.

“It’s really about developing writing skills. The people who’ve been invited are developing writers and those who are aspiring to write about some interesting issues.”

Former Karuah resident, Joe Perry said the workshop provided skills to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

“We’re trying to advance our knowledge in Aboriginal writing and advance our stories because Aboriginal people have been written out of history and it’s important to have that Aboriginal perspective on history.”

Over the three days writers heard presentations from the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kevin McConkey and Professor Allyson Holbrook about their knowledge and experience.

Currently doing his masters in Aboriginal Health at the University of Newcastle, Torres Strait Islander John Doolah, said learning the techniques has been helpful.

“It’s [workshop] been good to see how we can write and structure issues that we want to get across.

“I guess to make it readable and make the reader want to read it. Part of what I’m going to write will be from my experience as a writer,” he said.

“It has been good because there are a whole lot of experienced writers here and its great to hear their ideas.”

Mr Blyton said he looks forward to the workshop becoming a regular event.