The Fellowship of Australian Writers WA (FAWWA) is a non-profit organisation established in 1938 to “promote the study and practice of literature in Australia”, says Patricia Johnson from FAWWA. It organises a full program of creative writing workshops, national poetry, short story competitions, and youth writing courses, also hosting writers in residence, authors’ reading events and ongoing writing groups.

Headquartered in the heritage precinct of Swanbourne, Perth, it is a great place to find inspiration and encouragement. FAWWA works in two heritage houses, Tom Collins House (built by Joseph Furphy, “the father of the Australian novel” and Mattie Furphy House (built for Furphy’s daughter-in-law, Mattie).

Loss of financial funding at the start of the 2007/08 financial year saw FAWWA undergo a transformation. After much soul searching, it emerged with a major plan to re-energise its membership as well as seek and develop corporate partnerships so it could assure itself a sustainable future.

Volunteering from individuals such as Warren Jennings is crucially important. Warren, who has commercial accounting experience, volunteers for FAWWA as Treasurer. Some of his responsibilities have included the setting of budgets and cash flows, monitoring incomes and expenses for particular projects, introduction of accounting controls plus submission of BAS statements. His assistance has been invaluable, says Patricia, whose “work has had a positive effect on the Fellowship, improving its performance and record-keeping financially”.

Warren said that initially the volunteering was “intended to keep his skills current but he is now committed to improving the FAWWA financially and in security issues.” Further, he “enjoys the interaction with the operational staff and committee”.

For Patricia, she says “we are very grateful to goodcompany for providing a service which has benefited our organisation so much and would like to support and encourage them in the future.”