PoetiCas has been hosting regular poetry gatherings in Castlemaine since 2015, following on the tradition of Ross Donlon's poetry readings in the decade prior. It has grown into a wonderful community and their monthly events are beloved by many.

The usual format brings a feature reader to share their work, as well as an open section for the community to share their own original poems in a warm and supportive space, lovingly MC'd by local poet and publisher Tegan Gigante. All are welcome to attend, to read or just to listen.

This month's featured writer:
Please join us for a wonderful double act, a reading by Rachael Wenona Guy and Andy Jackson.

Rachael Wenona Guy’s writing has been widely anthologised. Walleah Press her poetry collection The Hungry Air in 2020. Recent honours include third place in the 2025 Elizabeth Jolley Short Story Prize, a Varuna Writer’s Space residency for 2026 and First prize in this year’s Liquid Amber Poetry Prize. She is currently working on an experimental hybrid memoir.

Andy Jackson's book Human Looking (2021) won the ALS Gold Medal and the Prime Minister's Literary Award for Poetry. He is a co-editor of Raging Grace: Australian Writers Speak Out on Disability (2024). Andy has featured at literary events and arts festivals across Australia and overseas, and his new poetry collection is Askew (2026).

Open Section as usual, 3 minutes per reader.
$5 donation on the door much appreciated.
All Welcome!

So buy a drink from the bar and join us at The Coolroom at the Northern Arts Hotel, the new home for PoetiCas.
Contact: poeticaspoeticas@outlook.com

COST: $5 donation at door appreciated