romance writers of australia 2026 conference
21 - 23 AUGUST 2026 | DARWIN, NORTHERN TERRITORY
QUICK LINKS
PRESIDENTS WELCOME
Welcome to Romance Queens of the Desert, Romance Writers of Australia annual conference being held in Darwin! The conference will take place at Darwin Convention Centre from the 21 - 23 August 2026, where fellow romance writers can learn, share, create, celebrate and evolve their writing career together in a supportive environment.
You can expect interactive workshops from internationally acclaimed writers, inspiring plenary sessions, ample networking opportunities and unforgettable social experiences.
We look forward to seeing you in the Top End in August 2026!
Jem Gowen
President, Romance Writers of Australia
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Tanya Nellestein
Marketing Manager
Tanya Nellestein is an avid reader, experience enthusiast, outstanding car vocalist, and Queen of fancy dress. In her spare time she is also a bestselling and award-winning author and journalist with a penchant for bloodthirsty battles and steamy romance. From Vikings to present day, Tanya writes page-turning, gut-churning stories with a romantic angle that always includes good sex and a happily ever after - eventually. To keep food on the table, she helps creatives and not-for-profits transform their words into business through grant-writing and workshops. As the Marketing Manager for RWAus, her number one goal is to make every one of us shine like the romance superstars we are.
Bernadette Eden
Events Manager
By day Bernadette works at a local high school sorting lunch orders for hungry teenagers. By night she writes feel-good women’s fiction designed to give you a giggle but also maybe cry a little. Growing up in a small country town, Bernadette can’t resist but use rural settings in her books with all the quirky characters that come with a country town. An experienced public speaker, Bernadette is a successful indie author balancing part-time work, family, writing and everyday life with other roles including Writers SA Event Assistant, RWA SA State Event Liaison Co-ordinator, RWA Events Manager and more. Living in the Adelaide Hills with her family including a dog who thinks he is human she is often found staring into space trying to figure out the tricky plot holes she has landed in.
Renae Black
Relationship Manager
Renae Black lives in Queensland with her husband and two young bookworms. By day she works as a social worker within the child protection industry. By night, she escapes to the romantic fictional realms of rural Australia that transport her back to her childhood home, a large property that bred cattle and hosted the odd ostrich sale. Renae can often be found on her back verandah with her red heeler at her feet, a book in her hand and a sunset painting the sky. A proud member of the Romance Writers of Australia, Renae won the 2023 Sapphire Award for the best unpublished manuscript by a published author.
VENUE
Darwin Convention Centre
10 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City NT 0800
Set on the stunning Darwin Waterfront, the Darwin Convention Centre is a world-class venue offering state-of-the-art facilities with a distinctive tropical flair. Just moments from the city centre and surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and lush parklands, it’s the perfect place to meet, learn, and connect. Between sessions, take in breathtaking harbour views, explore the vibrant local markets, or immerse yourself in the Northern Territory’s rich cultural experiences. With year-round warm weather, a relaxed atmosphere, and access to unique pre- and post-conference tours – from Kakadu National Park to Litchfield’s waterfalls – your time in Darwin will be as inspiring as it is productive.
PHOTOS & SOCIAL MEDIA
No FOMO here! Take as many photos as you can and post them to social media with the hashtag #RWAus26.
We will have backgrounds and props so you can take awesome photos with your writing friends.
About rwa
In August 1991 an historic meeting of eight women took place in Sydney - a meeting that gave birth to the Romance Writers of Australia.
Although we began with only eight members, we now support over 700 members and our membership includes writers from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States and the United Kingdom. RWA has become internationally recognised and respected by both category and mainstream publishers of romance.
The core elements of our mission statement have remained the same since 1991, with a small change recently to show our commitment to supporting all of our members, from all walks of life: to promote excellence in romantic fiction, to help aspiring writers become published and published authors to maintain and establish their careers, to foster a safe, equitable, inclusive and diverse community, and to provide continuing support for romance writers – whatever their genre – within the romance publishing industry.
RWA is an incorporated association and welcomes new members who can then secure the member rate for the conference. Once your membership application has been completed, you will have access to the member rates.
RECONCILIATION
In the spirit of reconciliation, Romance Writers of Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia, and their connections to land, sea, and community. We pay our respect to their Elders, past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
PRIVACY
Please note that this event is being managed as agent for and on behalf of the Romance Writers of Australia Inc (ABN 30 075 409 728) by Will Organise Pty Ltd (ABN 84 606 495 381). The information you provide when you submit your personal information to us will be collected by Will Organise Pty Ltd and will be shared with the Romance Writers of Australia Inc and other participants in the event, as set in our privacy collection statement, privacy policy and specific consents.
rwaus conference secretariat
Tel: +61 2 4319 8519
Email: rwausconference@romanceaustralia.com
#RWAus26