Offset launch 2012

Well this is as good a way as any to start a blog devoted to the edge of publishing.


Offset, the magazine conceived, written, edited and published by Victoria university writing students is about to hit the streets and bookshops. 

What's the collective noun for a group of Offsets? The present issue is the one with the stylish pink cover at the back left.

Now in its 12th year, the magazine is going from strength to strength. Controversially it has gone from a magazine under the tutelage of the original visionary who founded the magazine as a literary magazine to a kick-arse and slick arts-production house under the guidance of revisionary novelist, journalist, teacher and marrow grower John Weldon, and project manager Alison Whan.

John Weldon

Alison Whan

Now the punters start to arrive.

Novelist Michael Hyde arrives, smelling
of patchouli oil as usual. The hug lingers.

Victoria University VC, Peter Dawkins
is here lending substantial weight to the
evening. He is seen here speaking with
Meaghan Chudleigh and Bronwyn Cran.

Bronwyn Cran and John Weldon before the event.

Joyce McKenzie and former Offset editor, Paul Mavroudis.

Now here's a blast from the past: poet
and ex-VU writing student Robert Conlon.

Editing and Publishing teacher and
former VU PhD student, Dr Euan Mitchell.

Editor, Emmyrose Hobbs and her father.

Editor, Vince Stathtiaris

Emmyrose Hobbs, camera shy?

There must be 200 people here. I hope they each buy a copy of the mag. That will set up next year's edition financially and 'politically'. I'm glad the VC was here to see how popular and important Offset is.

Speeches

John Weldon starting off the speeches after the introduction to country and the centre by Bernadette Fitzgerald. Borderline waffle but carried off by his large personality.

Kristoffer Paulsen tweeted: "When will uni people learn that no one wants to hear speeches? Free beer!" #offset2012 That's the spirit Kristoffer @mmuzzle_of_bees

"I love Offset!"

Emmyrose and Vince as managing editors
speak well on the project and those who
contributed. Pumping up this year's effort
but we can forgive them their exuberance.

Feature writer Josephine Rowe

Josephine Rowe reads some of her work.

Awards

Recipient of the Writers Victoria award: Robin Wilkinson

Recipient of the Malthouse Award for
creative excellence: Varia Karipoff

Recipient of the Contemporary Arts Society award: Ray Farrugia

Commended by Contemporary
Arts Society: Danielle Xu

Also

Commended by Contemporary Arts Society: Luke Ryan


Recipient of the Australian poetry award: Chloe Mayne

Art works on display

The food was great, again.

Good night

Well done to Footscray Community Arts Centre for hosting such a great evening.