29 April 2008

Victoria University libraries are featuring exhibitions of writers who have a connection to Melbourne's west and Victoria's western region as a major sponsor of the Williamstown Literary Festival.

The first of the exhibitions, hosted by VU's St Albans Campus, highlights the works of Ada Cambridge, one of Australia's finest colonial writers and a historic Williamstown resident, poet and novelist.

Ada was the vicar's wife at the Holy Trinity Anglican church in Williamstown around the turn of the last century. She was a noted novelist, newspaper columnist and diarist, and in her time, she enjoyed international acclaim.

A popular feature of the Williamstown Literary Festival is the Ada Cambridge Short Story Competition, which offers a $500 prize for biographical stories by emerging writers who live or work in Melbourne's west.

The exhibition of Ada's work will be launched on Wednesday 30 April 2008.

The exhibition will be on display until Monday 19 May 2008.

Media are welcome to attend

Guest speakers include:

� Distinguished Visiting Professor Rodney Hall, a two-time winner of the Miles Franklin Award; Melbourne playwright
� Former ABC Radio script writer and producer, Rodney Wetherell
� The inaugural recipient of the Ada Cambridge Prize and VU professional writing teacher, Sherryl Clark.

Launch Details

Where: St Albans Campus Learning Commons, Level 2, Bldg 7, McKechnie St, St Albans
When: Wednesday 30 April 2008
Time: 10.00am - 12.00 noon

The Ada Cambridge Exhibition will run until Monday 19 May 2008.

Where: Victoria University, St Albans Learning Commons,
Level 2, Bldg 7, McKechnie St, St Albans.
Times:
Monday-Thursday 8.15am - 11.00pm
Friday: 8.15am - 10.00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 12.00 noon - 5.00pm

Further information about the exhibition:
Janetta Mascilongo, Librarian, VU, Ph: (03) 9919 2980 or 0411 158 889.

Media Contact: Andy Gash, Snr. Media Officer,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 4950; mobile 0411 255 900