Michael Hodgman, Press Release
State Liberal Member for Denison, Hon Michael Hodgman QC MHA, said that he was dismayed that such an iconic member of Tasmania’s community could be left out of this Statewide literary event.“Joan Woodberry is a living Tasmanian legend,” Mr Hodgman said.
Media Release
State Liberal Member for Denison
HON MICHAEL HODGMAN QC MHA
Monday, 31 July 2006
A great Tasmanian living writer left out
One of Tasmania’s greatest living writers, Dr Joan Woodberry, AM, has been left out of this year’s Tasmanian Living Writers’ Week for no apparent reason.
State Liberal Member for Denison, Hon Michael Hodgman QC MHA, said that he was dismayed that such an iconic member of Tasmania’s community could be left out of this Statewide literary event.
“Joan Woodberry is a living Tasmanian legend,” Mr Hodgman said.
“How on earth Joan, one of Tasmania’s greatest writers ever, could be left off the program of this important literary event is beyond me.
“I understand that Joan has spoken to Arts Minister, Paula Wriedt, but received no real explanation.”
Tasmanian Living Writers’ Week runs from the 11th to the 20th of August this year with events around the State. The program of over one hundred events includes some of Tasmania’s most talented writers.
The event is organised by arts@work, a State Government funded arts agency.
“I applaud the work of the event organisers in putting together the inaugural Living Writers’ Week, but I urge Minister Wriedt to discuss with them an appropriate way to include Joan Woodberry in the program,” Mr Hodgman said.
Joan Woodberry has had more than 27 books published including the much-loved Cider Duck. She has also made been a fierce advocate for women’s rights.
The University of Tasmania has recognised Joan’s work through the awarding of the Dr Joan Woodberry AM Postgraduate Fellowship for Women.
Joan has lived in Tasmania for 47 years and is listed on the Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women. She was named a Member of the Order of Australia in 1981 for her services to literature and education.
