34–37 Degrees South Anthology Launch
The weekend of 7–8 February 2026 was a rich outing for poets at each end of the South Coast Writers Centre catchment, as we launched the latest edition of our member poetry anthology 34–37 Degrees South — Words/No Words.
Based at Coledale, near Wollongong, the South Coast Writers Centre serves readers and writers between Helensburgh and Eden and west into the Southern Highlands (approximately 34 to 37 degrees South latitude). Words / No Words is the anthology’s fourth edition, featuring some of our well-published poets such as Tim Heffernan, Dr Elanna Herbert, Sandra Renew and Kathleen Bleakley alongside newer writers, giving the reader a sense of the variety and diversity of the poets in our membership. Front cover art is by member poet and artist Moira Kirkwood.
Saturday 7 February saw around 35 poets, family and friends meet at Thirroul Community Centre to hear Kathleen Bleakley read from her new book Toupie. Kathleen was followed by readings from poets published in the 34-37 Degrees South anthology. After refreshments, other poets participated in an open mic. We heard poems ranging from free verse to prose poetry, rhyming and repeating forms to haiku — all of them heartfelt, all warmly received.
Sunday afternoon saw the same format at Well Thumbed Books in Cobargo. This time Kai Jensen was our featured poet with readings from his book The Zebra Path of Tree Light. This was followed by poets published in the anthology and the afternoon concluded with an open mic. Again, there was a rich variety of forms and subjects including tomato picking, environmental collapse and a particular Sandman ute. One highlight was Elias McKinley’s poem ‘Koel’ in which the poet recited a long repeating paean to that much-maligned bird. Elias had the audience laughing, applauding and groaning at the same time.
You can hear Elias, Kai, Kathleen and our other member poets read their works on the South Coast Poets Out Loud podcast, available on podcast platforms.
The organisers of the weekend’s events, Linda Godfrey, Judi Morison and Peter Frankis, thank Kathleen, Kai and everyone who came along to read and support local poetry. We look forward to 34-37 Degrees South returning for its fifth edition later on in the year.
You can purchase the new anthology and past editions from our online shop, or read online.
Pictured below: poets Elizabeth Walton, Sandra Renew, Krishna Sadhana, Jeanne Shaw, Melanie Weckert, Kathleen Bleakley, Kai Jensen, Janette Dadd, Elanna Herbert, Elias McKinley, Leigh Crowe, Linda Albertson, Richard Austen, Linda Godfrey, Judi Morison and Tab Cann at the Cobargo launch event.
