With the support of a Tackling Tough Times Together grant, a group of aspiring local writers had the opportunity to develop their writing skills and look at how they might share their stories.

Rae Luckie, from Luckie Consulting Services, led the weekend workshop at Carrawobitty.

Participants raved about the weekend, the help to get started and the encouragement to explore different techniques right through to practical considerations and opportunities for publishing.

Their stories ranged from personal memoirs to science fiction, Carrawobitty's Monica Wren said, and the event was so successful the organisers are discussing future opportunities.

"There is no doubt that such workshops provide creative, social and health benefits to the participants which then flow onto the community," facilitator Mrs Luckie wrote afterwards.

"This retreat was (also) extraordinary because of the inspiring historic atmosphere at Carrawobitty."