A free creative writing program for people who migrated to Australia — and have a story to tell.
August 2026 · Ivanhoe & online
About the Program
Did you or your family move to Australia? Do you often feel like you are living between two worlds, cultures, languages?
This program is for you. Stories Between Lands is a free, friendly, and welcoming writing program for adults who live in Banyule, surrounding suburbs, or have a strong connection to the area. No writing experience needed, just curiosity and desire to write. All cultural backgrounds are welcome.
“Powerful stories of migration, belonging and identity can be told in many ways — whatever your level of English, your story belongs here.”
Over five workshops in August 2026, professional writer — Ana Asanovic, a migrant and former refugee — will guide you to explore belonging, family memories, cultural differences, and what “home” means.
What’s Included
Everything is free. You will be supported every step of the way.
An info session to hear more about the program, ask questions, and learn how it all works.
Each two hours long, with breaks, once a week. Gentle writing exercises, storytelling activities, and creative inspiration — led by an experienced storyteller. Come to one, two or come to all for best results!
Share your story in a culturally informed, supportive space. Build writing confidence. Make new friends from your community.
Optional — if the group wishes, a special event to share and celebrate our stories together.
When & Where
Workshops run once a week across August 2026, at Ivanhoe Library and online.
Start
1 August 2026
Duration
5 weeks/1 session per week/2hrs per session
Workshops
In person sessions – Saturdays – August 1, 8 and 15th – 10.30 am – 12.30 pm and 2 online – Tuesdays, 18th and 25th, 6pm-8pm)
Location
Ivanhoe library and online
Cost
Free
Who Can Join
The workshops are designed to be inclusive, supportive and trauma-informed. You will never be asked to share anything you are not comfortable with.
The program is completely free. Notebooks provided, feel free to bring your laptop if you wish.
Ana Asanovic is a writer, storyteller and strategic communications professional. Born in Belgrade, Serbia, she briefly lived in Canada before moving alone to Melbourne in 2016. As a migrant and former refugee, Ana has experienced the complexities of building a life in a new country – from navigating identity and cultural differences, to building community and new friendships as an adult.
Her professional journey began in Europe, where she worked across language services, digital content and storytelling. As a lifelong storyteller and an acclaimed blogger, she transitioned into communications, leading integrated campaigns and PR across public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Ana’s writing explores migration, identity and belonging in both creative and advocacy contexts. Her stories appeared in two anthologies – Undefeated and Unity – which celebrate the resilience and strength of women.
Blending her academic training, curiosity, creativity, and lived experience, Ana helps participants discover and develop their own writing voice. She believes everyone has a story worth telling, and that with a little support and, most importantly, within an encouraging environment, that story can be shared. To her, writing is a healing practice – one that helps us process emotions, understand each other, and combat loneliness.
Her facilitation style is rooted in empathy, active listening and collaboration. She prioritises culturally informed, inclusive spaces where participants – regardless of writing experience – feel empowered to share and celebrate their culture, heritage and sense of identity.
She holds two Master’s degrees, in English Literature and Strategic Communications.
We encourage people who live, work or play in Banyule to join us. You might also have a strong connection to the area, or live near-by. Maybe the story you want to write takes place in Banyule. If you are unsure, please contact me (via Contact page).
First three workshops are held at the Ivanhoe library, in person, starting from 1 August (Saturdays). Last two sessions are held online (Tuesday evenings).
We are planning for up to 20 people per session.
To get the best results, we recommend you come to all five. Each session will have a theme, so you can also come to one, two or more – as you wish.
Once you register, we will share more details via email and/or SMS.
This is adults-only event. If you have teenage children who want to write, please email me and we can discuss.
Yes, please. We will write in different formats, and I am here to help you.
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