Founded in 2023, Meridian Australis has swiftly established itself as one of Melbourne’s leading creative collectives, championing the city’s burgeoning speculative fiction scene. With a mission to nurture the next generation of speculative storytellers, Meridian Australis fosters a vibrant community for writers and creators to connect, collaborate, and achieve their shared goals.

Meridian Australis has grown into a dynamic network of critique groups spread across Melbourne, offering tailored support to writers at every stage of their creative journeys. This growth reflects a deep belief in the power of short fiction as a medium for bold ideas and innovative storytelling. We provide a rich array of opportunities for Victorian creatives, including:

• AUSTRAL, an annual anthology showcasing exceptional Australian speculative fiction, celebrating diversity and originality within the genre.
• A podcast, amplifying the voices of emerging writers and bringing their stories to new audiences.
• Digital zines, released regularly to highlight fresh, experimental, and diverse speculative narratives.

These projects not only provide platforms for Victorian creators but also connect local voices to national and international audiences, enriching Melbourne’s cultural landscape.

Meridian Australis operates primarily on unceded, sovereign Wurundjeri land, and we pay our respects to the storytelling traditions of the First Nations people of this Country, past and present.