Jason Fischer (SA)
I’m a spec-fic writer from Adelaide who has won an Aurealis and the Writers of the Future contest, but I started out as a fan many years ago and continue to be one! I’ve served as an enthusiastic slush-reader, contest judge, panellist, convenor, editor, critiquer, and general dogsbody whenever any convention, small press or writer’s group needed a hand. With your endorsement and support, I’m keen to get to this year’s Nat Con at Continuum 13, to reconnect and give back to the fandom that gives so much to me.
Nominated by: Russell B Farr (WA), Cat Sparks (ACT) and Sean Williams (SA).
Talitha Kalago (QLD)
I have a reasonably popular blog for writers I update every Wednesday, on which I have discussed other conventions and being an Aurealis Judge and the things I have learned from that process. I also regularly post horror movie reviews on Facebook.
I have several romance titles published with Harlequin under the pen name Zaide Bishop (Theo & Eliza’s Awakening). I also have several sci fi/fantasy/horror novels and short stories out as Talitha Kalago, through various publishers and publications (Acquisition & Duplicity, YA novels, plus numerous short stories.) In July/August of 2017 I have a trilogy coming out with Harlequin: First Fall, Second Heart and Third Wave under my Zaide Bishop pen name.
I have been an Aurealis judge two years running (2016 & 2017) and have been vice president of the Vision Writer’s group for two years (2016 & 2017), and secretary for the previous two (2014 & 2015).
Nominated by: Meghann Laverick (QLD), Kirstie Olley (QLD) and Matthew Farmer (VIC).
Fe Waters (WA)
Fe has been involved in fandom since she was dragged to the UniSFA room in 1990. She’s been attending Swancon since 1995, and was part of Gynaecon (the con within a con) from the beginning. After being inspired by the kids’ programming at AussieCon IV, Fe took on organising the Family Programme for Swancon 2011–2013.
In recognition of her efforts for the Family Programme, she was awarded the Mumfan (Marge Hughes) Award in 2013. In 2016 she was the Fan Guest of Honour at Swancon. This was also the year that the Gynaecon Collective was awarded the Silver Swan.
Nominated by: Stephanie Bateman-Graham (WA), Ju Landéesse (VIC) and Sarah Parker (WA).
Jay Watson (WA)
I have been a part of WA fandom for over 25 years, but due to health issues, I have had to step back in the past few years. I am looking at getting back into and strengthening my ties with fandom. Before my health issues, I was a regular Swancon attendee/volunteer and was on several committees. I have also stepped into help other committees when needed. I am interested in all aspects of fandom and am hoping to have discussions at the Natcon, which will help me to better contribute to the fan community.
Nominated by: Tehani Croft (QLD), Alisa Krasnostein (WA) and Robin Pen (WA).