Celebrating a Decade of Romanian–Australian Literature at the State Library of New South Wales
On Saturday, 2 May 2026, at 11:30 a.m., the Dixson Room of the State Library of New South Wales hosted the launch of Dialogues, Volume 10 and the final title in the prestigious Romanian–Australian Anthology series published over the past decade. The event marked the official conclusion of a unique cultural project coordinated by poet Mihaela Cristescu, bringing together Romanian and Australian writers in a continuous literary dialogue.
Ten volumes, ten stages, ten worlds
The complete series includes:
- Pounding the Pavement
- On the Wallaby Track
- Between Dusk and Dawn
- Arguments Avant la Lettre
- 9000 Miles Away
- Stay a While
- Street Musicians
- Dancing Dragons
- Seasons
- Dialogues – the final volume
All volumes were launched at the State Library of NSW, except Street Musicians, presented in 2023 at Experiment Farm Cottage.
Launched by Dr Luke Carman
All ten volumes were launched by Australian writer and academic Dr Luke Carman, a steadfast supporter of the project since its inception.
Remarkable Romanian contributions
The final volume, Dialogues, brings together 67 Romanian and Australian authors, highlighting the breadth and diversity of the project.
Visual identity of the collection
All volumes were illustrated by Luminița Șerbănescu, architect and visual artist based in Ottawa, Canada, whose distinctive style has become the visual signature of the series.
Editorial team and partners
- English Editor: S. E. Crawford
- In collaboration with: NEW Writers’ Group Inc., President Carol Amos
- Publisher: Sfântul Ierarh Nicolae Publishing House, Brăila, Romania
The launch event – live music and awards
The launch of Dialogues featured:
- Live Music – Fernando Andres & Friends, enriching the cultural atmosphere.
- Awards Ceremony, honouring friends, collaborators, and supporters who contributed to the Anthology over the past decade.
The evening included a performance of Amándote, the iconic 1987 romantic song by Uruguayan artist Jaime Roos, blending pop with traditional rhythms.
A vibrant literary community
According to event records, over 50 attendees were present, and 27 published authors attended the ceremony.
Gala Awards – 2 May 2026
Honoured for their exceptional support:
Sue Crawford, Carol Amos, Luminița Lou Șerbănescu (Ottawa, Canada), Dr Luke Carman, Dr Ioana Petrescu (Adelaide), Augusta Supple, Luminița Lenuța, Dannielle Viera, Alex Plescan, Anișoara Laura Mustețiu, Cătălin Ovidiu Anastase, Felicity Amos, Peter Cartwright, Fernando Pedro Andres.
“In recognition of your exceptional support and dedication to our writing community.” Romanian/Australian Anthology – Contemporary Poetry and Prose (2016–2026)
A decade of literature: 205 writers, 427 entries
Across ten volumes, the Anthology has published 205 writers and 427 literary pieces, becoming a landmark of international cultural collaboration and a platform for voices from two literary worlds.
