It was a real pleasure to see many of you at our recent AGM and at the event that followed, Poems of War and Peace. The open mic was a reminder of the extraordinary range of voices in our community – from established poets such as Dennis Haskell to nine-year-old Ayla, bravely taking her place at the microphone. My thanks to everyone who organised, participated in and attended the event.
New committee
The AGM confirmed the current committee for another year:
Chair: Krishna Sen
Treasurer and Secretary: Christopher McFarlane
Writers in Prison Coordinator: Hélène Jaccomard
Communications: Robin Bower
Other continuing members: Viv Glance, and Lakshmi Kanchi
Co-opted member: Dan Midalia
We are delighted to welcome two new members to the committee. Afeif Ismail is a critically acclaimed poet who brings with him a rich experience of struggle and success against great odds; and Judith Wilkinson, a retired administrator who brings many years of experience in the non-profit sector. They will add significant strength to the current committee.
Upcoming events
I also look forward to seeing some of you at our first-ever members’ get-together on 24 September – a more informal opportunity to meet the committee and discuss our work.
We have two important public events before the end of this year, which we hope you will publicise and attend. At the Totally Lit Fremantle festival, PEN Perth presents The Costs of Bearing Witness. Poets Yirga Gelaw Woldeyes, winner of last year’s Hungerford Award, and Srijato Bandopadhyay, arguably the most acclaimed and popular Bengali poet of his generation, will join poet Robert Wood for a discussion of poetry, politics and the risks poets take in speaking for all of us.
Then, marking PEN International’s Day of the Imprisoned Writer, we are delighted to present acclaimed publisher and cultural activist Louise Adler in conversation with author and political commentator Sisonke Msimang: Writing and Publishing Across Cultural Fault Lines. Their discussion will explore censorship, cultural institutions and the courage required to keep conversation open across difficult debates. This is also our annual fundraising event, and we need all of you to support us with your presence.
Proof of life for Eritrean writers in exile
As you know, every dollar PEN Perth raises goes into advocacy and support for writing and writers, especially writers who are at risk of serious persecution and threats. Sometimes it is worth reminding ourselves exactly what that means. On 18 September, we mark 25 years since at least 12 Eritrean writers and journalists were arrested simply for speaking out. Ever since, they have been held without charge or trial and without contact with their families, and there is no reliable information about whether they are even still alive.
PEN International has campaigned for these colleagues throughout those 25 years. This year, together with PEN Eritrea in Exile and other PEN Centres, it launched the global Proof of Life campaign, including an open letter to President Isaias Afwerki demanding accountability. On your behalf, the members of the PEN Perth committee are adding their names to this letter.
An open letter, in the context of 25 years of incarceration without trial, might seem trivial. But as one-time refugee and poet Afeif Ismail reminded us at Poems of War and Peace, for writers who have been silenced, incarcerated or disappeared, international solidarity matters. It tells them: the world has not forgotten you.
Hoping to see all of you at one of the upcoming events. In solidarity.
– Krishna Sen, PEN Perth Chair, September 2026