Varuna begins search for new executive director as Veechi Stuart moves on

The National Writers' House in the Blue Mountains wants a new leader in place in 2027 after about a decade under Stuart.

Varuna, the National Writers' House, is recruiting a new executive director, with the successful candidate to start in 2027. The writers' residence announced the search on 1 October.

The vacancy follows the resignation of executive director Veechi Stuart, who has led the organisation for about ten years and will leave next year. Varuna described the moment as a time of succession and growth for the house.

The role covers both strategic and day-to-day leadership of the organisation. Recruitment firm Beaumont People is running the search and appointment, and candidates are directed to the job details on its website. Varuna did not publish a closing date or salary.

The search comes during a busy year for Varuna. It awarded 50 residential fellowships for 2027 from 812 submissions, opened a public program called the Reading Room, and received Western Sydney funding for new partnerships with Sydney Review of Books, Bankstown Poetry Slam, Sweatshop Literacy Movement and Sydney Writers' Festival. Former chair and inaugural patron David Hammon was farewelled in June.