Botanic Gardens of Sydney's First Ever Writers in Residence
Two writers will create new works inspired by the Gardens, with behind-the-scenes access to collections and world-leading science facilities during a three-month residency.
Botanic Gardens of Sydney's 2026 Writers in Residence
Botanic Gardens of Sydney has announced Cheryl Leavy and Jess Harwood as the first ever writers in residence following a highly competitive selection process.
Cheryl Leavy (left) and Jess Harwood (right) will be Botanic Gardens of Sydney's first writers in residence.
About the Program
The Botanic Gardens of Sydney's 2026 Writers in Residence program attracted a highly competitive field of more than 135 applicants keen to collaborate over the three-month residency.
The residency provides two writers each with a $15,000 stipend, as well as unique access to the living collections, landscapes, research, and cultural history of Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
The writers will produce original work inspired by nature at the nation's oldest scientific institution and will host two public engagement activities at the Gardens this year.
To inform their work, the writers will engage with the organisation's sites, fascinating botanical library, world-leading science facilities, and staff across science, horticulture and education.
Shortlisted applicants were assessed by a multi-disciplinary panel including representatives from Hardie Grant Publishing, Botanic Gardens of Sydney, and the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.
Sharing the Gardens with new audiences
Gabrielle Collins, Acting Chief Executive of Botanic Gardens of Sydney, said the program reflects the organisation’s purpose to inspire enjoyment, learning and conservation of nature, and its vision of plants at the heart of a thriving world.
“Botanic Gardens of Sydney has long been a place of inspiration: not only for science and horticulture, but also for writers, artists and storytellers.
“This program gives writers the time and space to engage deeply with our landscapes, collections, and science, and to translate that experience into stories that help audiences connect more meaningfully with nature.
“The breadth of applications made this an exceptionally strong inaugural intake, and we are delighted to welcome Cheryl Leavy and Jess Harwood as our first writers in residence.
Kiersten Fishburn, Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, said the program highlights the value of creative approaches to public engagement with science and the environment.
“This Writers in Residence program supports creative ways of engaging diverse audiences with nature, science, and culture.
“By supporting writers to work alongside scientists, horticulturists and educators, this program will help bring complex ideas about plants, climate and conservation to life in new, accessible and meaningful ways.”
About the Writers
Cheryl Leavy is an award-winning writer from the Kooma and Nguri nations whose proposed work centres on place‑based storytelling, Country, and botanical knowledge. Her project combines children’s literature and poetry, with a strong focus on cultural knowledge, deep engagement with the Gardens, and public outcomes that encourage connection to Country and plant heritage.
Cheryl Leavy said, “I’m excited to create opportunities to write alongside visitors to the Gardens, exploring living environments as reliable sources of inspiration, knowledge, belonging and wellbeing. Whether it’s a remote landscape or an urban botanic garden, it’s still Country.”
Jess Harwood is an emerging writer and cartoonist with an established digital audience and experience publishing with major platforms. Her proposal includes illustrated and long‑form work focused on native plants, resilience, and biodiversity, designed to engage broad and contemporary audiences through accessible storytelling and visual formats.
Jess Harwood said, "I am passionate about weaving together the written word and artwork for impactful, fun and informative visual narratives, particularly on nature and climate change. My family, with roots in India and England, taught me to love the natural world and the importance of conserving it for future generations. I can't wait to dig in and learn from the experts at the Botanic Gardens, particularly about protecting our biodiversity and the Australian PlantBank, and creating work about our incredible plant life."
Expressions of interest for the 2026 intake of the Writers in Residence program opened on Tuesday 9 December 2025, and closed at 5pm on Tuesday 27 January 2026. As this is a pilot program, future offerings for this program in 2027 and beyond will be reviewed.