Writers residency | The Chris Hammer Fellowship — Varuna, The National Writers' House

As part of Varuna Residential Fellowships, this fellowship is for outstanding crime fiction writing and is generously supported by Varuna alumnus and award-winning crime fiction writer Chris Hammer.

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Applications close: midnight AEST 15 May 2026
Residency dates: Between September 2026 - September 2027, arranged directly with Varuna based on availability
Places: One writer will be selected as part of the Varuna Residential Fellowships program.
Who should apply: Crime fiction writers
FAQ: Please read the FAQs before you apply.

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

The Chris Hammer Crime Fiction Fellowship is awarded to an outstanding crime fiction writer who applies to the Varuna Residential Fellowships. This new flagship fellowship is generously supported by Varuna alumnus and award-winning crime fiction writer Chris Hammer.

The fellowship recipient will receive:

A two-week residency at Varuna, with full board and accommodation including a daily prepared evening meal, uninterrupted time to write in your own private studio, and the companionship of your fellow writers.
A one-hour consultation with a Varuna mentor, Carol Major, Mary Anne Butler or Tegan Bennett-Daylight.

For more information about staying at Varuna, visit our Residencies page.

ABOUT CHRIS HAMMER

Chris Hammer is a leading Australian crime fiction novelist, author of the internationally bestselling Martin Scarsden series: Scrublands, Silver, Trust, and most recently, Legacy.

Scrublands was shortlisted for major writing awards in Australia, the UK and the United States. In the UK it was named the Sunday Times Crime Novel of the Year 2019 and won the prestigious UK Crime Writers’ Association John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award.

Before turning to fiction, Chris was a journalist for more than thirty years. He reported from more than 30 countries on six continents for SBS TV. In Canberra, roles included chief political correspondent for The Bulletin, senior writer for The Age and Online Political Editor for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.

HOW TO APPLY

The Chris Hammer Crime Fiction Fellowship is awarded to an outstanding crime fiction writer who applies for the Varuna Residential Fellowships. There is no separate application process.

Please refer to Varuna’s general submission guidelines for any questions on formatting your work.

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