The Australian Science Fiction Foundation
Encouraging The Appreciation Of Science Fiction In Australia
From Tehani:
We all need a bit of joy in our lives right now, so it is with great pleasure we present the Aurealis Awards finalists for 2019. Congratulations to all the finalists, and a huge thanks to our panelists who have persevered through fire, flood and plague to deliver these shortlists, which contain a glorious diversity of work for your delectation. It’s a really important time to support your local creators, so if you are able, go hunt down some great reads today!
A message from the organisers of Continuum 16:
Friends, Romulans, Countrypeople, I think you know what this is about.
With our current new COVID-19 reality, it has become increasingly obvious that it is not only impossible but irresponsible to go forward with Continuum 16 in 2020. Therefore, the Continuum 16 Committee has come to the decision to postpone Continuum 16: All Possible Futures to a future date in 2021.
Our intention is to retain our lovely Guests of Honour — Zen Cho, Glenda Larke, and Marlee Jane Ward — for the rescheduled con, and use this extra unexpected downtime to come up with some shiny plans for virtual gatherings and online workshops. Meanwhile, you can keep up with Zen on Twitter and Patreon, Glenda on Twitter, and Marlee on Twitter and Patreon. Consider supporting their Patreons, or purchasing their books if you can, because we love them.
CoNZealand, the 78th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), will be making history, as it becomes the first ever ‘virtual Worldcon’, CoNZealand Chairs, Kelly Buehler and Norman Cates announced recently.
“This has been an incredibly difficult decision, but one that had to be made now to give our guests and members some certainty during this extraordinary time for the world.
“The changes are coming fast and furious as New Zealand enters a four week lockdown. We are all dealing with an unprecedented set of circumstances that make it very difficult to plan for the future.
Via Edwina Harvey:
FFANZ RACE 2020
Nominations are now open for the 2020 Fan Fund of Australia and New Zealand (FFANZ).
FFANZ was created to strengthen ties between Australian and New Zealand fandom. This fan fund financially assists the winning FFANZ delegate with travel and associated costs to attend the Natcon of the other nation.
In 2020 FFANZ will send an Australian science fiction fan to the 2020 World Science Fiction Convention, CoNZealand, being held July 29-August 2 in Wellington, NZ.
Prospective candidates have until 25th March, 2020 to file the documents required to nominate to run for the FFANZ ballot. Voting will run from 27 March, 2020 to 27 April, 2020.
March 10 2020
A report from the Swancon committee:
In light of information from the Department of Health, the Western Australian Department of Health, and the advice of medical professionals in our community such as Dr Karen McKenna, the Convention Committee, Convention Steering Committee and WASFF Board have voted to cancel Swancon 2020.