As a science fiction fan and writer, I’m throwing my hat in the ring and entering the National Australian Fan Fund (NAFF) race for 2017. This wonderful tradition helps fans to get to conventions, and it’s too good an opportunity to miss. I’m not saying that Adelaide is like Mos Eisley, but it’s a loooong way to most Natcons for Mister Fisch 🙂
“This is Adelaide….not too many conventions here.”
Toss in a couple of rotten years finance-wise and health-wise, and my beloved cons have had to take a back seat, which sucks. It’s a great community, and I relish every chance I get to engage with it. I always come away from these gatherings energised, and so many projects and fun things have happened just based on something in a panel, or a conversation at the bar.
More than anything, I miss everyone. Hopefully in the future I’ll be able to get to conventions under my own steam, but this year I’m hoping to be a Fan Delegate Deluxe.
If you would like to cast a vote my way for the Fan Fund Race, I would be eternally grateful. There are several great candidates on this year’s ballot paper, and it’s great to know that one of us will get to wave our fan flag on high this year.
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Welcome to the NAFF race for 2017. The National Australian Fan Fund (NAFF) was created to assist fans to travel across Australia to attend the National Science Fiction Convention (Natcon). NAFF assists fans to travel to the Natcon and covers the costs of airfares and accommodation. The Natcon donates a convention membership.This year’s NAFF race is to Continuum 13, which will be held in Melbourne over the long weekend 9 – 13 June, 2017. It is expected that the winner will produce a report of their trip, engage in fundraising to support future NAFF races, and to help administer the NAFF race for the following two years. All Australian fans are eligible to vote.
The voting process contributes to the fundraising so each vote costs $5. You are more than welcome to donate more than this amount! Votes are being collected by: Tehani Croft and the candidates. For more information please contact Tehani at editormum75@gmail.com.
https://naffund.wordpress.com/tag/naff/
Your candidates for this year:
Jason Fischer (SA)
I’m a spec-fic writer from Adelaide who has won an Aurealis and the Writers of the Future contest, but I started out as a fan many years ago and continue to be one! I’ve served as an enthusiastic slush-reader, contest judge, panellist, convenor, editor, critiquer, and general dogsbody whenever any convention, small press or writer’s group needed a hand. With your endorsement and support, I’m keen to get to this year’s Nat Con at Continuum 13, to reconnect and give back to the fandom that gives so much to me.
Nominated by: Russell B Farr (WA), Cat Sparks (ACT) and Sean Williams (SA).
Vote here.
Talitha Kalago (QLD)
I have a reasonably popular blog for writers I update every Wednesday, on which I have discussed other conventions and being an Aurealis Judge and the things I have learned from that process. I also regularly post horror movie reviews on Facebook.
I have several romance titles published with Harlequin under the pen name Zaide Bishop (Theo & Eliza’s Awakening). I also have several sci fi/fantasy/horror novels and short stories out as Talitha Kalago, through various publishers and publications (Acquisition & Duplicity, YA novels, plus numerous short stories.) In July/August of 2017 I have a trilogy coming out with Harlequin: First Fall, Second Heart and Third Wave under my Zaide Bishop pen name.
I have been an Aurealis judge two years running (2016 & 2017) and have been vice president of the Vision Writer’s group for two years (2016 & 2017), and secretary for the previous two (2014 & 2015).
Nominated by: Meghann Laverick (QLD), Kirstie Olley (QLD) and Matthew Farmer (VIC).
Vote here.
Fe Waters (WA)
Fe has been involved in fandom since she was dragged to the UniSFA room in 1990. She’s been attending Swancon since 1995, and was part of Gynaecon (the con within a con) from the beginning. After being inspired by the kids’ programming at AussieCon IV, Fe took on organising the Family Programme for Swancon 2011–2013.
In recognition of her efforts for the Family Programme, she was awarded the Mumfan (Marge Hughes) Award in 2013. In 2016 she was the Fan Guest of Honour at Swancon. This was also the year that the Gynaecon Collective was awarded the Silver Swan.
Nominated by: Stephanie Bateman-Graham (WA), Ju Landéesse (VIC) and Sarah Parker (WA).
Vote here.
Jay Watson (WA)
I have been a part of WA fandom for over 25 years, but due to health issues, I have had to step back in the past few years. I am looking at getting back into and strengthening my ties with fandom. Before my health issues, I was a regular Swancon attendee/volunteer and was on several committees. I have also stepped into help other committees when needed. I am interested in all aspects of fandom and am hoping to have discussions at the Natcon, which will help me to better contribute to the fan community.
Nominated by: Tehani Croft (QLD), Alisa Krasnostein (WA) and Robin Pen (WA).
Vote here.