It may be a treasured possession; photograph, heirloom, book – or an immaterial thing; a turn of phrase, saying or song. Maybe it’s an obscure knickknack or gift from a friend? Perhaps a locket containing a strand of hair, or a garment that belonged to someone significant. It may be something simple gathered from nature – a beautiful stone, shell or feather...  

Keepsakes are objects that hold a rare and powerful aura for us because of where they have come from or who they remind us of. Objects that, in themselves, may not seem beautiful or special to others, but to us they are irreplaceable, almost sacred. They constitute part of our story, express parts of our private histories. They keep the dead close, forming a tangible link with those who are no longer here – they are something to touch and give comfort in the wake of loss. Something to remind us of delight, love and connection.

The Keepsake project originated from discussions between four Castlemaine poets who asked one another "what is a Keepsake to you?" We are all curators of words and objects - our lives are marked and mapped by ephemera, knick knacks and small acts of affectionate hoarding. With a sense of fascination we decided to cast the question to the broader poetry community and in turn, open our poems to an audience.

The resulting anthology draws together the reflections of nineteen local poets - a collection is deeply compelling and surprising in its range of responses - poetic, emotional and imaginative. The Keepsake Anthology will be a small, beautiful limited edition that documents these fascinating and diverse responses to the question of what is worth keeping, no matter how small, indionsyncratic or seemingly ordinary. By supporting us you will be securing you own copy of 'Keepsake'.

The Anthology will be available as part of our live Keepsake event which is to be held in late March 2026 in the historic Chewton town hall as part of the Castlemaine State Festival. https://castlemainefestival.com.au/event/keepsake/ 

We are seeking help to cover the costs of the anthologies production.

LAYOUT & Cover design with Green Graphics, Castlemaine
6 hours =  $540

PRINTING
A5 - 210 x148mm
Approx 40pp - saddle stitched (staples)

Internal text 130gsm 100% Recycled
Cover 350gsm 100% Recycled Full colour 1 side

150 copies = $1393.20

Total  $1933