The owner, editor and publisher of Deadbeat – a punk music and culture magazine, Gretchen said she had never been to the bush before she stepped foot in Winton for the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival.

After growing up in Brisbane, she said she was completely surprised by how much she loved the small town. 

“It’s been rad,” she said. 

“Everyone here is so lovely – I’ve seen some incredible stuff which I never thought I’d ever see.

“The views are like paintings.

“I think I’ve fallen in love with it, I wasn’t expecting that.” 

ELLEN Shanley, 27, from Brisbane, is a high school English teacher – but this week she was writer at the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival.

Ms Shanley was revelling in the opportunity to learn about the west, and to attend the Vision Splendid Institute to hone her writing abilities. 

“I’m here for the writing retreat and the learn about the culture, landscape and history and to capture that in a project,” she said. 

Ms Shanley’s project is specific to the Winton location, and follows the story of a small community where every year, on the year, someone goes missing. 

Her script follows a family searching for answers.

She said she “absolutely loved” her experience in Winton.

“I love it, people are very friendly, and it’s so vibrant, unique and interesting,” she said. 

To read more about what the writers are up to in Winton, click here.