Wenona Byrne
Wenona Byrne is the Head of Practice, Literature, at the Australia Council for the Arts. In this role she is responsible for overseeing the core grants program and other strategic initiatives that support the literary sector.
Before joining the Council Wenona worked in publishing for 11 years, 9 years as Rights Manager with independent publisher Allen & Unwin. While at A&U Wenona worked closely with Australian authors, pitching titles to international publishers in North America, UK, Europe and Asia. Wenona worked on a number of industry and Australia Council initiatives including as a committee member for the Visiting International Publishers Program.
Before joining A&U Wenona worked at Australian Literary Management, a literary agency in Sydney. Wenona holds a Bachelor of Arts (Directing) from AFTRS as well as a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney. Prior to working in publishing Wenona worked as a writer/director in film and television as well as a freelance feature writer.