The Coven

The People who bring life and death to NAHC

JJ Carpenter

Disability Services & GoH Wrangler

JJ Carpenter is an award-winning horror author with a distinctive Aussie flavour. When not writing, you can find her prowling antique stores and the local history section of her local library.

Chuck was born in 1970, and still spends much of his time there. An established author of darker fare, his horror and SF work has been nominated for various genre awards. He hopes to one day be remembered by his neighbours as having seemed like such a nice man. In the meantime, you can stalk Chuck on Instagram at @chuck.mckenzie.author

Chuck McKenzie 

Chair

Vix Richardson is a spec-fic author who is a co-founder/facilitator of various writing groups. Working in operations management, she manages a range of operational issues for a large medical company. She is currently Co-Chair of the bid for Brisbane to host Worldcon in 2028 (brisbane28.org.) If the bid wins, Vix will be Chair of the Brisbane Worldcon in 2028.

Vix Richardson

Secretary

James has edited over a dozen anthologies and single-author collections of supernatural stories by colonial Australian authors. His latest book is a collection of short stories by Australian author Lionel Sparrow (1867-1936) published by Valancourt Books. He recently signed a contract with the British Library to edit an Australian anthology in their Tales of the Weird series.

James Doig

Treasurer

Petra writes folklore-rooted fantasy steeped in myth, metaphysics, and the cost of power. Drawn to the supernatural since childhood, she explores liminal spaces where unseen forces press close and darkness gathers. As an artist as well as an author, she brings the same instincts for shadow, symbolism, and the uncanny to her visual work.

Petra Costa

Program Liaison

Red Saunders is a Canberra-based visual artist and musician whose practice focuses on experience, body, and feeling. They are on board to assist in UI/UX Design, putting their keen eye to use to bring our information to you. You can find their art and music online at redartsaunders.com

Red Saunders 

Website Design

Sarah has an extreme aversion to sunlight and holy water, but absolutely adores garlic, so you’ll have to draw your own conclusions. She is also Chief Editor at All in the Edit, offering a full range of author services. allintheedit.com

Sarah Lemcke

Publications

Ian is a Melbourne horror author and lifelong fan of all things terrifying. He shares a lively home with his partner, two stepdaughters, four cats, and a dog. When not writing horror books, he’s immersed in Alien, Star Wars, or battling the ever-expanding horde of novels and games overtaking the house.

Ian Gielen

Program Liaison

Jason is a freelance writer/filmmaker based in Warrnambool in Western Victoria, from where he operates Grovesy’s Production House while studying film at Collarts. A lifelong geek, he hosts the podcast Grovesy’s Geek Show. Jason is also a mental health advocate who has written about his battle with depression and anxiety, as well as being a rabid fan of Carlton FC.

Jason Groves

Grants & Sponsorships

David Schembri is a professional Graphic designer and runs his own studio in Yarra Valley. Victoria. Designing publications and business branding. For more information, check out davidschembristudios.com. David is also an award-nominated author, artist, comic creator and poet. To find out more about this published works, please visit davidschembri.net

David Schembri

Art Director

Jess is an avid horror fan, having cut her teeth on the Goosebump books at a very young age, and she enjoys all forms of the genre. This love of the macabre inspired Jess to open Australia's first dedicated Indie Horror Bookstore, Nightmare on Hansen, through which she now helps others embrace the darkness. Basically, if there's something creepy nearby, she's sure to be there.

Jess Smith

Trader Liaison

Leanne’s love of horror started in her pre-teens with a book called Summer of Fear by Lois Duncan and a B-Grade movie called Trilogy of Terror. She has a passion for all things horror-related and can’t wait to see the National Australian Horror Convention come to life.

Leanne Tempest

Program Liaison

Marty Young is a Bram Stoker nominated and multiple award-winning writer and editor, and sometimes ghost hunter. He was the founding president of the Australian Horror Writers Association from 2005-2010, and one of the creative minds behind Midnight Echo magazine. Marty’s website is www.martyyoung.com

Marty Young

Sponsorships & Advertising