I write this letter in support of my friend Bruno Lettieri, who is one of Australia’s most dedicated creative writing, literature and literacy teachers. Bruno founded the Rotunda in the West series of talks, educational forums and cultural events that brought well-known writers, philosophers and thinkers to the Western suburbs of Melbourne. Rotunda in the West has been a huge cultural influence in fostering community, literacy and the Arts in a traditionally socially and economically disadvantaged region of Victoria. It has influenced major festivals like the Big West, and changed the cultural landscape of the region.
Bruno has interviewed our country’s most eminent writers and innovative thinkers, including Helen Garner, John Marsden, Ailsa Piper, Hannie Rayson, Kerry Greenwood, Cate Kennedy, Arnold Zable, Dorothy Porter, Raimond Gaita, Bob Murphy, and Father Bob Maguire, Tim Costello, Martin Flanagan, Shaun Micallef and Michael Leunig among others. His meticulous preparation in honour of each book and subject, his ability to balance both irreverent wit with penetrating insights and his unique blend of self-effacing humour have won him a loyal and dedicated audience. Above all, it has sparked lifelong friendships. Our friendship with Bruno has led to his reading at our wedding and being a godfather to our son; but this sort of deep connection and devotion is not uncommon for Bruno.
Bruno also started and ran the Twilight School at Salesian College, a programme of cultural, artistic, musical and creative activities in the evening for the community of Sunbury. Such was the joy that Bruno engendered that participants drove hours out of town to attend his events.
Bruno has been a teacher for almost four decades: his patience, enthusiasm and genuine love of literature - seared of all pretence so that only the most fundamental questions shine through – has been life changing for many of his students, particularly those with special vulnerabilities. For those suffering from mental illness, refugees, the disenfranchised and voiceless, Bruno has extended Literature as a lifeline: buoyant, accessible, true.
He has been nominated for Australian of the Year, and profiled in eminent Australian publications such as The Age newspaper, and the Saturday Paper. I am proud to write this reference for my friend Bruno, and would welcome the opportunity to discuss this letter with you. I can be contacted on the details above.