Other Australian lit awards

Other Australian lit awards

Jane Sutherland, Field Naturalists, c. 1896

See this page for the awards won by PW.

As of October 2023, this page is a work in progress, aiming to ultimately provide a repository of data on Australia’s key literary awards.

ALS Gold Medal (1928 – present)

Children’s Book of the Year Award: Older Readers (1946 – present) **

Grace Leven Prize for Poetry (1947 – 2012)

Miles Franklin Award (1955 – present)

Colin Roderick Award (1967 – present)

Booker Prize (1969 – present)

Christopher Brennan Award (1973 – 2015)

Patrick White Literary Award (1974 – present)

The Age Book of the Year Award (1974 – present)

New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards (1979 – present)

Initiated by Labor Premier Neville Wran in 1979, the NSW Awards are among the wealthiest in Australia, and are managed by the State Library. There are around 15 awards, available only to citizens of permanent residents.

The awards include the below selections, as well as a multi-disciplinary multicultural award, a Nick Enright Prize for Playwriting, screenwriting awards, and a People’s Choice Award. A Book of the Year is also chosen from winners of the other awards, with the author receiving an additional $10,000.

Christina Stead Prize for Fiction

Douglas Stewart Prize for Non-Fiction

Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry

Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature

Glenda Adams Award for New Writing

The Australian/Vogel Literary Award (1980 – present)

Don’t go below this point!

I’m still working on this page…

Non-White related awards

Adelaide Festival Awards:

Premier’s Award

Winners:[1]

Fiction Award

Winners:[1]

Children’s Literature Award

Winners:[1]

Young Adult Fiction Award

(Offered 2012– ) Winners:[1]

John Bray Poetry Award

Winners:[1]

Shortlisted works

2021[43]

  • Robbie Arnott, The Rain Heron
  • Luke Best, Cadaver Dog
  • Laura Jean McKay, The Animals in That Country
  • Ronnie Scott, The Adversary
  • Nardi Simpson, Song of the Crocodile
  • Ellen van Neerven, Throat

2020[44]

2019[46]

2018[47]

2017[48]

2016[49]

2015[50]

2014[51]

2013[52]

2012

2011

2010

2008[53]


Australian Book Industry Award (Literary Fiction):
Barbara Jefferis Award:
Dobbie Award:
Indie Book Awards (Fiction):

YearAuthorTitlePublisher
1957[4]Patrick WhiteVossEyre & Spottiswoode
1958[5]Randolph StowTo the IslandsMacdonald
1959[6]Vance PalmerThe Big FellowAngus and Robertson
1960[7]Elizabeth O’ConnerThe IrishmanAngus and Robertson
1961[8]Patrick WhiteRiders in the ChariotEyre & Spottiswoode
1962[9]Thea Astley
George Turner		The Well Dressed Explorer
The Cupboard Under the Stairs		Angus & Robertson
Cassell
1963[10]Sumner Locke ElliottCareful, He Might Hear YouHarper and Row
1964[11]George JohnstonMy Brother JackCollins
1965[12]Thea AstleyThe Slow NativesAngus and Robertson
1966[13]Peter MathersTrapCassell
1967[14]Thomas KeneallyBring Larks and HeroesCassell
1968[15]Thomas KeneallyThree Cheers for the ParacleteAngus and Robertson
1969[16]George JohnstonClean Straw for NothingCollins
1970[17]Dal StivensA Horse of AirAngus and Robertson
1971[18]David IrelandThe Unknown Industrial PrisonerAngus and Robertson
1972[19]Thea AstleyThe AcolyteAngus and Robertson
1973No award
1974[20]Ronald McKieThe Mango TreeCollins
1975[21]Xavier HerbertPoor Fellow My CountryFontana Books
1976[22]David IrelandThe Glass CanoeMacmillan
1977Ruth ParkSwords and Crowns and RingsNelson Books
1978Jessica AndersonTirra Lirra by the RiverMacmillan
1979David IrelandA Woman of the FuturePenguin Books
1980[23]Jessica AndersonThe ImpersonatorsMacmillan
1981[24]Peter CareyBlissFaber and Faber
1982Rodney HallJust RelationsPenguin Books
1983No award
1984[25]Tim WintonShallowsAllen & Unwin
1985[26]Christopher KochThe DoublemanChatto & Windus
1986Elizabeth JolleyThe WellViking Press
1987Glenda AdamsDancing on CoralViking Press
1988No awardDate changed from year of publication to year of announcement.
1989Peter CareyOscar and LucindaUniversity of Queensland Press
1990[27]Tom FloodOceana FineAllen & Unwin
1991David MaloufThe Great WorldChatto & Windus
1992Tim WintonCloudstreetPenguin Books
1993[28]Alex MillerThe Ancestor GamePenguin Books
1994Rodney HallThe Grisly WifeMacmillan
1995Helen DemidenkoThe Hand That Signed the PaperAllen & Unwin
1996Christopher KochHighways to a WarHeinemann
1997David FosterThe Glade Within the GroveVintage
1998Peter CareyJack MaggsUniversity of Queensland Press
1999Murray BailEucalyptusRandom House
2000Thea Astley
Kim Scott		Drylands
Benang		Penguin Books
Fremantle Press
2001Frank MoorhouseDark PalaceKnopf
2002Tim WintonDirt MusicPicador
2003Alex MillerJourney to the Stone CountryAllen & Unwin
2004Shirley HazzardThe Great FireFarrar, Straus and Giroux
2005Andrew McGahanThe White EarthAllen & Unwin
2006Roger McDonaldThe Ballad of Desmond KaleVintage
2007Alexis WrightCarpentariaGiramondo
2008Steven CarrollThe Time We Have TakenHarperCollins Publishers
2009Tim WintonBreathHamish Hamilton
2010Peter TempleTruthText Publishing
2011Kim ScottThat Deadman DancePicador
2012Anna FunderAll That I AmHamish Hamilton
2013Michelle de KretserQuestions of TravelAllen & Unwin
2014[29]Evie WyldAll the Birds, SingingRandom House
2015[30]Sofie LagunaThe Eye of the SheepAllen & Unwin
2016[31]A. S. PatrićBlack Rock White CityTransit Lounge
2017[32]Josephine WilsonExtinctionsUWA Publishing
2018[33]Michelle de KretserThe Life to ComeAllen & Unwin
2019Melissa LucashenkoToo Much LipUniversity of Queensland Press
2020[34]Tara June WinchThe YieldPenguin Random House
2021[35]Amanda LohreyThe LabyrinthText Publishing


NSW Premier’s Literary Award (Fiction): Kate Grenville’s A room of leaves

Categories

The following prizes and awards are currently given in the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards.

Christina Stead Prize for Fiction

The Christina Stead Prize is awarded for a work of fiction that may be either a novel or a collection of stories.[7] The recipient receives a A$40,000 prize as of 2021.[8] It is named in honour of Christina Stead, an Australian novelist and short-story writer.[7] The first recipient was David Malouf, who was awarded the Prize for his novella An Imaginary Life in 1979. In 2019 Michelle de Kretser won with The Life to Come and equalled Peter Carey‘s record of three wins.[9]

Award winners

YearTitleAuthorPublisher
1979An Imaginary LifeDavid MaloufChatto and Windus, London
1980War CrimesPeter CareyUniversity of Queensland Press
1981The ImpersonatorsJessica AndersonMacmillan
1982BlissPeter CareyUniversity of Queensland Press
1983The CurePeter KocanAngus & Robertson
1984MilkBeverley FarmerMcPhee Gribble
1985Milk and HoneyElizabeth JolleyFremantle Arts Centre Press
1986Postcards from Surfers[10]Helen GarnerMcPhee Gribble
1988Final ThingsJohn SligoPenguin Books Australia
1989Broken WordsHelen HodgmanPenguin Books Australia
1990Reaching Tin RiverThea AstleyWilliam Heinemann Australia
1991JF Was HereNigel KrauthAllen & Unwin
1992The Death of NapoleonSimon LeysAllen & Unwin
1993Remembering BabylonDavid MaloufRandom House Australia
1994Seasonal AdjustmentsAdib KhanAllen & Unwin
1995Just Like ThatLily BrettPan Macmillan
1996Leaning Towards InfinitySue WoolfeRandom House Australia
1997The DrownerRobert DrewePan Macmillan Australia
1999Mr Darwin’s ShooterRoger McDonaldRandom House Australia
2000The Salt of Broken TearsMichael MeehanVintage Books/Random House Australia
2001Conditions of FaithAlex MillerAllen & Unwin
2002Dirt MusicTim WintonPan Macmillan Australia
2003Moral HazardKate JenningsPicador
2004Shanghai DancingBrian CastroGiramondo Publishing
2005The TurningTim WintonPan Macmillan Australia
2006The Secret RiverKate GrenvilleText Publishing
2007Theft: A Love StoryPeter CareyRandom House Australia
2008The Lost DogMichelle de KretserAllen & Unwin
2009The Good ParentsJoan LondonVintage Books
2010SummertimeJ.M. CoetzeeHarvill Secker
2011LovesongAlex MillerAllen & Unwin
2012That Deadman DanceKim ScottPan Macmillan Australia
2013Mateship with BirdsCarrie TiffanyPan Macmillan Australia[11]
2014Questions of TravelMichelle de KretserAllen & Unwin[12]
2015The Snow KimonoMark HenshawText Publishing[13]
2016Locust Girl: A LovesongMerlinda BobisSpinifex Press[14]
2017The Museum of Modern LoveHeather RoseAllen & Unwin[15]
2018The Book of DirtBram PresserText Publishing[16]
2019The Life to ComeMichelle de KretserAllen & Unwin[17]
2020The YieldTara June WinchPenguin Random House[18]
2021A Room Made of LeavesKate GrenvilleText Publishing[19][20]

Douglas Stewart Prize for Non-Fiction

The Douglas Stewart Prize is awarded for a prose work that is not fiction.[21] The recipient receives a A$40,000 prize as of 2021.[8] It is named in honour of Douglas Stewart, a noted Australian literary editor.[21] The first recipient was Manning Clark, who was awarded the Prize for the fourth volume in his series A History of Australia in 1979. Drusilla Modjeska, with three wins, has won the Prize more than any other individual.[9] In 2019 Billy Griffiths and Sarah Krasnostein were joint winners.[17]

Award winners

YearTitleAuthorPublisher
1979A History of Australia Volume IVManning ClarkMelbourne University Press
1980BarwickDavid MarrAllen & Unwin
1981A Fortunate LifeA.B. FaceyFremantle Arts Centre Press
1982Rebels and PrecursorsRichard HaeseAllen Lane
1983Robert J. HawkeBlanche d’AlpugetSchwartz
1984The Archibald ParadoxSylvia LawsonAllen Lane
1985The Moon ManElsie WebsterMelbourne University Press
1986A Paper PrinceGeorge MunsterViking/Penguin Books Australia
The Kurnai of Gippsland, Volume OnePhillip Pepper with Tess De AraugoHyland House Publishing
1987The Irish In AustraliaPatrick O’FarrellUniversity of New South Wales Press
1988LouisaBrian MatthewsMcPhee Gribble
1989His Mother’s CountryMaslyn WilliamsMelbourne University Press
1990The SnowySiobhan McHughWilliam Heinemann Australia
1991Sitting InBarry HillWilliam Heinemann Australia
PoppyDrusilla ModjeskaMcPhee Gribble
1992Patrick WhiteDavid MarrRandom Century Australia
1993Robert Menzies Forgotten PeopleJudith BrettPan Macmillan Australia
Put Your Whole Self InMeme McDonaldPenguin Books Australia
1994Australia’s Spies and Their SecretsDavid McKnightAllen & Unwin
The Scandalous PentonPatrick BuckridgeUniversity of Queensland Press
1995The OrchardDrusilla ModjeskaPan Macmillan Australia
1996Hunters and Collectors: The Antiquarian Imagination in AustraliaTom GriffithsCambridge University Press
1997The Europeans in Australia: A History, Volume OneAlan AtkinsonOxford University Press
1999H M Bark EndeavourRay ParkinMiegunyah Press at Melbourne University Press
2000Stravinsky’s LunchDrusilla ModjeskaPicador/Pan Macmillan Australia
2001Craft for a Dry LakeKim MahoodTransworld/ Random House Australia
2002The Poison PrincipleGail BellPan Macmillan Australia
2003Looking for Blackfellas’ Point: An Australian History of PlaceMark McKennaUniversity of New South Wales Press
2004Dancing with StrangersInga ClendinnenText Publishing
2005The Idea of Home: autobiographical essaysJohn HughesGiramondo Publishing
2006East of TimeJacob G. RosenbergBrandl & Schlesinger
2007Things I Didn’t Know: a MemoirRobert HughesRandom House Australia
2008Slicing the Silence: Voyaging to AntarcticaTom GriffithsUniversity of New South Wales Press
2009The Tall Man: Death and Life on Palm IslandChloe HooperPenguin Australia
2010Kill Khalid: Mossad’s failed hit … and the rise of HamasPaul McGeoughAllen & Unwin
2011Malcolm Fraser: The Political MemoirsMalcolm Fraser and Margaret SimonsMelbourne University Publishing
2012An Eye for Eternity: The Life of Manning ClarkMark McKennaMiegunyah, MUP[22]
2013The Office: A Hard Working HistoryGideon HaighMiegunyah [11]
2014Boy, Lost: A Family MemoirKristina OlssonUniversity of Queensland Press[12]
Rendezvous with DestinyMichael FullilovePenguin Group (Australia)[12]
2015The BushDon WatsonPenguin Books Australia[13]
2016Reckoning: A MemoirMagda SzubanskiText Publishing[23]
2017Our Man Elsewhere: In Search of Alan MooreheadThornton McCamishBlack Inc[24]
2018Passchendaele: Requiem for Doomed YouthPaul HamWilliam Heinemann Australia[16]
2019Deep Time Dreaming: Uncovering Ancient Australia (joint winner)Billy GriffithsBlack Inc.[17]
The Trauma Cleaner: One Woman’s Extraordinary Life in Death, Decay and Disaster (joint winner)Sarah KrasnosteinText Publishing[17]
2020Tiberius with a Telephone: The Life and Stories of William McMahonPatrick MullinsScribe Publications[18]
2021The Warrior, the Voyager, and the Artist: Three Lives in an Age of EmpireKate FullagarYale University Press[19][20]

Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry

Main article: Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry

The Kenneth Slessor Prize is awarded for a book of poetry, whether collected poems or a single poem of some length, and was first awarded in 1980. The recipient receives a A$30,000 prize as of 2021.[8] It is named in honour of Kenneth Slessor, a noted Australian poet and journalist.[25] The first recipient was David Campbell, who won the Prize posthumously. In 2011, NSW poet Jennifer Maiden became the only individual to win the award three times.[9] The latest recipient was Peter Boyle in 2020.

Award winners

YearTitleAuthorPublisher
1980Man in the HoneysuckleDavid CampbellAngus & Robertson
1981Astral SeaAlan GouldAngus & Robertson
1982Kaddish and Other PoemsFay ZwickyUniversity of Queensland Press
1983Tide CountryVivian SmithAngus & Robertson
1984The People’s Other WorldLes A. MurrayAngus & Robertson
1985Your ShadowKevin HartAngus & Robertson
1986Selected Poems 1963-83Robert GrayAngus & Robertson
1987Blood and BonePhilip HodginsAngus & Robertson
1988The Domesticity of GiraffesJudith BeveridgeBlack Lightning Press
1989Under BerlinJohn TranterUniversity of Queensland Press
1990The Clean DarkRobert AdamsonPaper Bark Press
1991The Winter BabyJennifer MaidenCollins Angus & Robertson
1992Selected PoemsElizabeth RiddellCollins Angus & Robertson
1993Translations from the Natural WorldLes A. MurrayIsabella Press
1994Ghosting William BuckleyBarry HillWilliam Heinemann Australia
1995Coming Home From the WorldPeter BoyleFive Islands Press
1996Weeping for Lost BabylonEric BeachHarperCollins Publishers
Selected PoemsJ. S. HarryPenguin Books Australia
1997The ViewfinderAnthony LawrenceUniversity of Queensland Press
1999Race Against TimeLee CataldiPenguin Books Australia
2000MinesJennifer MaidenPaper Bark Press / Australian Humanities Research Foundation
2001AfricaKen TaylorFive Islands Press
2002The LovemakersAlan WearnePenguin Books Australia
2003Screens Jets Heaven: New and Selected PoemsJill JonesSalt Publishing
2004Dear Deliria: New & Selected PoemsPam BrownSalt Publishing
2005Smoke Encrypted WhispersSamuel Wagan WatsonUniversity of Queensland Press
2006LatecomersJaya SavigeUniversity of Queensland Press
2007Urban Myths:210 PoemsJohn TranterUniversity of Queensland Press
2008Two Kinds of SilenceKathryn LomerUniversity of Queensland Press
2009Man Wolf ManL. K. HoltJohn Leonard Press
2010the sonnet according to ‘m’Jordie AlbistonJohn Leonard Press
2011Pirate RainJennifer MaidenGiramondo Publishing
2012New and Selected PoemsGig RyanGiramondo Publishing
2013Ruby MoonlightAli Cobby EckermannMagabala Books[11]
2014NoveltiesFiona HileHunter [12]
2015Earth HourDavid MaloufUniversity of Queensland Press[13]
2016brushJoanne BurnsGiramondo Poets[26]
2017GhostspeakingPeter BoyleVagabond Press[24]
2018ArgosyBella LiVagabond Press[16]
2019IntervalJudith BishopUniversity of Queensland Press[17]
2020Enfolded in the Wings of a Great DarknessPeter BoyleVagabond Press[18]
2021ThroatEllen van NeervenUniversity of Queensland Press[19][20]

Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature

The Ethel Turner Prize is awarded for work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry written for young people of secondary school level.[27] The recipient receives a A$30,000 prize as of 2021.[8] It is named in honour of Ethel Turner, author of the children’s classic, Seven Little Australians.[27]

The Children’s Literature section of the Premier’s Literary Awards began as a single award in 1979, but was redefined in 1999 to create the Patricia Wrightson Prize (for writing for a primary school audience) and the Ethel Turner Prize (for a secondary school audience). The Ethel Turner Award was also given to all previous winners in the Children’s Literature section.[28] The Prize was first won, jointly, by Patricia Wrightson and Jenny Wagner in 1979. The most recent recipients are James Roy and Noël Zihabamwe for their co-authored novel One Thousand Hills. Australian author Ursula Dubosarsky and writer Jaclyn Moriarty have each won the prize three times.[9]

Award winners

YearTitleAuthorPublisher
1979John Brown, Rose and the Midnight CatJenny WagnerKestrel Books
The Dark Bright WaterPatricia Wrightson (Special Children’s book)Atheneum Books, New York
1980Mr Archimedes’ BathPamela AllenWilliam Collins
Land of the Rainbow SnakeCatherine Berndt (Special Children’s book)William Collins
1981When the Wind ChangedRuth Park and Deborah NilandWilliam Collins
Seventh PebbleEleanor SpenceOxford University Press
1982Whistle Up the ChimneyNan Hunt and Craig SmithWilliam Collins
1983Who Sank the Boat?Pamela AllenNelson
Five Times DizzyNadia Wheatley (Special children’s book)Oxford University Press
1984Possum MagicMem Fox and Julie VivasOmnibus Books
1985The House That was EurekaNadia WheatleyViking/Kestrel
1986The True Story of Spit MacPheeJames AldridgeViking/Penguin Books Australia
1987A Rabbit Named HarrisNan Hunt and Betina OgdenWilliam Collins
1988Answers to BrutGillian RubinsteinOmnibus Books
1989You Take the High RoadMary PershallPenguin Books Australia
1990The Blue ChameleonKatherine ScholesHill of Content Publishing
1991Strange ObjectsGary CrewWilliam Heinemann Australia
1992All in the Blue Unclouded WeatherRobin KleinPenguin Books Australia
1993Tjarany RoughtailGracie Greene, Lucille Gill and Joe TramacchiMagabala Books
1994The White Guinea PigUrsula DubosarskyPenguin Books Australia
1995Mr EnigmaticJenny PausackerReed for Kids
1996Johnny Hart’s HeroesDavid MetzenthenPenguin Books Australia
1997The Two BulliesJunko MorimotoRandom House Australia
1999The Divine WindGarry DisherHodder Headline Australia
2000The Binna-Binna ManMeme McDonald and Boori Monty PryorAllen & Unwin
2001Feeling Sorry for CeliaJaclyn MoriartyPan Macmillan Australia
2002Soldier Boy: The True Story of Jim Martin, the Youngest AnzacAnthony HillPenguin Books Australia
2003The MessengerMarkus ZusakPan Macmillan Australia
2004Boys of Blood and BoneDavid MetzenthenPenguin Books Australia
2005By the RiverSteven HerrickAllen & Unwin
2006Theodora’s GiftUrsula DubosarskyPenguin Group Australia
2007The Red ShoeUrsula DubosarskyAllen & Unwin
2008TownJames RoyUniversity of Queensland Press
2009A Brief History of MontmarayMichelle CooperRandom House Australia
2010When the Hipchicks Went to WarPamela RushbyHachette Australia
2011Graffiti MoonCath CrowleyPan Macmillan Australia
2012Only Ever AlwaysPenni RussonAllen & Unwin
2013A Corner of WhiteJaclyn MoriartyPan Macmillan Australia[11]
2014Zac and MiaAJ BettsText Press[12]
2015The Cracks in the KingdomJaclyn MoriartyPan Macmillan Australia[13]
2016LaurindaAlice PungBlack Inc.[29]
2017One Thousand HillsJames Roy and Noël ZihabamweOmnibus Books, Scholastic Australia[24]
2018The Ones That DisappearedZana FraillonLothian[16]
2019Amelia WestlakeErin GoughHardie Grant Egmont[17]
2020Lenny’s Book of EverythingKaren FoxleeAllen & Unwin[18]
2021The End of the World is Bigger than LoveDavina BellText Publishing[19][20]

Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature

The Patricia Wrightson Prize is awarded for work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry written for children up to secondary school level.[30] The recipient receives a A$30,000 prize as of 2021.[8]

The Children’s Literature section of the Premier’s Literary Awards began as a single award in 1979, but was redefined in 1999 to create the Patricia Wrightson Prize (for writing for a primary school audience) and the Ethel Turner Prize (for a secondary school audience).[28] The Patricia Wrightson Prize was created in honour of children’s author Patricia Wrightson, who won the first Ethel Turner Prize in 1979.[31] The first recipient was Odo Hirsch, for his debut children’s book, Antonio S and the Mystery of Theodore Guzman. The most recent recipient is Leanne Hall, author of Iris and the Tiger. Kierin Meehan is the only author who has won the Prize more than once.[9]

Award winners

YearTitleAuthorPublisher
1999Antonio S and the Mystery of Theodore GuzmanOdo HirschAllen & Unwin
2000The Spangled DrongoSteven HerrickUniversity of Queensland Press
2001FoxMargaret Wild and Ron Brooks (illus.)Allen & Unwin
2002The Red TreeShaun TanLothian Books
2003Where in the WorldSimon FrenchLittle Hare Books
2004Night SingingKierin MeehanPenguin Books Australia
2005Farm KidSherryl ClarkPenguin Books Australia
2006In the Monkey ForestKierin MeehanPenguin Books Australia
2007HomeNarelle OliverOmnibus Books
2008The Peasant PrinceLi Cunxin and Anne Spudvilas (illus.)Penguin Books Australia
2009The Word SpyUrsula Dubosarsky and Tohby RiddlePenguin Books Australia
2010Krakatoa LighthouseAllan BailliePenguin Books Australia
2011My Australian Story: The Hunt for Ned KellySophie MassonScholastic Australia
2012Crow CountryKate ConstableAllen & Unwin
2013The Ghost of Miss Annabel SpoonAaron BlabeyPenguin Books Australia [11]
2014The Girl Who Brought MischiefKatrina NannestadHarperCollins Publishers[12]
2015CrossingCatherine NortonOmnibus/Scholastic Australia[13]
Figgy in the WorldTamsin JanuOmnibus/Scholastic Australia[13]
2016TeacupRebecca Young & Matt OttleyScholastic Australia[32]
2017Iris and the TigerLeanne HallText Publishing[24]
2018How to BeeBren MacDibbleAllen & Unwin[16]
2019Leave Taking (joint winner) Dingo (joint winner)Lorraine Marwood Claire Saxby and Tannya HarricksUniversity of Queensland Press Walker Books[17]
2020Ella and the OceanLian Tanner & Jonathan BentleyAllen & Unwin[18]
2021The Grandest Bookshop in the WorldAmelia MellorAffirm Press[19][20]

NSW Multicultural Award

This Award was first established in 1980, when it was known as the Ethnic Affairs Commission Award.[33][34] Later known as the Community Relations Commission Award, and from 2012 referred to as the Community Relations Commission for Multicultural NSW Award, or from 2014 just Multicultural NSW Award, the prize money is worth A$20,000 as of 2021.[8][35][36]

It is offered for: “a book of fiction or non-fiction, memoir or history; a play, musical drama or comedy, theatrical monologue or other theatrical performance; a book of collected poems or a single poem of substantial length published in book form; the screenplay of a feature or documentary film or episode of a television program…; or the script of a radio play or documentary which is deemed by the judges to have made a significant contribution to Australian literature, poetry, theatre, film, radio or television and which also considers any aspect of the Australian migration experience; and/or aspects of cultural diversity and multiculturalism in Australian society.”[37]

Award winners

YearTitleAuthorPublisher
1980Australia through Italian EyesStephanie Lindsay ThompsonOxford University Press
1981For the PatriarchAngelo LoukakisUniversity of Queensland Press
1982The Long FarewellDon CharlwoodAllen Lane
1983Faith of Our FathersSpiro ZavosUniversity of Queensland Press
1984A Universe of ClownsSerge LibermanPhoenix Publications
1985Oh Lucky CountryRosa CappielloUniversity of Queensland Press
1986No Snow In DecemberMaria LewittHeinemann Publishers
1987Dreamtime NightmaresBill RosserPenguin Books Australia
1991Jewels and AshesArnold ZableScribe Publications
1992Inside OutsideAndrew RiemerHarperCollins Angus & Robertson
1993The Crocodile FuryBeth YahpHarperCollins Angus & Robertson
1994Aphrodite and the OthersGillian BourasMcPhee Gribble
1995The First Book of SamuelUrsula DubosarskyPenguin Books Australia
1996CaravanseraiHanifa DeenAllen & Unwin
1997The Fiftieth GateMark Raphael BakerHarperCollins Australia
1999Mortal Divide: the Autobiography of Yiorgos AlexandroglouGeorge AlexanderBrandl & Schlesinger
2000The Binna-Binna ManMeme McDonald and Boori Monty PryorAllen & Unwin
2001Rabbit-Proof FenceChristine OlsenJabal Films
2002Visits Home: Migration Experiences between Italy and AustraliaLoretta BaldassarMelbourne University Press
2003Secrets and Spies: The Harbin FilesMara MoustafineRandom House Australia
2004Against Paranoid Nationalism: Searching for Hope in a Shrinking SocietyGhassan HagePluto Press Australia
2005A Certain Maritime Incident: the sinking of SIEV XTony KevinScribe Publications
2006The Secret RiverKate GrenvilleText Publishing
2007The ArrivalShaun TanHachette Australia
2008Sunrise WestJacob G. RosenbergBrandl & Schlesinger
2009Destination Australia: migration to Australia since 1901Eric RichardsUNSW Press
2010Leave to Remain: A MemoirAbbas El-ZeinPenguin Books Australia
2011The English ClassOuyang YuTransit Lounge Publishing
2012Good Living Street: The Fortunes of My Viennese FamilyTim BonyhadyAllen & Unwin
2013Don’t Go Back to Where You Came FromTim SoutphommasaneNewSouth[11]
2014Questions of Travel (joint winner)Michelle de KretserAllen & Unwin[38]
2014The Secret River (joint winner)Andrew BovellCurrency Press[38]
2015Black and Proud: The story of an AFL photoMatthew Klugman and Gary OsmondNewSouth[39]
2016Good Muslim BoyOsamah SamiHardie Grant[40]
2017The Hate RaceMaxine Beneba ClarkeHachette Australia[41]
2018The Permanent ResidentRoanna GonsalvesUWA[42]
2019The LebsMichael Mohammed AhmadHachette Australia[43]
2020The PillarsPeter PolitesHachette Australia[18]
2021ThroatEllen van NeervenUniversity of Queensland Press[19][20]

UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing

The UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing (originally the UTS Award for New Writing) is given for a published book of fiction by an author who has not previously published a work of ficti}}on that is book-length. It was established in 2005,[44] and the winner receives a A$5,000 prize as of 2021.[8] from the University of Technology, Sydney.[44][45]

The award was renamed in 2008 to honour Glenda Adams, the Australian novelist and short story writer who died in 2007.[46]

Award winners

YearTitleAuthorPublisher
2005The Last RideDenise YoungHarperCollins Australia
2006An Accidental TerroristSteven LangUniversity of Queensland Press
2007Swallow the AirTara June WinchUniversity of Queensland Press
2009Feather ManRhyll McMasterBrandl & Schlesinger
2009The BoatNam LePenguin Books Australia
2010Document ZAndrew CroomeAllen & Unwin
2011TraitorStephen DaisleyText Publishing
2012The Roving PartyRohan WilsonAllen & Unwin
2013The Last ThreadMichael SalaAffirm Press[11]
2014The Night GuestFiona McFarlanePenguin Group (Australia)[12]
2015An Elegant Young ManLuke CarmanGiramondo Publishing[13]
2016An Astronaut’s LifeSonja DechianText Publishing[47]
2017Letter to PessoaMichelle CahillGiramondo Publishing[15]
2018The Book of DirtBram PresserText Publishing[16]
2019Boy Swallows UniverseTrent DaltonHarperCollins[17]
2020Real DifferencesS L LimTransit Lounge[18]
2021Cherry BeachLaura McPhee-BrowneText Publishing[19][20]

Nick Enright Prize for Playwriting

The Play Award, established in 1983, is given to a play or musical which has been produced in Australia. The winner is chosen based purely on the merit of the written text,[48] and they receive a A$30,000 prize as of 2021.[8] The award was first given to playwright Nicholas Enright and composer Terence Clarke for the musical Variations. Writers Daniel Keene and Stephen Sewell have each won the Award three times.[9]

In 2010, the judges decided not to shortlist any plays for the Award, instead bestowing a $30,000 grant for new playwrights. Their decision was widely criticised by many of Australia’s most experienced playwrights.[49] Gil Appleton, head of the judging panel, called for all future judges to see a performance of the play rather than judging the work on the script alone.[4]

Award winners

YearTitleAuthor
1983VariationsNicholas Enright and Terence Clarke
1984Down an Alley Filled with CatsWarwick Moss
1985The Blind Giant is DancingStephen Sewell
1986AwayMichael Gow
1987Blood RelationsDavid Malouf
1988The Rivers of ChinaAlma De Groen
1989HateStephen Sewell
1991Hotel SorrentoHannie Rayson
1992CosiLouis Nowra
1993Dead HeartNicholas Parsons
1994Sex Diary of an InfidelMichael Gurr
1995Sweet PhoebeMichael Gow
Falling From GraceHannie Rayson
1996The Shoe-Horn SonataJohn Misto
1997JerusalemMichael Gurr
1999Box the PonyScott Rankin and Leah Purcell
2000Scissors, Paper, RockDaniel Keene
2001Milo’s WakeMargery Forde and Michael Forde
2002Miss TanakaJohn Romeril
2003Half & HalfDaniel Keene
2004Myth, Propaganda and Disaster in Nazi Germany and Contemporary AmericaStephen Sewell
2005HarbourKatherine Thomson
2006Strangers in BetweenTommy Murphy
2007Holding the ManTommy Murphy, adapted from the book by Timothy Conigrave
2008Stories in the DarkDebra Oswald
2009The Serpent’s TeethDaniel Keene
2011Do Not Go GentlePatricia Cornelius
2012Porn, CakeVanessa Bates
2012The GiftJoanna Murray-Smith
2013The DamnedReg Cribb[11]
2014MuffVan Badham[12]
2015Black DiggersTom Wright[50]
2016The Bleeding TreeAngus Cerini[51]
2017The Drover’s WifeLeah Purcell[24]
2018Black is the New WhiteNakkiah Lui[16]
2019The Almighty SometimesKendall Feaver[17]
2020Counting and CrackingS. Shakthidharan[18]
2021MilkDylan Van Den Berg[19][20]

Betty Roland Prize for Script Writing

In 1984, the Film Writing Award and the Television Writing Award were established, followed by the Radio Writing Award in 1988. In 1990, these three awards were amalgamated into the Script Writing Award. It is given for the script of a film, radio program or television program, which may be fiction or a documentary. The winner is chosen based purely on the merit of the written text,[52] and they receive a A$30,000 prize as of 2021.[8] The award was first given jointly to the film scripts for Sweetie and An Angel at My Table. Directors Jane Campion and Rolf de Heer have each won the Award twice.[9]

Award winners

YearTitleAuthor
1984Careful, He Might Hear You (Film Writing Award)Michael Jenkins
Scales of Justice (Television Writing Award)Robert Caswell
1985My First Wife (Film Writing Award)Bob Ellis and Paul Cox
The Cowra Breakout (Television Writing Award)Margaret Kelly, Chris Noonan, Phillip Noyce and Russell Braddon
1986Bliss (Film Writing Award)Peter Carey and Ray Lawrence
1987Malcolm (Film Writing Award)David Parker
Two Friends (Television Writing Award)Helen Garner
1988High Tide (Film Writing Award)Laura Jones
Australia-Japan: A Love Story (Radio Writing Award)Keith Gallasch and Virginia Baxter
Olive (Television Writing Award)Anthony Wheeler
1989The Story of Anger Lee Bredenza (Radio Writing Award)Alana Valentine
The True Believers (Television Writing Award)Bob Ellis and Stephen Ramsay
1990SweetieJane Campion and Gerard Lee
An Angel at My TableLaura Jones
1992DingoMarc Rosenberg
1993Strictly BallroomBaz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce
1994Bad Boy BubbyRolf de Heer
1995“Playing the Ego Card”, FrontlineJane Kennedy, Santo Cilauro, Tom Gleisner and Rob Sitch
1996Blue MurderIan David
1997Mabo: Life of an Island ManTrevor Graham
1999Dance Me to My SongHeather Rose, Frederick Stahl and Rolf de Heer
2000Looking for AlibrandiMelina Marchetta
2001Rabbit-Proof FenceChristine Olsen
2002My Mother IndiaSafina Uberoi
2003Till Human Voices Wake UsMichael Petroni
2004Marking TimeJohn Doyle
2005The Art of WarBetty Churcher
2006We Can Be Heroes: Finding The Australian of the YearChris Lilley
2007The Home Song StoriesTony Ayres
2008Forbidden Lie$Anna Broinowsk
2009First AustraliansLouis Nowra, Rachel Perkins & Beck Cole
2010Bright StarJane Campion
Fairweather ManAviva Ziegler
2011OffspringDebra Oswald
2012Rake (Episode 1): R v MurrayPeter Duncan
2013Dead EuropeLouise Fox [11]
2014Devil’s Dust (two-part series)Kris Mrksa [12]
2015The BabadookJennifer Kent[53]
2016Deadline Gallipoli, Episode 4: ‘The Letter’Cate Shortland[54]
2017The Code, Series 2 Episode 4Shelley Birse (joint winner)[24]
Down UnderAbe Forsythe (joint winner)[24]
2018Deep Water: The Real StoryAmanda Blue and Jacob Hickey (joint winners)[16]
Top of the Lake: China Girl, “Birthday” Series 2 Episode 4Jane Campion and Gerard Lee (joint winners)[16]
2019JirgaBenjamin Gilmour[17]
2020MissingKylie Boltin (joint winner)[18]
The Cry, Episode 2Jacquelin Perske (joint winner)[18]
2021FreemanLaurence Billiet[19][20]

NSW Premier’s Prize for Literary Scholarship

Awarded biennially, the Prize for Literary Scholarship was made to a book, CD-ROM or DVD which presents an original perspective on one or more published works. The winner received a A$30,000 prize. It was discontinued and has not been awarded since 2010.[9][55]

Award winners

YearTitleAuthor
2004Broken Song: T.G.H. Strehlow and Aboriginal PossessionBarry Hill
2006Postcolonial Conrad: Paradoxes of EmpireTerry Collits
2008Samuel Taylor Coleridge: a Literary LifeWilliam Christie
2010Networked Language: Culture and History in Australian PoetryPhilip Mead

People’s Choice Award

This award was established in 2009 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the awards.[56] The Award is based on votes by New South Wales residents from the works shortlisted for the Christina Stead Prize for fiction. The award was first won by Steve Toltz for his novel, A Fraction of the Whole.[57]

Award winners

YearTitleAuthor
2009A Fraction of the WholeSteve Toltz
2010The World BeneathCate Kennedy
2011LovesongAlex Miller
2012Five BellsGail Jones
2013Animal PeopleCharlotte Wood[11]
2014The Railwayman’s WifeAshley Hay[12]
2015Only the Animals (joint winner) The Golden Age (joint winner)Ceridwen Dovey Joan London[58]
2016The Life of HousesLisa Gorton[59]
2017Vancouver #3 in the series Wisdom TreeNick Earls[15]
2018The Book of DirtBram Presser[16]
2019Boy Swallows UniverseTrent Dalton[60]
2020The YieldTara June Winch[18]
2021The Dictionary of Lost WordsPip Williams[19][20]

Book of the Year

The winner of the New South Wales Book of the Year is chosen from among the winners of that year’s awards, with the award worth an extra A$10,000 as of 2021.[8]

Award winners

YearTitleAuthorOther Award
1992Selected PoemsElizabeth RiddellKenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry
1993Tjarany RoughtailGracie Green, Lucille Gill and Joe TramacchiEthel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature
1994Seasonal AdjustmentsAdib KhanChristina Stead Prize for Fiction
1995The Encyclopaedia of Aboriginal AustraliaDavid HortonSpecial Award
1996Hunters and Collectors: The Antiquarian Imagination in AustraliaTom GriffithsDouglas Stewart Prize for Non-Fiction
1997The DrownerRobert DreweChristina Stead Prize for Fiction
1999H M Bark EndeavourRay ParkinDouglas Stewart Prize for Non-Fiction
2000The Binna-Binna ManMeme McDonald and Boori Monty PryorEthel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature
2001Broken Circles: Fragmenting Indigenous Families 1800-2000Anna HaebichGleebooks Prize
2002The LovemakersAlan WearneKenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry
2003Looking for Blackfellas’ Point: An Australian History of PlaceMark McKennaDouglas Stewart Prize for Non-Fiction
2004Shanghai DancingBrian CastroChristina Stead Prize for Fiction
2005Smoke Encrypted WhispersSamuel Wagan WatsonKenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry
2007The ArrivalShaun TanCommunity Relations Commission Award
2008The Lost DogMichelle de KretserChristina Stead Prize for Fiction
2009The BoatNam LeUTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing
2010Kill Khalid: Mossad’s failed hit … and the rise of HamasPaul McGeoughDouglas Stewart Prize for Non-Fiction
2011Malcolm Fraser: The Political MemoirsMalcolm Fraser and Margaret SimonsDouglas Stewart Prize for Non-Fiction
2012That Deadman DanceKim ScottChristina Stead Prize for Fiction[22]
2013Ruby MoonlightAli Cobby EckermannKenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry [11]
2014Questions of TravelMichelle de KretserChristina Stead Prize for Fiction[12]
2015The BushDon WatsonDouglas Stewart Prize for Non-Fiction[13]
2016Dark EmuBruce PascoeIndigenous Writers Prize[61]
2017The Drover’s WifeLeah PurcellNick Enright Prize for Playwriting[15][24]
2018TabooKim ScottIndigenous Writers Prize[16]
2019Deep Time Dreaming: Uncovering Ancient AustraliaBilly GriffithsDouglas Stewart Prize for Non-Fiction[17]
2020The YieldTara June WinchChristina Stead Prize for Fiction[18]
2021ThroatEllen van NeervenKenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry[19][20]

Gleebooks Prize for Critical Writing

The Gleebooks Prize was established in 1995 and was offered for Australian critical writing. The winner received a A$10,000 prize.[72] It was last awarded in 2009 to David Love and its current status is unknown.[9]

Award winners

YearTitleAuthor
1995Volatile Bodies, Towards a Corporeal FeminismElizabeth Grosz
1996Artful Histories: Modern Australian AutobiographyDavid McCooey
1997Love and Freedom: Professional Women and the Reshaping of Personal LifeAlison Mackinnon
1999Ngarrindjeri Wurruwarrin: A World that Is, Was and Will BeDiane Bell
2000Reading the HolocaustInga Clendinnen
2001Broken Circles: Fragmenting Indigenous Families 1800-2000Anna Haebich
2002Borderline: Australia’s treatment of refugees and asylum seekersPeter Mares
2003How Simone de Beauvoir Died in AustraliaSylvia Lawson
2004The Artificial Horizon: Imagining the Blue MountainsMartin Thomas
2005Blackfellas Whitefellas and the Hidden Injuries of RaceGillian Cowlishaw
2006The Weather Makers: the History and Future Impact of Climate ChangeTim Flannery
2007Asbestos House: the Secret History of James Hardie IndustriesGideon Haigh
2008Race and the Crisis of HumanismKay Anderson
2009Unfinished Business: Paul Keating’s interrupted revolutionDavid Love


Patrick White Award:
Prime Minister’s Literary Award:
Queensland Literary (Fiction) Award:
Stella Prize: Evie Wyld’s The bass rock
Victorian Premier’s Literary (Fiction) Award: Laura Jean Mackay’s The animals in that country
Western Australian Premier’s Book Award: No longer does an overall fiction award