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Queensland poetry

Queensland poetry

State Library celebrates the work of the best Queensland poets of the past and today. Discover the words of diverse communities, find poetry events near you, learn about competitions, and borrow award-winning books.

Watch the 2024 Queensland Poetry Month Showcase

Presented in partnership with Red Room Poetry as part of Poetry Month 2024. Enjoy award-winning author Ellen van Neerven, acclaimed poet Damen O'Brien, Brotherhood of the Wordless star Mike Russell, 2023 Helen Anne Bell Poetry Bequest winner Svetlana Sterlin, Oodgeroo Noonuccal Prize prize winning poet Cheryl Leavy and critic and poet Mindy Gill for this annual showcase of some of Queensland's finest contemporary poetry and spoken word. Hosted by Pascalle Burton with a special guest musical set by 2024 QMA World Music winner Taitu’uga. The event was staged on 16 August 2024 at State Library of Queensland. Image: Taitu'uga performs, 2024, Josie Huang, State Library of Queensland

Taitu'uga performs

audience at state library of queensland

Queensland poetry awards 2024

Queensland’s renowned suite of poetry awards have been announced to support, recognise and celebrate emerging and established poets. Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize for an Unpublished Manuscript Borrow-or-rob – Eva Phillips Val Vallis Award for an Unpublished Poem The Dam Dries by Damen O’Brien Oodgeroo Noonuccal Prize for Indigenous Poetry Country centred metaphors/rockets – Nathan mudyi Sentence XYZ Prize for Spoken Word An Apology to Myself – Vuma Phiri

Lionel Fogarty at the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards. He stands in a study room with lamps. He is smiling and holding a copy of his book

Judith Wright Calanthe Award for a Poetry Collection

As part of the Queensland Literary Awards, this award is for an outstanding collection of poetry by an Australian poet.

Samuel Wagan Watson’s Landing Echo

Learn about John Oxley's journey up the Brisbane River with Samuel Wagan Watson's poem, amplifying First Nations voices.

Borrow poetry

Parts of Speech book cover.

Parts of Speech
By Angela Gardner

Throat book cover

Throat
By Ellen van Neerven

The Jaguar book cover.

The Jaguar
By Sarah Holland-Batt

Fire Front: First Nations poetry and power today book cover

Fire Front: First Nations poetry and power today
Edited by Alison Whittaker

The Exclusion Zone illustrated book cover.

The Exclusion Zone
By Shastra Deo

At the Altar of Touch illustrated book cover.

At the Altar of Touch
By Gavin Yuan Gao