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David Unaipon Award for an Emerging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Writer

Congratulations to the 2024 finalists! 

Chella Goldwin

"Politics"

Chella Goldwin

Judges' comments: 

Incorporating some outstanding poems, this collection has great value in skilfully reflecting the cultural stance of a Torres Strait Islander woman with intimate connections to Torres Strait Islander grassroots communities. Standout pieces included "Stolen Wages", "Jimmy Clements", "Burning of Mapoon" and "Racism". "Bastards" was another particularly strong poem that the judges liked. 

Photo: supplied

Black and white photo of Dominic Guerrera standing against a brick wall

"Native Rage"

Dominic Guerrera 

Judges' comments: 

This beautifully realised poetry collection travels from cutting reflections on First Nations sovereignty and racism to unrequited love and family connections. Poignant poems of ordinary Blak life add vulnerability and tenderness. A very impressive entry from a Nunga man with fire in his belly and a passionate vision for his people. 

Photo by Jake Brusnahan

A person with long brown hair looking at the camera with head tilted back. They are wearing a black shirt against a white background.

"River Page"

Lulu Houdini 

Judges' comments: 

Houdini excels twice here, both in her use of poetic language, and also in the curation of her collection. Poems like "Boomerang" (‘The wind/that holds/the flight/ are the years/it took/to return/’) and "It Is Held In The Mouth" (‘If there are eagles on the other side, wait for me’) demonstrate exceptional promise.  A very interesting young poet who deserves further development. 

Photo by Ingrid Coles Photography

Highly commended

The judges also highly commended the manuscript "UNAIPON" by Kym Harold Kropinyeri.

About the award

Part of the Queensland Literary Awards, the David Unaipon Award is for an outstanding unpublished manuscript by an emerging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writer.

Eligibility 

  • All emerging Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander writers are eligible, this includes those who:
    • are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
    • identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
    • are accepted as such by the communities in which they live or have lived or worked.
  • Writers who have published/self-published a book are not eligible to enter. 
  • Entries must include a copy of a document that confirms Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. This might be a letter of confirmation with a common seal from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander incorporated community organisation, or a confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage, or a statutory declaration form that is witnessed and signed appropriately.   
  • Eligible writers encompass those who have never been published and those who have previously published individual works (short stories, poems, articles, or essays) in magazines, journals, anthologies, or newspapers, whether in print or online.
  • For co-authored manuscripts, all authors must meet the eligibility criteria.
  • Manuscripts can be in any literary category including novels, collections of short stories, collections of poems, works for children, biographies, autobiographies and memoirs, and general non-fiction.
  • To confirm you're eligible to enter this category, download the full 2024 terms and conditions of entry document.

Prize 

$20,000 supported by the Copyright Agency’s Cultural Fund, plus manuscript development and publication with University of Queensland Press.

2024 key dates

  • 1 March: entries open
  • 12 April: entries close
  • 1 March–18 March: early bird entry period
  • 19 March–12 April: standard entry period
  • 1 August: shortlist announced
  • 5 September: awards ceremony at State Library of Queensland 

Nomination requirements

  1. Manuscript 

  1. Cover letter (introduce yourself to the judges – give a brief biography, relevant writing or education experience, and any publication history)  

  1. A one-page synopsis that summarises the manuscript 

How to enter

2024 Queensland Literary Awards terms and conditions of entry

PDF · 289 KB

Past winners

Maria van Neerven stands in a dark blue jacket and pink beanie at a mountain lookout

2023
“To Give Them a Voice”
Maria van Neerven

Mykaela Saunders is walking along a coastal path at sunset. She has long brown hair and big silver earrings.

2022
"Always Will Be – stories of Goori sovereignty, from the future(s) of the Tweed"
Mykaela Saunders

Georgina Williams

2021
"Mekauwe = Tears Volume #1 (Notes For Song) 1970-2020"
Ngankiburka-mekauwe (Senior Woman-of Water) Georgina Williams

A young woman wearing overalls sits at a wooden table and smiles at the camera

2020
"The Space Between the Paperbark"
Jazz Money

Kirstie Parker

2018
"The Making of Ruby Champion"
Kirstie Parker

Lisa Fuller

2017
"Mirrored Pieces"
Lisa Fuller

More information

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Nomination FAQs
Find answers to common questions about nominating for the Queensland Literary Awards.
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Judging process
Get to know the judges and judging process.
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Benjamin Law smiles at another guest at the 2023 Queensland Literary Awards reception
History of the awards
Discover past Queensland Literary Award winners and finalists.
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