National poetry prize open

The University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize is once again open for submissions.

Now in its eighth year, the annual prize is endowed from a gift to the University by former USQ lecturer, Honorary Professor and renowned writer, Bruce Dawe.

Professor Dawe is one of Australia's most recognisable poets, and said the decision to donate the prize was based on a belief that society should encourage Australian arts.

Prize facilitator and USQ literature lecturer, Dr Brian Musgrove, said the prize has helped launch many writers' publishing careers.

'The competition is indeed highly regarded.  Bruce Dawe is one of the most nationally renowned Australian poets- every high school in the country studies his work.

'You could say that nearly all (if not all) winners have gone on to have significant writing careers and in some cases the Bruce Dawe Prize enabled them to get their first books of poetry published.

'The prize money is also quite considerable for this type of award'

Having published more than 13 books, including poetry compilations and short stories, the highly decorated writer said he hoped the prize would help support poets and acknowledge their contribution to Australian culture.

In 1984 the National Book Council named Professor Dawe's collected edition, Sometimes Gladness, amongst the top ten published Australian books, and in 1992 he was awarded the Order of Australia (AO) for his contribution to Australian literature.

Dr Brian Musgrove said judges were looking for a variety of qualities when selecting the winning entry.

'What judges are looking for is a tricky question, but I guess the simple answer is twofold: first, a poem that is thoughtful and takes an original look at a particular issue, and second, a poem that is technically well-written and shows a facility with form.'

Entries close on 30 June and the winner will be contacted personally. For more information please visit www.usq.edu.au/arts/community/poetryprize
 
Media Contact: Connie-Louise Alexander, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977