Winners announced for 2013 NSW Premier's Literary Awards
The NSW Premier’s Literary Awards were announced tonight at the State Library of NSW, with a total of $305,000 offered across 12 prizes.
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell said: “I am once again delighted to see a wealth of varied and innovative works in this year’s Premier’s Literary Awards. The winners are indicative of the high standard of Australian literature and writing which is so highly regarded, both here and internationally.”
Minister for the Arts, George Souris MP, commented: “The NSW Premier’s Literary Awards are an opportunity for NSW to celebrate and encourage Australia’s literary community. While providing financial support to some of our nation’s best writers – both established and emerging – we recognise that reading books and writing are an important part of the arts and creative industries, and of great value to our culture.”
According to Senior Judge, Dr Kathryn Heyman: “Australian writers are engaging fiercely and lyrically with issues of contemporary importance, and bringing new insights to past stories.”
“It’s fantastic to see winning titles from both small presses and main house publishers,” said Dr Heyman.
Awards highlights:
Book of the Year: Ruby Moonlight by Ali Cobby-Eckermann (Magabala Books)
Christina Stead Prize (Fiction): Mateship with Birds by Carrie Tiffany (Pan Macmillan Australia)
People’s Choice: Animal People by Charlotte Wood (Allen & Unwin)
Special Award: David Ireland AM, one of only four Australian writers to win the Miles Franklin Award more than twice.
See the full list of winners and judges’ comments attached.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Vanessa Bond, Media & Communications Manager, State Library of NSW
(02) 9273 1566, 0411 259 898, vbond@sl.nsw.gov.au





