The Bruce Dawe National Poetry Prize is an Australian literary award established to honour the distinguished poet Bruce Dawe (1930–2020). It is administered by the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) and is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents.
History and Administration The prize was inaugurated in 1999 by the University of Southern Queensland (then known as the University of Southern Queensland) to recognize Dawe's significant contribution to Australian literature and his long association with the university, where he taught for many years. The competition is typically held annually, though scheduling has occasionally varied.
Criteria and Judging The award is offered for an original, unpublished poem written in English. There are generally no restrictions on theme or style. Entries are judged by a panel of established poets and literary figures, often including a guest judge of national standing. The judging process is blind (anonymous).
Prize Value The prize purse has varied over the years. As of recent iterations, the first prize has been valued at AUD $3,000, with additional runner-up prizes and highly commended awards sometimes offered. Winning and shortlisted poems are typically published in the university's literary journal, The Blue Swamp, or similar publications associated with the university's creative writing program.
Significance The prize is considered one of Australia's notable poetry awards, attracting entries from both emerging and established poets nationwide. It serves to perpetuate the legacy of Bruce Dawe, who was known for his accessible, vernacular style and his focus on the ordinary Australian experience.
Notable Winners Past winners include prominent Australian poets such as:
- 1999: Jennifer Harrison
- 2001: Sarah Day
- 2003: Andy Kissane
- 2005: Lisa Gorton
- 2007: Jill Jones
- 2009: Michael Brennan
- 2011: Felicity Plunkett
- 2013: Elizabeth Hodgson
- 2015: Stuart Barnes
- 2017: Ellen van Neerven
- 2019: Andy Jackson
- 2021: Dan Disney
- 2023: Peter Boyle
(Note: The competition was not held in some years, leading to gaps in the annual sequence.)
