The 39th annual Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards are officially open for the 2023 competition season. We’re back with new judges, an incoming Patron, and a fresh optional theme to inspire young Australians.
We welcome two new judges in 2023. Overseeing the primary categories for the next two years is WA-based children’s author, Rebecca Newman, with Tasmania’s Sarah Day deciding the secondary sections. Both judges are prolific in their literary fields with a broad publishing slate between them. We’re excited to present them with thousands of fresh poems by young people.
Also new to our ranks is former awards’ judge, Dr Sally Murphy OAM, who joins us as Patron of the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards. With over 50 books published, including award winning verse novels Pearl Verses the World and Worse Things, Sally completed Doctoral Studies in creative writing with her topic being Belonging In and For Children’s Poetry. Having previously been a judge for the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards she is delighted to continue her connection by becoming a Patron.
Entries for the 2023 competition close June 30. Entrants have the opportunity to win cash prizes, trophies, book vouchers, and publication in the annual anthology, though every student is recognised with a participation certificate.
For previous winners, presentation ceremonies, learning resources and all other information, please see www.dorothea.com.au.
Ready to register your school and get creative? Register now!
Good luck!