'In this first issue of Island for 2023, we’re proud to include all the shortlisted entries from the Gwen Harwood Poetry Prize. Congratulations to all the poets and our hardworking judges! Jane Rawson joins our team as Fiction Editor for 2023, and we’re delighted to have her on board. In this issue, two young Tasmanian writers are inspired by the ‘Island Conversations’ project, curated by Danielle Wood, which connects emerging Tasmanian writers with works from Island’s extensive archive. One of these new pieces responds to a poem by Les Murray that appeared in Island in 1981. Such are the riches in our back catalogue! This issue also presents the second work in Island’s graphic narratives series, curated by Joshua Santospirito, and our usual complement of excellent new essays and stories.' (Publication summary)