The Reason-Brisbane Poetry Prize was established in 2004 as part of the Words in Winter Celebrations that are held each August in towns across the Hepburn Shire in Victoria. It is named in honour of Len Reason and Jeff Brisbane, two local men who loved poetry and life.
In 2010, the competition, initially for Victorian residents only, was opened to all Australian residents. It is now one of the most lucrative poetry competitions in Australia. The prize is generously sponsored by Joy Brisbane, a published poet and author; her aim is to encourage and nurture the talent of both new and established poets. (www.melbournebooks.com.au/awaw2011contents.html#jj )
