New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards (1979-)
or NSW Premier's Literary Awards
Subcategory of Awards Australian Awards
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History

'The NSW Premier’s Literary Awards are presented by the NSW Government and administered by the State Library in association with Create NSW. The NSW Government is committed to increasing public engagement with the arts. The NSW Premier’s Literary Awards provide an opportunity to highlight the importance of literacy and to encourage everyone to enjoy and learn from the work of our writers. These annual awards honour distinguished achievement by Australian writers, contribute to Australia’s artistic reputation, and draw international attention to some of our best writers and to the cultural environment that nurtures them.' (https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/about-library/awards/about-awards)

Notes

  • Annual awards inaugurated by the New South Wales government in 1979. Initially called the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, they were known as the New South Wales State Literary Awards from 1987 to 1994. After this the awards reverted to their original name. In 2005 it was announced that the awards would be renamed the New South Wales Literary Awards. However, in May 2006 it was announced that the decision to delete reference to 'Premier's' in the award title had been revoked and the awards would continue to be known as the New South Wales Premier's Literary Awards.

    No awards were granted for 1998, as the awards underwent revision.

Latest Winners / Recipients (also see subcategories)v1215

Works About this Award

Australian Literature Has Long Been ‘hijacked by Activists’. This Has Made It Richer. Let’s Not Go Backwards Sarah Ayoub , 2023 single work column
— Appears in: The Guardian Australia , 8 May 2023;
'Seeking to dismiss a judge for being passionate about a cause pertaining to the safety and liberation of her people reeks of a desperation to silence a critical voice'
A Cause for Hope or an Unwitting Complicity? The Representation of Cultural Diversity in Award-Listed Children's Picturebooks in Australia Helen Adam , Yvonne Urquhart , 2023 single work criticism
— Appears in: Bookbird , vol. 61 no. 2 2023; (p. 48-58)

'While books can play important roles in helping children develop a positive sense of identity and of their place as equal members of society, evidence shows how the lack of diverse literature contributes to feelings of inferiority and invisibility for children from underrepresented groups as well as to a sense of superiority and normality for children from majority groups. This study reports on the representation of racial diversity in award-listed Australian children's picturesbooks in 2019 and 2020. A critical theoretical framework was employed to analyze both texts and images of ninety award-listed books. While the outcomes suggest increasing attention to diverse representation in children's literature, authentic and equitable representation falls short. Particular concerns were found regarding portrayals of First Nations people through outdated stereotypes or misinformation.' (Publication abstract)

Indigenous Author Debra Dank Sweeps NSW Premier’s Literary Awards with Memoir We Come With This Place Dee Jefferson , 2023 single work column
— Appears in: ABC News [Online] , May 2023;

'Gudanji and Wakaja woman Debra Dank has won a record four out of 14 NSW Premier's Literary Awards for her memoir of family, community and Country, We Come With This Place — including the top gong, Book of the Year.' 

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