Naomi Williams Wiradjuri Poetry Prize, 2022
The Naomi Williams Poetry Prize is named in honour of Nay who was a strong, proud Wiradjuri woman from the Brungle/Tumut area of NSW.
Nay loved to write poetry about the river, her family and all the elements of love that she treasured.
This poetry prize aims to support other Wiradjuri writers and encourage more poetry about life in Wiradjuri country.
Artwork by Naomi Williams.
Theme:
Respect, Recognition and Reconciliation
Original Categories:
- Adult: Wiradjuri writers over 25
- Youth: Wiradjuri writers 13 to 24
- Kids: All writers 12 and under living or learning on Wiradjuri country
This year, the judges were particularly impressed with the number and quality of the poems submitted for the Kids category, which spoke most strongly to the theme of Respect, Recognition and Reconciliation. Therefore, the judges decided to select the three prize winners from this category. Unfortunately, there will be no prizes awarded to the Adult and Youth categories this year.
2022 Winners:
- I belong here – the river by Bailey McRae from Wagga Wagga Public School
- Yindyamarra by Katara Dempsey-Penrith from Brungle Public School
- My ngurambang by Skye Burnes from Brungle Public School
Congratulations to Bailey, Katara and Skye who have each been awarded $100 and a $50 book voucher.
Watch Skye Burnes and Katara Dempsey-Penrith read their winning poems 👆
2022 Judges:
- Aunty Cheryl Penrith: proud, strong Wiradjuri woman, a great mentor, and loving Aunty to Nay.
- Dr Anita Heiss: proud, strong Wiradjuri author and loving cousin to Nay.
- Amy Williams: proud, strong Wiradjuri woman and loving cousin to Nay.
- George Newhouse: CEO and Principal Solicitor, National Justice Project.
Proud Sponsors:
- The Kilby/Penrith Family
- Aunty Caroline Hughes
- The Heiss Family
- The Bond-Williams Family
- National Justice Project
Resources:
For more information on the Naomi Williams Wiradjuri Poetry Prize 2022 and ongoing prizes, please contact poetry@justice.org.au or the National Justice Project office at (02) 9514 4440.