South Australian Literary Awards
Proudly brought to you by the State Library of South Australia
The South Australian Literary Awards celebrate outstanding writers and literary achievement across Australia while championing South Australian voices and stories. Through a range of prizes and fellowships, the Awards recognise emerging and established writers across multiple genres and contribute to a vibrant literary culture.
Presented biennially by the State Library of South Australia, the Awards include three fellowships for South Australian writers, helping to nurture local talent and strengthen the state's literary community.
The Awards are made possible through the support of the Government of South Australia through CreateSA, together with valued partners Writers SA, Wakefield Press, Carclew and State Theatre South Australia.
View the winner of the inaugural Friends of the State Library of South Australia Deane Miller Fellowship.
Awards night livestream
National Awards for Published Works
Premier's Award
$25,000 for a published novel or collection of short stories.
We Speak of Flowers
by Eileen Chong
University of Queensland Press
"The book forms a beautifully crafted intellectual and emotional examination of grief, and a re-evaluation of both Chong’s own and her grandmother’s lives via a network of impressions of the ancestral and recent past."
In a year when any of the major sectional prize winners could have taken the Premier’s Award, the panel selected Eileen Chong’s We Speak of Flowers for its literary excellence, emotional depth and societal relevance. Exploring grief, loss, past heartaches and new challenges, the work reflects the need to rethink and reimagine even the past we hold dear.
In a year marked by displacement and confrontation, it is a deeply resonant work that speaks to the experiences of many Australians.
Fiction Award Shortlist
$15,000 for a published novel or collection of short stories.
Theory & Practice
By Michelle de Kretser
Text Publishing
"A compelling and rewarding read, this novel combines intellectual depth with unexpected turns of phrase, inviting readers to question, reflect and delight in the journey."
Set in 1980s Melbourne, Theory & Practice follows a young woman navigating postgraduate study, complicated relationships and questions of identity and belonging.
Originally from Sri Lanka, she finds herself immersed in the era’s debates around feminism, literature and race, while grappling with family expectations and her own desires.
With a deft blend of humour, insight and reflection, Michelle de Kretser explores the tensions between the ideas we hold and the lives we lead. The result is a thoughtful and engaging novel about cultural identity, ambition and the complexities of growing into adulthood.
Fiction Award Shortlist
Discipline by Randa Abdel-Fattah, University of Queensland Press
Arborescence by Rhett Davis, Hachette Australia
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy, Penguin Random House
King of Dirt by Holden Sheppard, Hardie Grant
Non-Fiction Award Shortlist
$15,000 for a published non-fiction work.
Find Me at the Jaffa Gate: An Encyclopaedia of a Palestinian Family
By Micaela Sahhar
NewSouth Publishing
"A remarkable work of literary nonfiction that showcases Sahhar’s exceptional storytelling and offers a powerful, much-needed perspective on family, displacement and belonging."
In Find Me at the Jaffa Gate, Micaela Sahhar offers an intimate and moving exploration of family, love and care within the Palestinian diaspora. Drawing on the structure of an encyclopaedia, family scrapbook and personal archive, the work brings together cross-references, photographs and layered narrative techniques to create a distinctive and compelling form.
The judges were particularly moved by the way Sahhar weaves personal and family histories through the immense pain and injustice of the genocide of Palestinians. Tracing a journey from Melbourne to the Jaffa Gate, this original work reveals how family stories are shaped, disrupted and reshaped by displacement and its devastating aftermath.
Non-Fiction Award Shortlist
The Pulling by Adele Dumont, Scribe Publications
Sweet Nothings by Madison Griffiths, Hardie Grant
Apron-Sorrow / Sovereign-Tea by Hatalie Harkin, Wakefield Press
Squat by John Safran, Penguin Random House
Young Adult Fiction Award Shortlist
$15,000 for a published book of fiction aimed at readers aged 12 to 18 years.
Birdy
By Sharon Kernot
Text Publishing
"A striking achievement in verse, with language rich in meaning and emotion, yet a story that remains beautifully accessible and compelling."
Sharon Kernot’s Birdy is an unforgettable novel that combines lyrical writing with a sensitive exploration of complex emotions. Through its beautifully crafted verse chapters, the story delves into Maddy’s inner turmoil, isolation and shame with remarkable delicacy.
Despite the intensity of its subject matter, Kernot handles these experiences with care, creating a story that speaks directly to young readers. Humour, tenderness and emotional honesty come together in a moving narrative about healing and hope.
A remarkable literary achievement with the potential to become an Australian classic.
Young Adult Fiction Award Shortlist
If you could see the sun by Ann Liang, HQ Young Adult: An imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Sugar by Carly Nugent, Text Publishing
Sugar town queens by Malla Nunn, Allen & Unwin
The brink by Holden Sheppard, Text Publishing
Children’s Literature Award Shortlist
$15,000 for a published fiction or non-fiction book aimed at readers up to 11 years.
Leo and Ralph
By Peter Carnavas
University of Queensland Press
"A tender and reassuring story that explores friendship, family and belonging with warmth, humour and heart."
Peter Carnavas brings warmth and emotional depth to Leo and Ralph, a story in which deceptively simple writing gives every word purpose. Natural dialogue and vivid descriptions keep readers closely connected to Leo’s experiences, while whimsical illustrations add charm and meaning.
The revelation that Mum once had an imaginary friend named Ralph offers a gentle reminder that childhood anxieties can echo across generations.
Humorous moments, memorable characters and the antics of Leo’s new teacher and sister Peg bring plenty of delight, while conversations with his parents add further insight into the wisdom and complexity of family life.
Children’s Literature Award Shortlist
Little Bones by Sandy Bigna, University of Queensland Press
The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell, Hardie Grant Children's Publishing
Sundays Under the Lemon Tree by Julia Busuttil Nishimura and illustrated by Myo Yim, Scribble
The Midwatch by Judith Rossell, Hardie Grant Children's Publishing
John Bray Poetry Award Shortlist
$15,000 for a published collection of poetry, in honour of late South Australian poet Dr John Bray.
We Speak of Flowers
by Eileen Chong
University of Queensland Press
"A striking achievement in verse, with language rich in meaning and emotion, yet a story that remains beautifully accessible and compelling."
Eileen Chong’s We Speak of Flowers is a masterfully crafted collection that explores the grief, contradictions and broken promises that can accompany emigration.
Its fragmented form reflects the complexity of navigating multiple cultural identities and the experience of being caught between worlds.
With striking intimacy, Chong gives voice to the often-difficult experience of being othered, bringing clarity and emotional depth to experiences shared by many Australians.
The collection is a powerful and moving exploration of belonging, identity, and the lasting effects of displacement.
John Bray Poetry Award Shortlist
The Rot by Evelyn Araluen, University of Queensland Press
Beautiful Changelings by Maxine Beneba Clark, Hardie Grant Publishing
Lines of Desire by Paul Dawson, Puncher and Wattmann
G-d, Sleep, and Chaos by Alan Fyfe, Gazebo Books / Life Before Man
Awards for South Australian Writers
Jill Blewett Playwrights Award Winner
$12,500 for an un-produced play of any genre written by a professional South Australian playwright.
Supported by State Theatre Company South Australia.
Python
By Jamie Hornsby
"A bold and immersive work that transforms contemporary realities into ambitious theatre, combining dark humour, psychological tension and technological innovation."
Jamie Hornsby’s Python stood out for its contemporary relevance and distinctive theatrical vision. Combining dark humour with psychological tension, the play explores online toxicity, gendered abuse and creative exploitation.
Extensive research is woven throughout the script, incorporating verbatim text and drawing on real stories and key figures from online discourse.
By transforming these realities into an immersive theatrical experience, Hornsby delivers an urgent and compelling work with strong appeal for young audiences.
Create SA Wakefield Press Unpublished Manuscript Award Winner
$10,000 plus publication by Wakefield Press for an unpublished, book-length manuscript by a South Australian writer. Supported by CreateSA and Wakefield Press.
Wash Dirt. Burn Water
By Lara Saunders
"An inventive and compelling historical novel that stood out for its fresh perspective, assured voice and creative storytelling."
Lara Saunders’ Wash Dirt, Burn Water stood out immediately from a strong shortlist. The novel reimagines a woman shrouded in infamy as a complex individual doing whatever it takes to survive in a society stacked against her.
With a confident narrative voice, convincing characterisation and an inventive structural approach, Saunders brings a fresh perspective to a compelling historical story.
Carclew Youth Writers Awards 8 - 12 years winners
Two awards of $500 each for young writers aged 8 to 12 years with the opportunity to showcase their creative voices through works of original short fiction. Supported by Carclew Youth Arts.
Mad About Elements Gold: AU
By Benjamin B
"An inventive graphic novel-style story that makes learning engaging through humour, expressive characters and a fresh approach to science."
Mad About Elements combines an original visual storytelling style with humorous characters and direct, lively dialogue to turn a scientific concept into an entertaining reading experience. Its accessible illustrations, slapstick humour and larger-than-life personalities will appeal to middle-grade readers, while an engaging science lesson adds depth to the fun.
Clever, memorable and full of personality, this is a distinctive work that makes learning an enjoyable adventure.
The Ngaltiga Chronicles: Frostfall
By Eusoph J
"An imaginative, fast-paced adventure that blends humour, fantastical action and distinctive connections to the Australian landscape."
The Ngaltiga Chronicles: Frostfall draws readers into an imaginative world filled with humour, action and relatable characters. The story makes bold connections to the Australian landscape, incorporating South Australian and First Nations references alongside alien invasions, diverse mythologies and cultural influences.
Its lively storytelling and engaging characters make for an absorbing read, while the promise of further adventures and a clever cliffhanger leave readers eager to discover what happens next.
Carclew Youth Writers Awards 13 - 17 years winners
Two awards of $750 each for young writers aged 13 to 17 years with the opportunity to showcase their creative voices through works of original short fiction. Supported by Carclew Youth Arts.
Achilles, Come Down
By Katharina G
"A compelling and emotionally charged story that combines vivid language, mythological depth and sustained tension to leave readers wanting more."
Achilles, Come Down is an emotionally powerful and distinctive story that draws on Greek mythology through its recurring Achilles and Patroclus motif. The tense dialogue between Leo and Finn keeps readers invested as the story builds towards two very different possible outcomes. Through original expression and vivid descriptive language, the writer explores complex relationships and raw emotion with maturity and sensitivity.
Touching on domestic violence and difficult family dynamics, this engaging narrative offers a thoughtful exploration of relationships and will resonate with a broad young adult audience.
Like Ribbons in Your Hair
By Lourdes C
"A powerful and stylistically ambitious narrative that combines vivid imagery, emotional intensity and confident creative expression."
Like Ribbons in Your Hair makes a lasting impression through its distinctive voice, imaginative storytelling and emotional intensity. The shifting identities of Lacy and Chloe, recurring mirror imagery and surreal painting sequences create a striking and original narrative. Sharp, concise language works alongside evocative metaphors to draw readers into the protagonist’s inner world.
Mature themes and compelling visual imagery give the work a powerful emotional impact, demonstrating impressive literary control and bold creative ambition.
Fellowships for South Australian Writers
Tangkanungku Pintyanthi Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fellowship Winner
$15,000 for a South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander writer working in the genres of fiction, literary, non-fiction, poetry and playwriting.
Pelican's Bill
By Dominic Guerrera
"Guerrera's thoughtful curation, persuasive writing and accessible style make it an important contribution to contemporary conversations and cultural understanding."
Pelican’s Bill brings together a compelling collection of essays exploring contemporary political and social issues affecting Indigenous people from a Nunga perspective.
Blending memoir, archival research and cultural history, the work examines a range of relevant topics with clarity and purpose.
Barbara Hanrahan Fellowship Winner
$15,000 for a South Australian writer working in the areas of fiction, poetry, drama, scriptwriting, autobiography, essays, major histories, literary criticism or other expository or analytical prose. Named in honour of distinguished South Australian writer and visual artist Barbara Hanrahan.
Heart Felt
By Aimee Knight
"Beyond its engaging subject, the work unfolds into a broader journey of self-discovery, inviting readers to accompany the author on a personal quest."
Blending biography, travel writing and memoir, Heart of Felt celebrates the life-affirming personality of Jim Henson and his wonderfully unconventional Muppet creations.
With its captivating writing and universal themes, the work impressed the judges, who unanimously agreed it was a deserving winner.
Carclew Max Fatchen Fellowship Winner
$12,500 for a South Australian writer for young people working in the genres of fiction, drama, poetry or screenwriting, named in honour of author Max Fatchen. Supported by Carclew Youth Arts.
Honeycrisp
By Kate Strutton
"Fresh, immediate and engaging, the work demonstrates clear potential to connect with its intended audience."
Honeycrisp is a coming-of-age novel centred on a road trip and a complex mother-daughter relationship.
The writing sample impressed the judges with its strong narrative voice, compelling opening and dramatic storytelling.
About the judges
Thank you to all the judges for the 2026 South Australian Literary Awards.
Kathryn Beilby
Lisa Bennett
Christian Best
Anne Brewster
Stephen Brock
Katerina Bryant
Alexis Buxton-Collins
Kylie Cardell
Roxanne Clare
Bethany Clark
Olivia De Zilva
Farrin Foster
Linda Guthrie
Alise Hardy
Alysha Herrmann
Petra Kalive
Verity Laughton
Fiona Lukac
Shannon Mackowski-Rush
Walter Marsh
Audrey Menz
Gemma Parker
Shania Richards
Maddy Sexton
Dorothy Shorne
Courtney Theseira
Jane Turner Goldsmith
Julie Wells
Sean Williams
Emily Wilson
Thank you to our partners
Major partner
Supporting partners
Event partners
Awards Archive
Premier's Award
National award offered from 1996
- 2026 - We speak of Flowers, Eileen Chong (University of Queensland Press)
- 2024 - Childhood, Shannon Burns (Text Publishing)
- 2022 - The Yield, Tara June Winch (Penguin Random House)
- 2020 - Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, Jessica Townsend (Hachette Australia)
- 2018 - The Last Garden by Eva Hornung (SA) (Text Publishing)
- 2016 - Figgy in the World by Tamsin Janu (Omnibus Books)
- 2014 - Cold Light by Frank Moorhouse (Vintage Books)
- 2012 - That Deadman Dance by Kim Scott (Picador)
- 2010 - Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan (Allen and Unwin)
- 2008 - Urban Myths: 210 Poems by John Tranter (University of Queensland Press)
- 2006 - Sixty Lights by Gail Jones (Vintage Books)
- 2004 - Wild Surmise by Dorothy Porter (Picador)
- 2002 - True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey (University of Queensland Press)
- 2000 - Mr Darwin’s Shooter by Roger McDonald (Vintage Books)
- 1998 - The Drowner by Robert Drewe (Pan MacMillan)
- 1996 - The Future Eaters by Tim Flannery (Reed Books)
Fiction Award
National award offered from 1986
- 2026 - Theory & Practice, Michelle de Kretser (Text Publishing)
- 2024 - Permafrost, SJ Norman (University of Queensland Press)
- 2022 - The Yield, Tara June Winch (Penguin Random House)
- 2020 - The Death of Noah Glass, Gail Jones (The Text Publishing Company)
- 2018 - The Last Garden by Eva Hornung (SA) (Text Publishing)
- 2016 - To Name Those Lost by Rohan Wilson (Allen & Unwin)
- 2014 - Cold Light by Frank Moorhouse (Vintage Books)
- 2012 - That Deadman Dance by Kim Scott (Picador)
- 2010 - Ransom by David Malouf (Knopf/Random House)
- 2008 - The Ballad of Desmond Kale by Roger McDonald (Vintage)
- 2006 - Sixty Lights by Gail Jones (Vintage Books)
- 2004 - Moral Hazard by Kate Jennings (Picador)
- 2002 - True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey (University of Queensland Press)
- 2000 - Mr Darwin’s Shooter by Roger McDonald (Vintage Books)
- 1998 - The Drowner by Robert Drewe (Pan MacMillan)
- 1996 - Death of a River Guide by Richard Flanagan (McPhee Gribble/Penguin)
- 1994 - Grand Days by Frank Moorhouse (William Heinemann Australia)
- 1992 - The Great World by David Malouf (Chatto & Windus)
- 1990 - Oscar and Lucinda by Peter Carey (UQP)
- 1988 - Julia Paradise by Rod Jones (McPhee Gribble)
- 1986 - The Children’s Bach by Helen Garner (McPhee Gribble)
Non-Fiction Award
National award offered from 1986
- 2026 - Find Me at the Jaffa Gate: An Encyclopaedia of a Palestine Family, Micaela Sahhar (NewSouth Publishing)
- 2024 - Childhood, Shannon Burns (Text Publishing)
- 2022 - Olive Cotton: A Life of Photography, Helen Ennis (HarperCollins Publishers)
- 2020 - The Bible in Australia: A cultural history, Meredith Lake (NewSouth Publishing)
- 2018 - The Boy Behind the Curtain by Tim Winton (WA) (Penguin Books Australia)
- 2016 - What Days Are For by Robert Dessaix (Random House Australia)
- 2014 - Madness: A Memoir by Kate Richards (Viking/Penguin)
- 2012 - An Eye for Eternity: The Life of Manning Clark by Mark McKenna (The Miegunyah Press)
- 2010 - Stella Miles Franklin by Jill Roe (Fourth Estate/Harper Collins)
- 2008 - Sunrise West by Jacob G Rosenberg (Brandl & Schlesinger)
- 2006 - Velocity by Mandy Sayer (Vintage)
- 2004 - Unearthed: The Aboriginal Tasmanians of Kangaroo Island by Rebe Taylor (Wakefield Press)
- 2002 - Leviathan: the unauthorised biography of Sydney by John Birmingham (Random House)
- 2000 - Joint winners:Throwim Way Leg: An Adventure by Tim Flannery (Text Publishing Company)The Devil and James McAuley by Cassandra Pybus (University of Queensland Press)
- 1998 - Claiming a Continent: A History of Australia by David Day (HarperCollins)
- 1996 - The Future Eaters by Tim Flannery (Reed Books)
- 1994 - Sort of a Place Like Home: Remembering the Moore River Native Settlement by Susan Maushart (Fremantle Arts Centre Press)
- 1992 - Patrick White – A Life by David Marr (Random House Australia)
- 1990 - Satura by John Bray (Wakefield Press)
- 1988 - The Myriad Faces of War by Trevor Wilson (Polity/Blackwells)
- 1986 - A History of Prince Alfred College by R M Gibbs (Peacock Publications)
Children's Literature Award
National award offered from 1986
- 2026 - Leo and Ralph, Peter Carnavas (University of Queensland Press)
- 2024 - Scar Town, Tristan Bancks (Penguin Random House Australia)
- 2022 - We are Wolves, Katrina Nannestad (HarperCollins Publishers)
- 2020 - Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, Jessica Townsend (Hachette Australia)
- 2018 - Dragonfly Song by Wendy Orr (NSW) (Allen & Unwin)
- 2012 - Taj and the Great Camel Trek by Rosanne Hawke (University of Queensland)
- 2010 - Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan (Allen and Unwin)
- 2008 - Don't Call Me Ishmael! by Michael Gerard Bauer (Omnibus Scholastic)
- 2006 - It’s Not All About You, Calma! by Barry Jonsberg (Allen and Unwin)
- 2004 - Abyssinia by Ursula Dubosarsky (Viking Penguin)
- 2002 - Lirael by Garth Nix (Harper Collins)
- 2000 - Deadly, Unna? by Phillip Gwynne (Puffin Penguin)
- 1998 - The Listmaker by Robin Klein (Viking Penguin)
- 1996 - The Third Day, The Frost by John Marsden (Pan MacMillan Australia)
- 1994 - Angel’s Gate by Gary Crew (William Heinemann Australia)
- 1992 - The House Guest by Eleanor Nilsson (Viking Penguin)
- 1990 - Beyond the Labyrinth by Gillian Rubinstein (Hyland House)
- 1988 - Space Demons by Gillian Rubinstein (Omnibus Books)
- 1986 - The Long Night Watch by Ivan Southall (Methuen)
Young Adult Fiction Award
National award offered from 2012
- 2026 - Birdy, Sharon Kernot (Text Publishing)
- 2024 - Completely normal (and other lies), Biffy James (Hardie Grant Publishing)
- 2022 - The Gaps, Leanne Hall (Text Publishing)
- 2020 - Small Spaces, Sarah Epstein (Walker Books Australia)
- 2018 - My Sister Rosa by Justine Larbalestier (NSW) (Allen & Unwin)
- 2016 - Are You Seeing Me? by Darren Groth (Random House Australia)
- 2014 - Friday Brown by Vikki Wakefield (Text Publishing)
- 2012 - All I Ever Wanted by Vikki Wakefield (Text Publishing)
John Bray Poetry Award
National award offered from 1986
- 2026 - We speak of Flowers, Eileen Chong (University of Queensland Press)
- 2024 - At the altar of touch, Gavin Yuan Gao (University of Queensland Press)
- 2022 - Fifteeners, Jodie Albiston (Puncher & Wattmann)
- 2020 - Archival-Poetics, Natalie Harkin (Vagabond Press)
- 2018 - Missing up by Pam Brown (NSW) (Vagabond Press)
- 2016 - Waiting for the Past by Les Murray (Black Inc.)
- 2014 - The Sunlit Zone by Lisa Jacobson (5 Islands Press)
- 2012 - Taller When Prone by Les Murray (Black Inc.)
- 2010 - The Other Way Out by Bronwyn Lea (Giramondo poets)
- 2008 - Urban Myths: 210 Poems by John Tranter (University of Queensland Press)
- 2006 - Totem by Luke Davies (Allen Unwin)
- 2004 - Wild Surmise by Dorothy Porter (Picador)
- 2002 - Around Here by Cath Kenneally (Wakefield Press)
- 2000 - The Harbour by Dimitris Tsaloumas (UQP)
- 1998 - The Blue Cloud of Crying by Peter Boyle (Hale & Ironmonger)
- 1996 - The Silo: A Pastoral Symphony by John Kinsella (Fremantle Arts Centre Press)
- 1994 - Between Glances by Andrew Lansdown (Fremantle Arts Centre Press)
- 1992 - Last Poems by Vincent Buckley (McPhee Gribble)
- 1990 - Bone Scan by Gwen Harwood (Angus & Robertson)
- 1988 - The Daylight Moon by Les A Murray (Angus & Robertson)
- 1986 - Selected Poems - 1963–1983 by Robert Gray (Angus & Robertson)
Jill Blewett Playwright's Award
South Australian award offered from 1992
- 2026 - Python, Jamie Hornsby
- 2024 - Paradise Lost, Melissa-Kelly Franklin
- 2022 - Calendar Days, Peter Beaglehole
- 2020 - Forgiveness, Piri Eddy
- 2018 - 19 weeks by Emily Steel
- 2016 - Cut by Duncan Graham AND Blessed by Fleur Kilpatrick (joint winners)
- 2014 - Replay by Philip Kavanagh
- 2012 - A Cathedral by Nicki Bloom
- 2010 - This Place by Nina Pearce
- 2008 - Merger - art, life and the other thing by Duncan Graham
- 2006 - This Uncharted Hour by Finegan Kruckemeyer
- 2004 - Beautiful Words: A Trilogy by Sean Riley
- 2002 - Small Faith by Josh Tyler
- 2000 - Who’s Afraid of the Working Class? by Andrew Bovell, Patricia Cornelius, Melissa Reeves & Christos Tsiolkas
- 1998 - Wolf Lullaby by Hilary Bell
- 1996 - Because You Are Mine by Daniel Keene
- 1994 - Sweetown by Melissa Reeves
- 1992 - Bran Nue Dae by Jimmy Chi
CreateSA Wakefield Press Unpublished Manuscript Award
South Australian award offered from 1998
- 2026 - Wash Dirt. Burn Water, Lara Saunders
- 2024 - Salt upon the water, Lyn Dickens
- 2022 - The Comforting Weight of Water, Roanna McClelland
- 2020 - In the Room with the She Wolf, Jelena Dinic
- 2018 - A New Name for the Colour Blue by Annette Marner
- 2016 - Mallee Boys by Charlie Archbold
- 2014 - Here Where We Live by Cassie Flanagan-Willanski
- 2012 - The First Week by Margaret Merilees
- 2010 - End of the Night Girl by Amy T Matthews
- 2008 - The Second Fouling Mark by Stephen Orr
- 2006 - The Quakers by Rachel Hennessy
- 2004 - Goddamn Bus of Happiness by Stefan Laszczuk
- 2002 - The Black Dream by Corrie Hosking
- 2000 - No winner
- 1998 - Counting The Rivers by Pearlie McNeil
Carclew Young Writers Award
South Australian award offered from 2026
8 - 12 years
- 2026 - Mad About Elements Gold: AU by Benjamin B
- 2026 - The Ngaltiga Chronicles: Frostfall by Eusoph J
13-17 years
- 2026 -Achillies, Come Down by Katharina G
- 2026 - Like Ribbons in Your Hair by Lourdes C
Tangkanungku Pintyanthi Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fellowship
South Australian award offered from 2014
- 2026 - Dominic Guerrera for Pelican's Bill
- 2024 - Alexis West for Monologues, poems and ramblings for you, them, us… and me…
- 2022 - Kare Wyld for Lovely's Valley
- 2020 - no applications received
- 2018 - Edoardo Crismani
- 2016 - Ali Cobby Eckermann for Too Afraid to Cry
- 2014 - Ali Cobby Eckermann for Hopes Crossing
Barbara Hanrahan Fellowship
South Australian award offered from 1994
- 2026 - Aimee Knight
- 2024 - Molly Murn
- 2022 - Rachael Mead
- 2020 - Aidan Coleman
- 2018 - Jude Aquilina
- 2016 - Carol Lefevre
- 2014 - Jennifer Mills
- 2012 - Nicki Bloom
- 2010 - Patrick Allington
- 2008 - Steve Evans
- 2006 - Mike Ladd
- 2004 - Kirsty Brooks
- 2002 - Graham Rowlands
- 2000 - Jan Owen
- 1998 - Cath Kenneally
- 1996 - Moya Costello
- 1994 - Barry Westburg
Carclew Max Fatchen Fellowship
South Australian award offered from 1988
- 2026 - Kate Strutton
- 2024 - James A Cooper
- 2022 - Poppy Nwosu
- 2020 - Sally Heinrich
- 2018 - Danielle Clode
- 2016 - Marianne Musgrove
- 2014 - Helen Dinmore
- 2012 - Janeen Brian
- 2010 - Nicole Plüss
- 2008 - Rosanne Hawke
- 2006 - Christine Harris
- 2004 - Marguerite Hann-Syme
- 2002 - Ruth Starke
- 2000 - Ian Bone
- 1998 - Phil Cummings
- 1996 - Chris Tugwell
- 1994 - Peter McFarlane
- 1992 - Anne Brookman
- 1990 - Anne-Marie Mykyta
- 1988 - Geoff Goodfellow
The Mayne Award for multi-media - formerly the Faulding Award for Multimedia
Award offered from 1998 to 2004
- 2004 - Concatenation by Geniwate
- 2002 - Poems in a Flash @ The Stalking Tongue website Jayne Fenton Keane and David Keane
- 2000 - Carrier by Melinda Rackham
- 1998 - FlightPaths: Writing Journeys by Julie Clarke, Rob Finlayson, Tom Gibson, Denise Higgins, Berni M Janssen, Nazid Kimmie and Adrian Marshall
Innovation Award
Award offered from 2004 to 2010
- 2010 - Barley Patch by Gerald Murnane (Giramondo)
- 2008 - Someone Else: Fictional Essays by John Hughes (Giramondo)
- 2006 - <More or Less> 1-100 by MTC Cronin (Shearsman Books)
- 2004 - The Eastern Slope Chronicle by Ouyang Yu (Brandl and Schlesinger)
Celebrating the 2024 winners
As we announce the shortlist for the 2026 South Australian Literary Awards, we reflect on the exceptional writers and works recognised in 2024, a year that marked an exciting new chapter for the Awards.
The State Library of South Australia acknowledges the Kaurna meyunna as Traditional Custodians of Tarndanya, where the State Library resides, and deeply respects all First Nations and language groups across South Australia. As places of memory and learning, we honour the enduring strength of Aboriginal cultures and commit to working in genuine partnership to preserve and share voices, stories, and knowledge. These are the stories that make us.
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