Rosemary van den Berg Prize for First Nations Criticism
The aim of this biennial prize is to celebrate a work of criticism (understood broadly, to include
writing about literature published online and in print, in review and scholarly publications) written by
a First Nations critic in Australia and published within the period of 1 June 2025 and 30 April 2027.
Pieces for consideration are to be submitted by nomination. The winner will receive $5000.
This prize is offered in partnership by the Association for the Study of Australian Literature and the
Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.
The judging panel for the 2027 Rosemary Van den Berg Prize for First Nations Criticism tba.
The Winner of the 2023 Rosemary van den Berg Prize:
Jeanine Leane, ‘Returning to our Futures’, Sydney Review of Books
Rosemary van den Berg judges’ report
Judges: tba
Conditions of Entry:
Please note, all conditions must be met for a nomination to be accepted.
1. Entries are to be submitted by nomination. Nominators must seek permission from authors before nominating a work. Self-nominations are permitted.
2. Late submissions will not be accepted.
3. Entries must have been published in print or online between 1 June 2025 and 31 December 2026.
4. Entries must be submitted in PDF form: either a scan of a print publication or PDF generated from an online publication.
5. Entries must be submitted with the completion of the entry form, including the author’s name, email address, phone number, and 250 word biographical note.
6. Within the entry form, authors may provide (optional) a brief (max 300 word) statement justifying the inclusion of a specific format as a work of criticism.
7. Any entries not adhering to the Conditions of Entry will be set aside.
8. In submitting the entry form/nomination:
– The author confirms their permission for this nomination.
– The author confirms the originality of this work, and that it is their own.
– The author confirms that no part of this work has been produced by or with the assistance of AI.
– The author confirms that the work meets with all the eligibility requirements of the Rosemary Van den Berg Prize for First Nations Criticism, as per the award’s terms of reference.
– The author agrees that the judges’ decision is final.
There is no contact or discussion to be had between nominees and the judging panel. No discussion of the judges’ decision will be entered into.
Judging Criteria
Judges will use their expertise in the form to determine the strongest overall entry which adheres to
the Conditions of Entry. Nominations must be emailed to [email protected].
The decision of the judging panel is final, and no negotiation will be entered into.
PDF terms and conditions are available here
About Dr. Rosemary van den Berg
Dr. Rosemary van den Berg was a respected Aboriginal elder, who worked as an
editor (with Magabala), a consultant, public speaker, researcher, teacher and writer.
She was born at the Moore River Native Settlement and spent her childhood years at
Pinjarra with her family. Her father was a Mulba/Marlba man from the Palkyu people
and her mother was a Nyoongar woman from the Bindjareb people. Her books include
her father’s life story, No Options No Choice: The Moore River Experience (1994), a
scholarly monograph, Nyoongar People of Australia: Perspectives on Racism and
Multiculturalism (2002), a co-edited anthology Those who remain will always
remember. An Anthology of Aboriginal Writing (2002) (with Anne Brewster and
Angeline O’Neill), and a memoir, Clogs and Bare Feet (2012). She also published
scholarly articles, journalism and short stories. She was awarded the Indigenous
Higher Education Award (2010) and the National Aboriginal & Islander Day
Observance Committee Scholar of the Year Award (2000). She worked as a lecturer
at Murdoch University and an Associate Professor at Curtin University.