Six of the Territory’s top writers have been recognised for their contribution to the Arts at the 2018 Northern Territory Literary Awards ceremony held at the Araluen Arts Centre in Alice Springs last night.

Writers from across the Territory were joined by Her Honour the Honourable Vicki O’Halloran AM, Administrator of the Northern Territory, and the Honourable Damian Ryan, Mayor of Alice Springs, in an event to celebrate the work of emerging and established Territory Writers.

Department of Tourism and Culture Senior Director Northern Territory Library and Archives, Patrick Gregory, congratulated the winners of the Literary Awards and said the evening was a moment to celebrate the pinnacle of literature that plays such an important role in the cultural fabric of the NT.

“It was a fantastic evening celebrating the wonderful achievements of Territorian writers from across the seven categories – short story, poetry, essay, young writer, flash action, theatre and non-fiction words, Mr Gregory said.

“We received over 300 submissions from a strong field of entries across all seven categories, and the entrants should all be proud of their originality, creativity and flair, and quality of work submitted.”

The winners included:

• Brown’s Mart Theatre Award
  Mary Anne Butler: Cusp

• Charles Darwin University Creative Non-Fiction Award
  Lolla Stewart: OF EYES, ASTRONAUTS AND ANTS

• Charles Darwin University Essay Award
  Amy Claire Thomas: ‘Unviable’ languages? Colonisation, assimilation, and bilingual education in the Northern Territory

• Flash Fiction Award
  Johanna Bell: Virginia Woolf would be proud 

• Kath Manzie Youth Award
  Ellaby Kenneth:Vanilla

• NT Writers' Centre Poetry Award
  Johanna Bell: What to do with the foam in my mouth

• ZipPrint Short Story Award
  Mhairi Duncan: The Virgin Mary and Katrina Sparks

Winner of the Charles Darwin Creative Non-Fiction Award Lolla Stewart lauded the community spirit behind the awards.

“Life in this part of the world is unique and I think it’s critical that the community encourages all local voices to tell Territory stories, reflect upon Territory experiences and honour the richness and diversity of Territory people. The awards are a wonderful way to air such stories,” said Ms Stewart.

The annual Northern Territory Literary Awards have celebrated the work of Northern Territory writers for more than 35 years. It is part of an ongoing program of events at the Northern Territory Library that celebrate the achievements of established and emerging writers, storytellers and prominent Territorians.

ENDS

Media Contact: Department of Tourism and Culture Media Manager: 0476 844 832