Shortlist Announced
Thank you so much to everyone who entered this year’s Awards. We are delighted to announce that the poets shortlisted for the 2025 June Shenfield Poetry Awards are: Michael Cunliffe, Krystle Herdy, Hugh Leitwell, Hannah McCann, Josephine Shevchenko, and Elizabeth Walton!
SHORTLISTED WORKS
“Chrome [Ampeybegan Part II]” by Michael Cunliffe (QLD)
“A metabolism of self” by Krystle Herdy (VIC)
“Synemon selene (Victorian form)” by Hugh Leitwell (VIC)
“Funambulist” by Hannah McCann (VIC)
“Building” by Josephine Shevchenko (ACT)
“Advice” by Josephine Shevchenko (ACT)
“This is a recipe” by Elizabeth Walton (NSW)
June Shenfield was a poet, playwright and performance artist who lived and worked in Paris for much of her life. She wrote experimental, free verse poetry that was designed to be read aloud. In 1985, with her husband Ken Shepherd, she opened the first gallery and bookshop in France devoted to Australian art and writing.
The June Shenfield Poetry Award is an annual, nationwide prize established in memory of the poet June Shenfield. This award aims to encourage the writing, publishing, and reading of poetry, specifically among emerging Australian poets.
The winners will be announced at the ACT Literary Awards on 3 July at The Shine Dome.
