Queensland Writers Centre Poetry Awards 2026
Queensland’s renowned suite of poetry awards support, recognise and celebrate emerging and established poets.
Oodgeroo Noonuccal Prize for Indigenous Poetry
Open to all Indigenous, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander poets. Submit a poem up to 80 lines.
Winner: $3,500, plus publication
Runner-up: $500, plus publication
Arts Queensland XYZ Prize for Spoken Word
Open to all Australian poets and spoken word artists. Submit a recording of a performance up to 3 minutes in length.
Winner: $3,500
Arts Queensland Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize for an Unpublished Manuscript
Open to emerging (unpublished) Queensland poets. Submit a complete poetry collection manuscript between 48–100 pages.
Winner: $5,000, plus development and publication with UQP
Runner-up: $500
Arts Queensland Val Vallis Award for an Unpublished Poem
Open to all Australian poets. Submit a poem up to 80 lines.
Winner: $3,500, plus publication with Westerly
Runner-up: $500, plus publication with Westerly