Murchison wins $10k ACU Poetry Prize

Hobart-based poet Anna Murchison has won the 2021 Australian Catholic University (ACU) Poetry Prize, Australia’s richest poetry award. Murchison receives $10,000 for her poem ‘Child of Gath-hepher’.

Carolyn Masel was awarded second place for her poem ‘Etymological Wisdom’ and receives $5000, while Bruce Clark took third place for ‘Mister Micawber’ and receives $3000.

The winning poem was selected from a shortlist of 75. Judge M T C Cronin said, ‘All of the top three poems were, to me, the voices of speakers who could not be merged, confused or conflated with the sound of others.’

Over 700 poems, addressing the theme of ‘resilience’, were entered into this year’s prize.

‘It is so inspiring to see the many ways in which poets have explored this theme and created beauty and meaning out of what is a difficult time across our community,’ said ACU vice president Father Anthony Casamento.

Last year’s winner was Geoff Page for his poem ‘Jericho’. For more information about the prize, and to read the winning poems, see the ACU website.

Category: Awards Local news