Fresh Off the Books winners announced
Sweatshop Literacy Movement and NewSouth Publishing have announced the recipients of Fresh Off the Books: The Pasifika Australian Literary Initiative.
The 14 recipients are:
- Christine Afoa
- Sela Ahosivi
- Taulogomai Aii
- Ayeesha Ash
- Tahlia Bowen
- Sarah Carroll
- Amrita Hepi
- Enoch Mailangi
- Taofia Pelesasa
- Daley Rangi
- Chloe Singleton
- Talia Smith
- Forever Tupou
- Lungol Wekina.
The winners receive a year-long scholarship to develop writing portfolios. The year’s program of offerings includes masterclasses, one-on-one mentoring, editorial support and an honorarium of $1000 each.
Alongside short pieces from 10 highly commended writers, the winners’ work also will feature in an anthology, scheduled for publication by NewSouth in the second half of 2026.
The initiative is being led this year by Winnie Dunn, who is a writer, editor and community arts worker.
‘In February 2024, Winnie became the first Tongan author in Australian history to release a mainstream novel by and about the Pasifika community of Australia, titled Dirt Poor Islanders,’ added Sweatshop. The title was published by Hachette.
Dunn said: ‘Thank you to the amazing artists from all across the country who applied for this important new initiative. We discovered a wealth of talent that has lived in the shadows for far too long.’
More information about the program is available on the Sweatshop website.
Category: Awards Local news
