Political flavour to literary fare
Six authors were shortlisted for the prestigious ‘The Nib’ CAL Waverley Library Award for Literature last week when they accepted the Alex Buzo Shortlist Prize for finalists.
The award, which recognises excellence in research conducted by published Australian authors, this year attracted 158 entries vying for the $20,000 prize.
Guest speaker at the event, compered by Lex Marinos, was Robert Gray, last year’s Award Winner for The Land I Came Through Last.
Politics featured strongly in this year’s chosen works: Breaking News: The Golden Age of Graham Perkin by Ben Hills; The March of the Patriots by Paul Kelly; Vital Signs: William Charles Wentworth by Andrew Tink; Stories from Intensive Care by Ken Hillman; Shoes for the Moscow Circus by Leta Keens and Capital, by Kristin Otto.
Launched during the Sydney Writers Festival in 2002, The Nib acknowledges the role of research in fiction and non-fiction, but the judging panel also considers the literary merit, readability, community value and innovation of the works.
Waverley Mayor Sally Betts said the calibre of previous ‘Nib’ winners – including Helen Garner in 2005 and Christopher Koch in 2008 – emphasises the need for solid research in literary works.
“The CAL [award for literature] is Council’s way of supporting writers and promoting the value of research,” she said.
Waverley Library, home of ‘The Nib’, has one of the largest local collections in NSW.
“We’re really proud of our library,” said Councillor Betts.
“It is the cornerstone on which Waverley builds its cultural programs and we are really fortunate to have many home-grown great writers in our community.”
The mayor also expressed appreciation for the support of the Copyright Agency Limited (CAL).
“Waverley Council is very appreciative of the support of CAL as the award’s major sponsor, a strong sign that the award has wide acceptance and relevance across the writing and publishing industries,” she said.
All six shortlisted authors received the Alex Buzo Prize, awarded in honour of the late Bondi-based writer who achieved success across many genres. His most famous work is the play Norm and Ahmed. His daughter, Laura Buzo, represented her family at the event.
Mayor Betts said the award pays tribute to “Mr Buzo’s pivotal role in the development of this national literary award prior to his untimely death in 2006”.
The winner will be announced on November 24 at a Bondi breakfast event.
– By Alexandra Roach
