Waverley inks prize for writer

Author Delia Falconer has been awarded Waverley’s prestigious Nib award for her recollective memoir ‘Sydney’, which triumphed over 150 nominations from across Australia.

The prize, which considers all genres of writing and entrants from across the country, is distinct from other Australian literary awards by virtue of its selection criteria.

In the 10 years since its inception, the Nib Waverley Library Award has continued to recognise talented, Australian writing by judging entries on literary merit and broader significance to the community with great emphasis placed on excellence in research.

Lord Mayor of Waverley, John Wakefield, presented Ms Falconer with the award.

“Delia has written a most eloquent insight into our hometown”, he said.

The award was adjudicated by an independent panel of judges, which comprised authors Jamie Grant, Ursula Dubosarsky and Laura Buzo. According to the Judges’ Report, ‘Sydney’ is a dynamic, historical piece exploring “the stories of people who have lived in the city of Sydney’s landscape.” Its literary prowess rests with its “highly individual” account of the character of the city of Sydney, “full of sensitivity and imagination”.

‘Sydney’ has been celebrated for its evocative and powerful language and its depiction of a “presence that seems to run far beneath the city itself”.

The Nib award aims to foster associations between authors and the extended library community. To promote opportunities for Australian authors, the Nib is one of only two Australian literary awards that recognise all six of its shortlisted authors with financial support; the other being the NSW Premier’s Award for literature.

The Nib proudly maintains a close relationship with the Sydney Writers’ Festival, the Waverley Library and the local community.

However, this prestigious prize has faced implications about its future, with questions being raised over long term financial support for the award.

Negotiations for funding with its current sponsor, Copyright Agency Ltd, saw the establishment in June 2008 of a sponsorship deal that concludes this year.

A Waverley Library spokesperson, Dennis Moore, said the Nib is a crucial part of the Waverley community: to maintain an appreciation for literature within the area and nationwide, it is vital that we look to consolidate its future.

“Books can mean different things to different people,” he said. “The Waverley Library Award has a unique place in its engagement with the community that other awards do not have.”

By Daniel Paperny