Mr Brumby’s Book Awards
In the best of all possible worlds, it would be nice to think that State Premiers read the finalists (at least) in the awards that bear their names. Although President Obama and his First Lady are readers, not too many Australian politicians have been known for fitting reading into their busy lives. Bob Carr is a notable exception. But we are all grateful for the awards, not least the shortlisted and winning authors.
It does not seem so very long since we mentoned the finalists in the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards. Last night the winners were announced. Congratulations go to Sue Saliba for picking up the YA category for Something in the World Called Love, which also won Best Children’s Cover in the 2009 Australian Publishers Association Awards.
Winners for each category are not listed separately yet (you need to go into each to see) but they should be soon.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:06 pm
The current NSW Premier, Nathan Rees, has a degree in English Literature and is very obviously an enthusiastic reader, given his comments at various Sydney Writers Festival events. He is the Premier responsible for supporting the Western Sydney Young People’s Literature Project with a an allocation of $100,000 recurrent funding as of the most recent State budget.
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Indeed good news, Misrule. Thanks for letting us know. Unfortunately the Premier’s Awards here have been discontinued (hopefully not permanently).