Published 12 June 201911 July 2019 · Prizes / Announcement / Main Posts The Nakata Brophy Prize: the shortlist Editorial team The Nakata Brophy Short Fiction and Poetry Prize recognises the talent of young Indigenous writers across Australia. Sponsored by the University of Melbourne’s Trinity College, the prize alternates each year between fiction and poetry; this year’s prize is for the best short story (up to 3000 words) by an Indigenous writer under 30. First place is $5000, publication in Overland’s print magazine, and a writing residency of up to three months at Trinity College, the oldest student residence at the University of Melbourne. Two runner-up prizes will also be awarded. While we’d like to thank all the entrants who submitted this year, this year’s three judges – Evelyn Araluen, Overland’s Claire Corbett and Trinity College’s Gayle Allan – have now decided on a shortlist of six outstanding stories. Congratulations to the following writers: Allanah Hunt ‘Running to home’ Andy struggles to walk the line of savouring his childhood on the land he loves and battling the encroaching adult world trying to steal him away from the life he adores. ‘Hidden stories’ In a time where we think the world ending is a science fiction story, a young Barkindji girl finds out that may not be the case for her and her family when monsters prove to be more real than she ever thought possible. Allanah Hunt is a Barkindji woman finishing her Creative Writing PhD at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, UK. She is an editor intern through the black&write! program at SLQ. She has published several short stories, is a winner of Griffith Review’s Novella Project VII and recipient of a Boundless mentorship. Jasmin McGaughey ‘Paul on the Beenleigh train’ A story about how the little hurts in life can impact people in big ways. Jasmin McGaughey is a Torres Strait Islander from the Kulkalgal Nation, and an aspiring author and editor. After completing her degree in psychology and justice, Jasmin realised her passion is writing. Currently, she is finishing a Masters of Writing, Editing and Publishing, and working as an editor intern at black&write! in Brisbane. Kaitlen Wellington ‘The clever girls’ ‘The clever girls’ is about two young, spiritually gifted Aboriginal women who are called out into the night to help two old fullas defeat an evil spirit. Kaitlen Wellington is a descendant from the Jerrinja people, Yuin Nation, and is an arts student at the University of Wollongong. She’s a young writer who finds inspiration in the land and contemporary expressions of culture. She believes in the power of storytelling and intends to explore varying forms during her unfolding career. John Morrissey ‘Blood and fire’ A desperate young man gambles everything on an experimental procedure. ‘The last prime minister’ Amos Murray MP’s worst fears are realised when he becomes prime minister of Australia. John Morrissey is a Kalkadoon writer raised in Melbourne. His work has been published in Meanjin, Overland and Voiceworks. The final results of this year’s prize will be announced late next week at overland.org.au. Editorial team More by Editorial team › Overland is a not-for-profit magazine with a proud history of supporting writers, and publishing ideas and voices often excluded from other places. If you like this piece, or support Overland’s work in general, please subscribe or donate. Related articles & Essays 12 May 202512 May 2025 · Main Posts Somebody please just do it Sam Wallman Somebody please just do it 9 May 202516 May 2025 · Prizes The Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers (Fiction) Editorial team In 2025, first prize will be awarded to the best short story up to 3000 words by an Indigenous writer who is 35 years or younger at the closing date of the competition. A runner-up prize may also be awarded.
