Terms & Conditions
- This is an annual prize for a first already-published book-length collection of poetry by an Australian poet or a poet living and writing in Australia.
- The author of the prize-winning book will receive $2750 and the publisher will receive $1100.
- A book can be entered by the author or publisher.
- The book must contain at least thirty pages of poetry, have an ISBN, and be available through retail sales outlets.
- Self-published books are eligible as long as they meet the above criteria.
- For the 2024-2025 Prize, books published between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 are eligible.
- Note: the prize aims to support professional publishers, in particular small-press, independent publishers.
- Submissions are open until 15 July 2025.
- There will be three judges, whose decision will be final.
- The Prize will be announced in late November, and presented shortly afterwards.
- Four copies of the submitted book are to be posted to PO Box 68 Brunswick Victoria 3056.
- Books submitted will not be returned.
- An email must be sent to Kevin Brophy at: kevinjb@unimelb.edu.au attesting that this is the poet’s first published book of poetry, and providing the book’s publishing date, and contact details for the poet and the publisher.
Step 1
Post four copies of the submitted poetry book to the address below. Please note, posted books should be received on or before 15 July 2025.
Five Islands Poetry Prize
PO Box 68
Brunswick Victoria 3056
Step 2
Email Kevin Brophy, attesting that this is the poet’s first published book of poetry, and provide contact details for the poet and the publisher. Please subject your email as “Five Islands Prize Entry”.
