Madeleine Dale’s Portraits of Drowning published by University of Queensland Press is the
winner of the 2025 Five Islands Prize for a first book of poetry.
Madeleine will receive $3000 and University of Queensland Press will receive $1200.
From the judges: ‘a thrilling, moving and thought-provoking collection of poems, meticulously researched but always empathic and intimate. She has a remarkable dexterity with form and theme… Literary allusions and deep research sit alongside an adventurous, rangy, slightly wild approach to form, structure and poetic composition. We congratulate Madeleine on this assured and singular book, we know it will find a wide readership.’
The shortlisted books:
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Bathypelagia by Debbie Lim (Cordite Publishing Inc.)
COMMENDED
The Infant Vine by Isabella G Mead (UWA Publishing)
Past & Parallel Lives by Kaya Ortiz (UWA Publishing)
Note that submissions are now open until 15 July for the 2025–26 Prize. Entry is free.
For all details on how to submit, go to https://www.canberra.edu.au/five-islands-prize/