Karen Thrift Prize for Poetry and Lyrics
Student writing in library
The University of Newcastle School of Humanities and Social Science, is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2021 Karen Thrift Prize for Poetry or Lyrics.
Entries close 24 September, 2021.
Major Prize: $1,000
All entries must be sent to karenthriftpoetryprize@newcastle.edu.au
and received by 11:59 pm EST, 24 September 2021
Entry Terms and Conditions:
- In 2021 entrants must be a current student at The University of Newcastle
- Entries must be unpublished (including online) and not under consideration by other publishers
- All poems and lyrics must be written in English
- Poems and lyrics must be no more than 80 lines
- Maximum of one entry per person
- Entries will be deidentified before sending to the judging panel
- Selection will be made by a judging panel appointed by the Head of School, Humanities and Social Sciences.
- The Prize will be awarded in November, 2021 and the winning poet will be invited to read at an event organised by the School of Humanities and Social Science (conditional to current COVID19 guidelines).
- Previous winners are ineligible to enter
About Karen
Karen Elizabeth Thrift was born in 1955 in Western Australia and grew up in Cooranbong. She taught at Northholm Grammar School in Sydney for 22 years, many of them as Head of English. Her overwhelming goal and mission as a teacher was to light the fires of creativity, share her love of literature, and she was passionate to hone the skills of every student in her classes. She fought for the underdog, inspired the disengaged and drew high respect for her role in pastoral care, and inspired many students to accept the challenge to become adults with informed consciences.
It is to continue to recognise Karen’s contribution that this prize seeks to recognise creativity, passion, intelligence, the poetry and music of life and the creators of these foods for the soul.
View Karen Thrift Memories 1955-2016 here
Submission details
Please send your entry to KarenThriftPoetryPrize@newcastle.edu.au as a word document.
Please ensure that the word document does not contain identifying personal or contact information.
The judging panel will not be aware of any submission authorship during the judging process.
Please ensure that the e-mail you send contains your name and contact details, including student number to ensure eligibility.
You will receive an e-mail reply within 2 business days confirming receipt of your submission.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome via e-mail after the judging panel has reached a verdict .
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.