Day: February 11, 2025

The Sidney Prize recognizes books that take bold approaches to exploring tough issues and create thought-provoking dialogue on them, whether written in genres ranging from literary fiction to non-fiction or exploring them from new angles. Winning titles are determined by a committee consisting of librarians from Mercer University and one from the American Library Association; their selection was announced this year at an awards banquet. Since 1950, the Sidney Hillman Foundation prize has been presented annually to shed light on some of the major challenges we are currently facing – from creating lasting peace to providing adequate housing, medical care and employment security to all. These issues encompass everything from civil liberties and democracy promotion as well as combatting racism or religious intolerance. Hillman Prize winners in recent years have come from daily and weekly newspapers, photojournalism and most recently online opinion and analysis platforms. Winners were recognized for writing that highlighted injustice as well as deep reporting that allowed them to explore beneath the surface for truth and their courage in advocating for social justice. This year, for the first time ever, the Hillman Foundation will sponsor and present a prize that recognizes journalism that exposes social and economic injustices. Announced every spring since 2024’s publication date, this monthly award will be distributed. A national judging committee will assess all nominations for this prize on an ongoing basis. While past achievements will certainly be taken into account, priority will be given to nominees’ ability to continue contributing to Australian society through performing arts in the future. Gold and silver seals go along with each winner of this annual competition; winners also receive cash prizes and have their work published in Overland magazine. It’s open to writers of any background – nationally or internationally, at any stage in their careers; entries should range between 3,000-6,000 words in length with loose themes related to travel. Are You Eligible for the Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize? Those interested can submit work by taking out a discounted subscription to Overland and automatically be entered into this year’s Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize competition. Judges will select three finalists who will each receive $750, with the winning entry published in Overland’s autumn issue and supported by Malcolm Robertson Foundation; more information can be found on Overland website.