Hungerford Award Launches Search for Western Australia's Next Literary Stars
The organisers behind one of Western Australia's most enduring literary prizes have announced they are actively seeking fresh narratives and emerging voices for the 2026 competition. The biennial Hungerford Award, which has been running for more than three decades, represents a crucial opportunity for debut authors from WA to gain recognition and support.
A Prestigious Platform for Unpublished Writers
This significant award is dedicated exclusively to unpublished works across several genres, including adult fiction, young adult fiction, narrative non-fiction, and verse novels. To be eligible, writers must be making their debut with a full-length manuscript and have a strong connection to Western Australia. The award offers an impressive prize package valued at over $15,000, comprising cash, a publishing contract with Fremantle Press, and a writing fellowship designed to nurture literary talent.
The Hungerford Award has spent thirty-five years unearthing compelling Western Australian stories and championing new literary voices that might otherwise remain unheard. Its alumni include celebrated authors such as Gail Jones, Simone Lazaroo, Natasha Lester, Brenda Walker, Holden Sheppard, Molly Schmidt, and Miles Franklin Award winner Kim Scott – testament to the award's ability to identify and launch significant writing careers.
Recent Winner's Inspiring Journey
The 2024 recipient was Yirga Gelaw Woldeyes, whose winning work blended English and Amharic poetry and prose to document his remarkable personal journey. "The Hungerford Award means an opening of hope, a realisation that stories and languages like mine could have places in a world where they are rarely heard," Woldeyes reflected. His manuscript traced his transformation from a boy shepherd in Ethiopia to becoming a respected human rights academic at Curtin University in Western Australia.
Vital Support for Emerging Literary Talent
Fremantle Press CEO Alex Allan emphasised the award's importance within Western Australia's literary landscape. "The Hungerford Award represents WA's most significant pathway for emerging writers and remains the only award dedicated exclusively to unpublished WA authors," she stated. "This award is absolutely vital – it provides new writers with community, financial support through the cash prize, and a tangible place to continue the important work of putting words on the page. We're genuinely excited to share the Hungerford's legacy of identifying and launching the careers of celebrated and award-winning writers."
2026 Judging Panel and Submission Details
This year's judging panel brings together considerable literary expertise, featuring:
- Chemutai Glasheen
- Marcella Polain
- Richard Rossiter
- Fremantle Press publishers Georgia Richter and Cate Sutherland
The submission window opens on Friday, February 6, 2026, and will close at midnight AWST on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Writers interested in entering should prepare their unpublished manuscripts according to the award's specific guidelines and terms. The Hungerford Award continues to be sponsored by Fremantle Press, the City of Fremantle, and the Centre for Stories, demonstrating strong community support for Western Australia's literary future.
