“It is no exaggeration to say that this Prize places Newcastle in the forefront of Australian poetry patronage. It encourages by rewarding excellent writing, it recognizes innovation, it garners new readers of poetry and new writers, and it helps to launch many careers, since being included is the year’s touchstone for excellence in poetry. It was the publication of three of my poems in the 1983 anthology that set me firmly on my path as an established poet.”

Jan Owen, 2008 Open Section Judge

While there are many poetry prizes in Australia the Newcastle Poetry Prize is unique for producing an accompanying anthology. Owing to various international publishing factors, it is increasingly difficult for even nationally respected poets to achieve publication today.

To purchase copies of recent anthologies, please click on the title to download an order form and forward with payment to the Hunter Writers Centre, PO Box 71, Hamilton, NSW 2303.

2009 – The Night Road – $22 + $3 P&H

2008 – to sculpt the moment- $20 + $3 P&H

2007 – eclogues – $20 + $3 P&H

2006 – honey fills the cone – $20 + $3 P&H

2005 – sunweight – SOLD OUT!

2004 – the cool breath burn – $5 + $1 P&H

The Newcastle Poetry Prize Anthology provides a rare opportunity for being published outside of the literary journals and internet magazines. In addition to the blind judging process, this has been the particular appeal of the Prize for emerging poets. Alongside UQP’s Best Australian Poetry and BlackInc’s Best Australian Poems, the Newcastle Poetry Prize Anthology offers an annual snapshot of the thriving state of Australian Poetry, and in particular longer poems.

In the words of Highly Commended poet in the 2007 Competition and The Australian’s Poetry Editor, Barry Hill: “The Newcastle Poetry Prize should be congratulated for being such a patron of the long poem — a phenomenon which helps sustain seriousness in Australian poetry, and which tests judges as they should be tested.”