Four WA Writers Up For The Hungerford

Four Western Australian writers have been shortlisted for the 35th City of Fremantle Hungerford Award, selected from 128 manuscript submissions — the largest pool in the award’s history.

Fremantle Press Publisher Georgia Richter said the record number of entries underscored the importance of a prize dedicated exclusively to Western Australian writers.

‘It’s a wonderful way to cap off a year of celebrations that began with the Fremantle Press 50th anniversary,’ she said. ‘The Hungerford’s legacy of identifying talent and launching careers is something we are very proud of, and we can’t wait to introduce our shortlisted writers to the community.’

The 2026 Shortlist

The shortlist spans fiction, narrative non‑fiction, essays and verse novel:

Moments in the Dust (fiction) — David Harris, Glen Forrest
The Ridicule and Resurrection of Marija Gimbutas (narrative non‑fiction) — Jessica Kennedy, Carlisle
Torch (verse novel) — Michal Stone, Mount Lawley
Wildlife of the Open Eucalyptus Forests (narrative non‑fiction essays) — Greg Taylor, Claremont

Judged anonymously, the Hungerford Award is a biennial prize for an unpublished work by a debut Western Australian writer. The winner receives $15,000, a publishing contract with Fremantle Press, and a Centre for Stories fellowship.

Shortlisted Writers Speak

Jessica Kennedy — Carlisle

Kennedy said being shortlisted was a tremendous boost. Her biography of archaeologist Marija Gimbutas explores ideas once dismissed by the academy.

‘Her work tells us that violence and inequality are not intrinsic to human nature. Her message feels so timely right now … She offered this tremendous vision of hope and reassurance.’

Greg Taylor — Claremont

Ecologist and bird specialist Taylor said the recognition was deeply moving.

‘It has made me wonder whether there is something in these species’ lives that speaks to a broader audience than I had imagined. Maybe the audience is — well, all of us.’

Michal Stone — Mount Lawley

Stone’s verse novel took nine years of percolation and seven intense weeks of writing.

‘My heart and soul went into Torch … There were many dark moments when I wondered if anyone would ever read it.’

David Harris — Glen Forrest

The most experienced of the shortlisted writers, Harris said the novel only emerged once he stopped writing for the market.

‘Moments in the Dust is about two best friends who leave Kalgoorlie for the far north. What it’s really about is toxic friendship, generational trauma, survivorship and the reasons why young men struggle to become men in truth.’

Judges & Announcement Event

The 35th Hungerford Award was judged by Chemutai Glasheen, Marcella Polain, Richard Rossiter, and Fremantle Press publishers Georgia Richter and Cate Sutherland.

The winner will be announced on Friday 16 October at Walyalup Civic Centre, on the closing night of the Totally Lit Festival. Hosted by Deb Fitzpatrick, the evening will feature:

Natasha Lester on how winning the Hungerford launched her career
Readings by Hungerford alumni Fiona Wilkes (I Remember Everything) and Howard McKenzie‑Murray (This is Where We Say Goodbye)
Introductions to the four shortlisted writers.