Two Dubbo South Public School students recently showed their moving way with words, scoring in a major literary prize that celebrates Indigenous Australia.
Year Six student Isabelle Ridge was awarded Winner and $150 in prize money, with fellow final-year pupil Zac Elbourne-Binns earning Highly Commended and $50 in prize money, for their insightful and moving poems as part of the Naomi Williams Wiradjuri Poetry Prize.
Williams was a Wiradjuri woman from the Brungle/Tumut area of southern NSW who passed away from an infection in hospital while heavily pregnant. The strong young woman enjoyed writing about life in Wiradjuri country. This award was inaugurated in her memory.
This year, young writers were asked to reflect on the 2023 NAIDOC week theme “Our Elders”. A total of 130 poems from across Wiradjuri lands, including Albury, Brungle, Griffith, Ilford, Kalinda, Kandos, Kooringal, Wagga Wagga and Dubbo.
“We were delighted to learn that two of our students’ work was recognised in this very important prize that raises awareness for the life of Wiradjuri woman Naomi Williams,” School Principal Sharon Allman said. “We congratulate them on their efforts and this impressive achievement,” she added.
Both winning poets were overjoyed to learn that their words had moved the judges, as was their teacher, Natalie Polak.
The judging panel composed of Gomeroi poet Alison Whittaker, Wiradjuri writer Anita Heiss and Darumbal and South Sea Islander journalist Amy McGuire.
“We were overwhelmed not only by the number of entries from across many parts of Wiradjuri country, but by the high quality of the writing in all categories,” the panel said. “The words carried with them inspiration, but also moved us to tears on occasion. From odes to individual elders, to communal recognition of the knowledge and wisdom Elders bring to their lives and even the foundations of protest poetry, the passion of the young poets flowed through every stanza,” they added.
“The entire Stage Three Extension English class were exceptionally-proud that two of their classmates’ talent and hard work were acknowledged and are now being celebrated,” Mrs Polak said.
“The prize provided a wonderful opportunity for our creative students to think deeply, find their own voice and play with words to create impact about our elders and life on Wiradjuri Country,” she added.
Naomi Williams’ mother, Sharon, was grateful for all entries in the competition: “I would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s Naomi Williams Wiradjuri Poetry Prize; congratulations to each and every one of you,” Ms Williams said. “It makes me so proud to be able to continue Nay’s legacy in this way; thankyou to my family, the judges and sponsors for your continued support,” she concluded.
Recordings of the students reading their poems have been shared by the National Justice Project to promote Naomi’s legacy and the students’ brilliant creative work.
Read the poems at: justice.org.au/naomi-williams-poetry-prize-2023